Roatan has two cruise ship ports: Carnival’s purpose-built terminal at Dixon Cove, long known as Mahogany Bay and rebranded Isla Tropicale, and the Port of Roatan in Coxen Hole, widely called the Town Center after the retail village at its gates. Between them the Bay Islands took more than 500 cruise ship calls in 2025, making cruise arrivals the island’s single biggest visitor stream. Which port you dock at depends on your cruise line: the Dixon Cove terminal serves Carnival Corporation brands, including Princess, Holland America, and Costa, while the Port of Roatan, managed by Royal Caribbean and ITM Group, handles most other major lines, among them Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, and Celebrity.
The two deliver different first impressions. The Dixon Cove terminal is a self-contained resort-style complex with its own private beach, pool, chair lift, shops, and restaurants, designed so passengers can spend the whole day without leaving. The Port of Roatan opens into the Town Center retail village and then directly into Coxen Hole itself, which puts independent taxis, tour operators, and the real island within a short walk.
Both ports have retail and tour operator areas immediately inside the gates, though the best of the island starts once you get past them. West Bay Beach, West End, and the top snorkeling are 20 to 40 minutes away by taxi or pre-booked excursion, and on multi-ship days booking transport ahead saves real time.
Each port listing below includes location, layout, and practical arrival details. Pair this page with the Things To Do and Restaurants sections to build a cruise day that goes beyond the port gates.
