10 Best Honduras Shore Excursions: How to Spend Your Port of Call

Stopping in Honduras on a cruise and wondering how to make the most of your day in port? You’re in the right place!

Most cruise ships dock on Roatán Island, either at the Port of Roatán in Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay, and there’s so much to do once you step off the ship. So much, in fact, that it can be hard to know what to choose! 

In this guide, we’re sharing 10 of the best Honduras shore excursions, from sloth encounters to snorkeling. And of course, you’ll find all the need-to-know details for each one to help you choose a tour that fits your schedule. Let’s get into it!

Why We Book Shore Excursions Independently 

We almost always book our shore excursions independently. We’ve used Viator many times for cruise ship tours, and we’ve never had an issue! Most tours offer cruise port pickup, and if they don’t, the meeting point is usually a short taxi from port.

These tours are built around cruise schedules, with start times and pick-up locations that align with ship arrivals in port. They’re also typically much more affordable than booking directly through the cruise line, while offering many of the same experiences. Plus, if a ship-sponsored tour is sold out, you can usually find a very similar option independently.

Another big advantage is the experience itself. Independent tours often run in smaller groups, which makes things feel more relaxed and personal. You’re not stuck moving around in a huge crowd and competing to get the best views and shots! 

There’s also less risk involved than you might think. Many tours offer guarantees to get you back to the ship on time, and full refunds if your ship is late or misses the port altogether, so you can enjoy peace of mind while saving money. When booking, you’ll be asked for your cruise details so operators can plan accordingly and make sure you’re back well before all-aboard. If anything feels tight, it’s always worth double-checking with the tour provider before booking.

Best Honduras Shore Excursions

1. See all of Roatan on a customizable island tour

Exploring Roatan your way? Yes, please! This Roatan private island tour is perfect for travelers who want a personalized shore excursion. With a private vehicle and guide, you can tailor the day to match your interests, making it one of the most customizable tours on the island!

Port pickup is included, and since this is a private tour, you can customize the start time to match your cruise schedule! Having that flexibility is such a game-changer on a port day.

We also loved our guide, Dolphus, who was super knowledgeable and shared so many stories with us, so we really felt like we got to know Roatan over the course of the day. In fact, it felt less like a formal tour and more like a day out with a local friend showing us the island’s hidden gems.

Dolphus took us to some of his favorite hidden viewpoints and to a local market, then we visited some of Roatan’s top highlights, including the Butterfly Garden and Iguana Park, where we got up close with local wildlife. Finally, we chose to end our day at the stunning Tabyana Beach, relaxing on the white sand and swimming in the turquoise waters. It was blissful! 

Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or just a relaxing day at the beach, this private tour lets you create the perfect Roatan experience. It’s stress-free, flexible, and totally worth it – just look at all of the 5-star reviews! 

2. Visit Coxen Hole to see Roatan’s iconic wildlife

When I first heard about a tour where you can hang out with monkeys and sloths, I knew I had to sign up! But this Coxen Hole tour turned out to be so much more than just cute animal encounters. It was also a deep dive into local culture and conservation efforts, and we had the best time! 

The day started at a wildlife sanctuary where we met friendly sloths and playful monkeys. Not only did we get to hold and interact with these adorable creatures, which was literally a dream come true, but we also learned about the sanctuary’s work in wildlife conservation. It was so fascinating to hear about how they protect Roatan’s biodiversity!

Next up, our guide took us on a tour of Coxen Hole, Roatan’s bustling capital. We explored its colorful streets, learned about its history, and even had time to shop for local crafts.

Then it was time for treats! At a local chocolate factory, you’ll see how chocolate is made from scratch and sample delicious handcrafted flavors (don’t miss the dark chocolate with fruit!). Finally, we headed to a rum-tasting experience where we savored unique island blends and may or may not have taken home a bottle as a tasty souvenir! 

This tour was a bucket-list-worthy mix of culture and wildlife, and we would recommend it to anyone visiting Roatan! And if you need any more convincing, be sure to check out 1,000+ 5-star reviews! 

3. Go snorkeling at a shipwreck, starfish habitat, and the Blue Channel

If snorkeling is high on your Roatan wishlist (and it should be!), this three-stop snorkeling tour is the best way to spend a few hours in the water! It visits three totally unique snorkeling sites for the ultimate experience: Blue Channel, Sea Star Valley, and a shipwreck. 

The tour usually starts at Sea Star Valley, a shallow spot where you’ll see hundreds of colorful starfish resting on the ocean floor! And as if that weren’t enough, this spot also offers gorgeous views back toward Roatan’s green, mountainous coastline.

Next up is Blue Channel, where the scenery changes completely. This site is all about colorful coral and marine life, so keep an eye out for tropical fish as you explore the reef with your guide.

Then there’s the shipwreck, which adds something completely different to the experience! Swimming around a sunken vessel is always cool, especially somewhere like Roatan where the water is so clear.

Another thing we like about this tour is that you can add some extra activities and really make a day of it. Options include ATV riding, ziplining, and wildlife encounters, so if you’re looking for an action-packed port day, you can definitely make that happen.

Snorkeling equipment and transport between all three sites are included. And if you’re arriving by cruise ship, pickup is available from Mahogany Bay, making this a particularly convenient option if that’s where your ship docks.

4. Experience Roatan’s jungle on a zipline 

If you want to squeeze some adventure into your port day without committing to a huge excursion, this zipline and beach tour is a great choice. Port pickup is included, and there are morning and afternoon departure times available, so it’s easy to find an option that works with your cruise schedule.

The first part of the tour takes you into Roatan’s lush jungle for a canopy zipline course. You’ll make your way between platforms high in the trees, with views over the surrounding greenery as you go. And if you’ve never tried ziplining before, don’t worry. The guides are there to help throughout, and all of your safety equipment is included.

We also like that this tour is suitable for kids aged 5 and up, so it’s a good option for families who want something a little more exciting than a standard sightseeing tour. Once you’ve finished ziplining, you’ll head to the beach at a completely different pace. You’ll have time to swim in the Caribbean, which is the perfect way to cool off after your time in the jungle! 

For a shore excursion, we think this combination works really well. You get a real adventure and some beach time without spending your entire day rushing between activities. Plus, the tour comes with a worry-free shore excursion guarantee, which gives you some extra reassurance when booking independently from your cruise line.

5. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV excursion

We love ATV tours and have done them all over the world, so if you’re looking to inject a healthy dose of adrenaline into your port day, we really recommend this tour! And it’s not just an ATV ride, it also takes you to a local wildlife sanctuary where you’ll get to see some of Roatan’s most famous residents, including sloths and spider monkeys!

After the sanctuary, the pace really picks up. You’ll hop onto an ATV and head out across Roatan’s rugged terrain, tackling jungle trails and scenic roads along the way. The route will also take you through some local villages that most cruise passengers completely miss, so you get to see a more authentic side of Roatan.

It’s such a fun adventure, and we also like that you don’t need to be an experienced ATV rider to enjoy this one. The guides are experienced and patient, so they’ll take good care of you! 

Port pickup is included for this tour, and there are mostly morning departures available, plus one afternoon option, so it’s pretty easy to fit around your cruise schedule. This is a great option if you’re struggling to choose between a wildlife experience and something more adventurous. You get both in one excursion, without organizing separate tours, and transportation is already taken care of.

6. Kayak and snorkel in French Cay Harbor

If you want to spend your port day out on the water, this 3-hour kayak and snorkel excursion is such a fun option. Even better, round-trip pickup is included from both Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay, so it’s very straightforward for cruise passengers!

The tour is capped at just 10 people, which we really like. Shore excursions can sometimes feel a bit crowded, but this keeps things much more personal while still being more affordable than booking a private tour.

You’ll start by kayaking around French Cay Harbor, which is such a beautiful place to paddle thanks to its clear Caribbean water, mangroves, and lush shoreline. Along the way, your guide will point out local wildlife, so be sure to keep an eye out for herons and ospreys as you glide through the water! 

After that, it’s time to swap the kayak for your snorkel gear and head out to the reef. The water around Roatan is incredibly clear, and the reef is packed with colorful marine life, so this is a gorgeous place to snorkel. All of your equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring anything with you other than the usual sunscreen and swimwear.

We think this is a great choice if you want an active excursion without using up your whole day in port. At around three hours, you’ll still have plenty of time afterward, and the tour is designed specifically with cruise passengers in mind.

7. Spend the afternoon relaxing at West Bay Beach

If your idea of the perfect shore excursion involves lounging on the beach and not much else, we’ve got the perfect option for you! This beach club experience gives you hours at one of the prettiest beaches on Roatan – West Beach.

The experience is stress-free from start to finish. Your local guide will meet you right outside of the cruise terminal and take the quick 20-minute drive south to West Beach. You’ll have up to six hours to lounge around at Henry Morgan Beach Resort, and the day includes access to the beach club, pool, loungers, and a shower and changing room. 

However, if you want to combine your lazy beach time with a bit of sightseeing, you can do that too! This experience has raving reviews for the tour guides being ultra flexible and accommodating. If you want to spend half of the day at the beach club, then explore Roatan, try local foods, go snorkeling, or anything – just ask your guide!

Sometimes, the best shore excursions are the least planned. We love that this experience is flexible, yet structured, and you can really tailor it to your liking. 

Related Read: If you’re looking for even more activities, check out our blog on the best things to do on Roatan!

8. Ride hydrobikes

If you want something a little different from the usual beach break, this hydrobike, snorkel, and private island tour certainly fits that bill! Pickup is included from both Mahogany Bay and the Port of Roatan, and the operator promises to have you back at your ship two hours before departure, which is a big plus when you’re booking independently.

The most unusual part of the excursion is the hydrobike ride. These are basically floating bikes, so you pedal your way across the water rather than paddling a kayak. They’re pretty easy to get the hang of, and it’s a fun way to enjoy Roatan’s coastline while still doing something active.

You’ll also get time to snorkel, which is always worth doing in Roatan! The island is known for its clear Caribbean water and colorful reefs, so there’s plenty to look out for beneath the surface, from tropical fish to coral.

After that, the pace slows down with some time on a private island beach. This is your chance to swim and relax on the sand, or grab some food and drinks before heading back to port.

We think this is a great choice if you want a shore excursion with a bit of everything. You’ll get some light adventure, time in the water, and a beach break without feeling like you’ve spent the whole day rushing around. What’s not to love?

9. Go horseback riding

If you want to squeeze as much as possible into your day in Roatan, this horseback riding excursion is a brilliant choice. Port pickup is included, and there are several different tour combinations available depending on how much time you have.

However, we’d definitely recommend booking the Full Package. It includes horseback riding, snorkeling, a sloth park visit, and a beach break, so you get four completely different experiences in one excursion – talk about making the most of your time!

The horseback ride takes you through the jungle and even into the water, which sounds like such a fun way to see another side of the island. And don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before because this experience welcomes first-timers.

Horses also have a long history in Honduras, where they’ve traditionally played an important role in rural life, from transportation to agricultural work. Riding through Roatan also gives you a small taste of a part of Honduran culture that still matters today!

After that, you’ll visit a wildlife sanctuary to see sloths and monkeys before heading out for a snorkel adventure. The exact snorkeling location can change depending on the weather, which we think is a good thing because your guide can choose the best conditions on the day. Then you’ll finish with some time at the beach, which is the perfect way to cap off such an action-packed day if you ask us!

10. Learn how to make chocolate 

Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own chocolate bar (and eating it, of course), this hands-on chocolate-making class at the Roatan Chocolate Factory is an absolute must!

The experience starts with a guided tour of the factory in West End, where you’ll learn more about Honduran cacao and how it goes from bean to bar. It’s a great introduction to an ingredient with deep roots in Central America, and you’ll see how the chocolate is made before you try it yourself.

Then comes the fun part! You’ll make your own organic chocolate bar, choosing your flavors and toppings before taking it home with you. And yes, there’s plenty of tasting along the way too, which is obviously a big part of the appeal.

Port pickup is included, so this is an easy one to fit into a cruise stop. You can book the 2-hour chocolate-making experience on its own, which is ideal if you’re short on time, or upgrade to the 3-hour option with a beach pass if you want to make a bit more of a day of it.

We think the beach add-on is well worth considering if your cruise schedule allows. It gives you time to relax by the water after the class, without committing to a huge full-day excursion.

This is a really fun choice if you want to do something a little different from snorkeling or ziplining. You’ll learn something, eat plenty of chocolate, and leave with your own handmade bar too – yum! 

Where to Stay Before or After Your Cruise

If you’re cruising to Honduras, there’s a good chance your trip will start from either Miami or Ft Lauderdale, and we recommend arriving a night or two before setting sail. This gives you some extra time to explore, relax, and avoid the stress of traveling to the port on the same day as your cruise.

In Miami, Downtown is our top pick since you’ll be close to PortMiami, Bayside Marketplace, and plenty of restaurants and attractions. If you’re sailing from Ft Lauderdale, we recommend staying near Las Olas Boulevard or Fort Lauderdale Beach, where you’ll be close to great restaurants, the waterfront, and just a short drive from Port Everglades.

Here are some of our favorite Downtown Miami and Ft Lauderdale hotels for every budget:

Downtown Miami

Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell Area – $$$ 

Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell Area is a great option if you want something comfortable and well-located for a short stay. It sits right between Downtown and Brickell, so you’ve got easy access to both areas, plus you’re only a short drive from the cruise port.

The hotel has a modern, business-style feel, with spacious rooms and a reliable setup that works well for a quick city stop. There’s also a pool and on-site dining, which is handy if you don’t feel like heading out after a long travel day.

It’s not the most exciting stay, but it’s very practical and easy. Rooms here usually start at around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!

The Elser Hotel Miami – $$

The Elser Hotel Miami is a solid choice for cruise travelers who want a little extra space before or after setting sail. It’s right in Downtown Miami, close to the waterfront and Bayside Marketplace, with an easy drive to PortMiami.

The rooms here are more like apartments, with full kitchens and living areas, plus floor-to-ceiling windows in some units. We think this is a great option if you’re staying for a few nights or just want somewhere a bit more comfortable to spread out.

There’s also an awesome infinity pool with great views over the bay! Rooms here usually start at around $280 USD per night. Reserve your stay at The Elser Hotel Miami here!

citizenM Miami World Center – $

CitizenM Miami World Center is a great budget-friendly option if you want something modern and central. It’s located near the World Center complex, so you’re close to shops, restaurants, and transport links, plus PortMiami is just a short drive away, making it super convenient for cruise passengers.

The rooms are compact, but they’re very well designed, with a smart layout that makes the most of the space. The hotel also has a fun, tech-forward feel, with self-check-in and a stylish rooftop pool area. It’s a great pick if you’re happy with a smaller room in exchange for a great location and lower price.

Rooms here usually start at around $120 USD per night. Reserve this budget-friendly stay here before rooms are booked!

Choose from even more great stays in Miami, Florida, here!

Related Read: For even more hotel options, check out our guide to the best hotels near Port Miami!

Ft Lauderdale

The Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club – $$$

The Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club is a fantastic option for a pre-cruise stay, as it’s just a mile from Port Everglades, so you can enjoy a relaxing beach day before your cruise without being far from the terminal. This resort has a private beach and two swimming pools, plus tennis and volleyball courts, a spa, and four restaurants.

Rooms range from standard queen or king rooms, or you can upgrade to suite-style rooms or a room with a view. Prices fluctuate by season but range from $275 to $700 USD. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com. 

Tides Inn Hotel – $$

Tides Inn Hotel is a lovely, quaint hotel overlooking the beach, with light, airy rooms. It’s a nice option for a pre-cruise stay if you’d rather spend the night somewhere quiet and beachy before heading to Port Everglades the next day. The private beach is just steps from the hotel, and this area is great for snorkeling or diving.

There’s also a pool and garden to enjoy. You can book double, single, or studio hotel rooms with a balcony and ocean views. Rooms average $240 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Blue Strawberry by the Sea – $

Blue Strawberry by the Sea is a charming, budget-friendly hotel just one block from the ocean. It’s a great choice for cruisers who want an affordable place to stay before sailing from Port Everglades while still being close to the beach. It’s also just a 5-minute walk to the town square, so you’re close to Fort Lauderdale’s top sights.

The rooms are clean and simple, offering double, king, or apartment-style rooms. Plus, there are two swimming pools on-site! Rooms are available for around $115 USD per night. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.

For more options, check out all the hotels in Fort Lauderdale here!

Related Read: If you have extra time in Fort Lauderdale, be sure to check out our Fort Lauderdale itinerary so you can make the most of your time in the city!

Thanks for reading!

Roatan is such a beautiful island, and even if you only have a few hours to see it during your port of call, you can experience this beauty! Booking our shore excursions independently is always an easier and cheaper option, and we love the flexibility and unique experiences it brings. Don’t forget to book in advance, before the best tours sell out!

Before you go, check out our other Central America blogs. Hopefully you have time to explore more of this region, as it’s one of our favorites. If so, or if you make it here on another trip, check out some of our helpful guides below. Cheers!

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