Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Mahogany Bay?

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Mahogany Bay?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Mahogany Bay?

Mahogany Bay was developed by the Carnival Cruise Line. Their goal was to create a haven for tourists so that they wouldn’t have to leave the port area. There is plenty to do here including shopping, dining, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and other fun water activities. If you’re on a budget, you could definitely not book an excursion here and still have an amazing day!

However, as tempting as it is to stay in the port area, we urge you to get out of the area and see the REAL Roatan, Honduras. The island of Roatan is much different than what Carnival portrays. While the island is a little rough around the edges, it is absolutely stunning.

 We suggest visiting the Stone Castle Cameo Institute, ziplining, or heading to the West End for snorkeling.

Nearby Beaches

Little French Key

Imagine a tranquil, freshly raked, white sand beach that is shaded by gorgeous palms and surrounded by clear blue water. That, my friends, is Little French Key (LFK). This island is an absolute dream. Whether you’re looking to simply relax, wade in the tranquil cove, or try your hand at watersports, this place offers it all! LFK is an amazing spot for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There’s even a rope swing that you can play on- if you’re brave enough!

Sandy Bay Beach

This quiet tranquil beach is part of the Roatan Marine Park preserve. There is a reef teaming with fish, lobster, and coral that parallels the white sand beach. We love heading to the West End to get away from the crowds.

Tabyana Beach

This beach is a bit more crowded than the one at Sandy Bay but it is closer to the bars, restaurants, and resorts. Grab a Monkey Lala (the local drink) before you hit the beach. This beach shares a reef with Sandy Bay Beach. There are chairs with umbrellas available to rent.

West Bay Beach

In case you couldn’t tell, we really love the West End and West Bay side of the island. And really, what’s not to love? The beaches here are absolutely perfect: white sand, clear, calm turquoise waters, and breathtaking views. This beach offers water activities ranging from scuba diving, snorkeling, and even parasailing.

Maya Cay

This private island is located just across the bay from Mahogany Bay. It features two secluded beaches, a pool, lush gardens, and an exhibition center about the local culture. The snorkeling here is amazing so pack your gear!

Recommended Excursions in Mahogany Bay

Canopy Tour & Tabyana Beach

Man, I love ziplining! There’s nothing quite like having the wind blow through your hair as you are zipping through the canopy. This tour takes you to the Gumbalimba Park where you’ll complete 7 traverses. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to the Tabyana Beach where you can explore the reef.

Tabyana Beach Break

If zip lining isn’t your thing, you can take a tour that just hits the beach. Tabyana Beach is where the jungle meets the beach. It has crystal clear waters as well as an amazing reef just off the shore.

Top 10 Best Attractions of Roatan

I enjoy booking the “Best of…” excursions so that I can see all that the port has to offer. This tour takes you to an iguana farm, a chocolate factory (sans Willy Wonka), and several other attractions. We enjoyed checking out the Cameo Factory, which is the only one in the Americas. The craftsmanship is impeccable. The tour includes a pit stop at a private beach.

Big French Key Island with Watersports

If the thought of booking a tour outside of the cruise line scares you, consider visiting Big French Key, the neighbor to Little French Key. The beach here is everything you imagine a Caribbean beach to be. You’ll have access to snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and beach toys. The bay includes features Maya replicas for you to explore underwater.

Monkeys, Sloths, & Macaws

This tour not only takes you on a scenic tour of the island but it also takes you to a cool spot where you can hang out with monkeys, sloths, and macaws! Afterwards, you’ll be taken to a second locations where you can feed iguana (hundreds of them), in their natural habitat.

While You’re in Roatan…

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