Roatan (Coxen Hole) : Profile

Location

The Island is located in the Caribbean, 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras.

Known locally as Coxen's Hole, the port of Roatan is the main port of entry in the Bay Islands. The town has little to recommend it and security for yachts is reported to be bad, so the captain might be advised to take a taxi to the Port Captain’s Office in Coxen Hole from an anchorage in West End or from either Brick Bay or French Harbor.

Clearance

If clearing in at Coxen's Hole, the Q flag and Honduran courtesy flag should be flown. A crew list must be handed in as well as the clearance papers from the last port. A 90-day cruising permit is issued which can be easily renewed. Immigration must also be visited. The check in fee is $3.00.

Check in at Utila is preferred, as the Customs and Immigration officials in Coxen Hole are often busy with cruise ships.

Last updated November 2010.

Docking

Anchoring in Coxen Hole is not recommended.

Either West End or French Cay Harbour is recommended, take a taxi or bus from either place to check in.

West End is a small town and West Bay is the beach. The anchorage at West End/West Bay is well protected in normal tradewind conditions but badly exposed to northwest and north winds. The mooring buoys at the north end are mostly private and permission should be asked before using. Most local vessels move to the south side of the island if strong northerly winds are forecast.

Anchoring on the reef at Sandy Bay, West End Marine Park, within Half Moon Bay and West Bay, is prohibited. National Park mooring buoys are provided here, but it is wise to check them before use as they are not always in good condition.

Within the marine park no one must touch the coral or remove anything from the sea including endangered species such as conch and lobster. Dive buoys (white with a black RMP logo) and fishing moorings (black fishes) cannot be used by yachts. No sewage is to be released into the sea within 5 miles of any Honduran coast. Failure to observe regulations may result in a jail sentence or vessel being impounded. Spearfishing is prohibited to tourists on ALL areas of Roatan. There is virtually no enforcement capability except in West End.

See the entry below for the latest Marine Park regulations.

Last updated November 2010.

Barefoot Cay Marina
Tel:011-504-2455-6235 / Cell: 011-504-9967-3642 , Fax:011-504-2455-6304, VHF Channel 18
info@barefootcay.com
Recommended by cruisers. Alongside mooring for yachts up to 165 feet and 10 foot draft. Purified water, electricity, internet, toilets and showers. Use of resort amenities including pool (v.clean) and towels, beach, fitness room, kayaks. Dining service, dive shop and spa on site. Fueling direct to boat, assistance with customs clearing. The marina has a deep water approach and can be reached from either French Harbour or Brick Bay.

Brick Bay Marina
Located about four miles east of Coxen Hole, with a protected anchorage (boats have weathered hurricanes here) and also secure berths.

Fantasy Island Beach Resort Marina
Box 100. French Harbour, Roatan
VHF Channel 18A, 72
fidockmaster@yahoo.com
The resort is located on a private island off the south shore of Roatan island. There are approximately 22 slips available, combination Med-moor and side-tie. Marina Guests have full privileges of the Fantasy Island Resort, including use of pool, towels, beach chairs, and WiFi. Dive centre including hyperbaric chamber. Water, cable tv plus 220v/110v shore power. See blog for 5 page cruisers guide to Frency Cay Harbour. Numerous activities and services provided for cruisers. Rates inc. Sep 2011 as follows: at dock day rate is $0.64 per foot for 1 to 7 days. Monthly rate is $15.00 per foot. Dinghy fee for boats anchored out is $5.00 per person per day or $25 per week.

Parrot Tree Plantation
Southern Coast of Roatan
VHF Channel 16/63 and NW Caribbean Net 6209, USB 8AM Local
dockmaster@parrottree.com
New full service marina, currently (2008) offering 20 slips and expanding by summer 2009 to 127 slips accommodating between 40-200 ft vessels. Controlling depth 10 feet, clearly marked entrance with lighted markers (Lights -1 NM visibility).

Roatan Marine Park
Tel:011 504 2445-4206, VHF Channel 16
www.roatanmarinepark.com, info@roatanmarinepark.net
There is a mandatory mooring fee of $10 per day, $40 a week, and $100 for a month.
There are 20 maintained mooring buoys and anchoring is not permited.
Call to check availability before heading to West End.
Dye tablets are supplied which must be placed in the yacht’s holding tanks to ensure that no black water is discharged. Any vessel found leaking sewage will be asked to leave immediately and anyone found dumping sewage will be fined.
Spearguns are not permitted within the Reserve without a licence.

Yacht Clubs

One can anchor away from the commercial port of French Harbour in West Bight, where the Roatan Dive & Yacht Club (formerly the French Harbour Yacht Club) has drinking water at its dock and is a good place to leave the yacht although space is limited. The club has had an extensive renovation, still providing services for boats, and can also help find the right professional for repairs.

Brooksy Point Yacht Club
French Harbor, Roatan
brooksypointyachtclub@gmail.com
A new yacht club located behind French cay in French Harbor. It is well protected and calm. With room for 15 yachts and offering service to anchored boats. Owner, Mike, is trying hard to provide a welcoming place for cruisers.
Happy Hours, hot showers, laundry, help with repairs, ground transportation and more are offered.

Roatan Dive & Yacht Club
French Harbour
Tel:011(504) 2455 5233, VHF Channel 16
yachtclub@hondusoft.com

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