Maya Key — Attraction in Roatán

Our cruise docked in Coxen Hole which is nearby Mayan Key. We made the reservation in advance but had to pay at the desk when we checked in. Directions on how to get to the island were not clear. At the port, we asked for help getting there, we were directed to a taxi to take us 5 minutes through the city. It was an expensive taxi ride ($20-30, I don’t remember). We were brought to an small gated area where the meet up spot for Maya Key water taxi was. It was sketchy, the area was not marked and there was no one else there, but it just so happened a boat was pulling up and a worker with a shirt that said “Maya Key” was there. The Taxi driver did confirm this for us, as did we. It was a free water taxi ride over to the island. Not sure if this was the correct way to do it but it did get us to the correct spot. Check in was quick, we paid via credit card. We brought our own snorkel gear although we did not use it as we saw people who rented snorkel gear got to go on a designated “tour”. During the day we were there with two cruise boats in coxen hole, it was not crowded at all. There was plenty of lounge chairs. On the Island, there are several designated swimming areas including a pool. There were cabanas but not sure how to acquire those. We saw the animals on the site, several monkeys, birds, a lion and cheetah?. It was sad to see them in the cage, especially the birds whose cages were covered in feces and dry water bowls. The area was a bit run down but clean none the less. There is a pool bar – we bought the bucket of local beers 6 beers for $20 all three of the local beers were very good. You can opt to purchase a lunch from their provided buffet area but we did not. The return was very easy, we were given a free water taxi back right to the pier where the boats were docked. I read several reviews about sand fleas, though we did not encounter any, there are definitely bugs biting. I spent most of the day in the water but later that evening was up a lot of the night itching as I had 7 bug bites...

We have been here twice now. Once on our honeymoon, and again recently with our children.

This island is beautiful. Well landscaped. Very clean. Lots of areas to soak in the views, sun, sand & water.

They have a fresh water pool. Snorkeling area with guides off the pier. Food and drinks available. A good size gift shop with snacks. And lots of animals to check out that have been rescued or are rehabilitating.

I like that there is NO one around to harass you. It's a private island. The landscape is picturesque.

The cruise lines offer a package with lunch right from the pier next to the ship. We used that the first time. The 2nd time we made a reservation thru the website. You pay when you arrive.

Altho the cruise ships are picky and won't let you on the Maya key boat at the pier, you can take a cab about a mile or so down the shoreline and Maya key will pick you up there.

Our ship docked late, and there was also some discrepancy in ship time vs local time. A wonderful woman called Maya key for us and arranged a private boat to meet us in a cab at their secondary pickup location noted above. No charge (we tipped)

When we arrived, exhausted and overheated with 3 small children in tow, They had an air conditioned lobby and cold fresh water for us to collect ourselves.

Then it was off to enjoy our day on the island. Everything was beautiful, clean, breathtaking. The boat to return to the ship ran every 30 minutes and delivered us ship side.

Both times we have gone here, 10+ years apart, their were not many tourists on the island. Plenty of beach chairs, shade, and space with no crowding. It felt very safe here.

We will definitely return here again any time we...

Awesome spot, 100% recommendation from me!

The snorkeling was top notch. Our guide was professional, courteous and knowledgeable, and the view he showed us was breathtaking. We swam right up to the edge where the shallow reef fell off into the blue depths, and saw some amazing wildlife.

Good food as well; the sea bass and local cuisine was all tasty and well made. The drinks from the bar (I got rum punch, another member of my party got a mudslide) were fairly standard. For anyone concerned; the water and ice are filtered.

The beach was well groomed, clean and peaceful, with access by sloped path (mobility impaired people may have some issue handling the incline, but there are no steps). Plenty of shade and sun depending on which beach char you take. And, during our visit, there were more than enough for all the visitors.

My only significant complaints are the animal exhibits (parrots, monkeys and big cats), which seemed small and basic, and the Mayan "ruins", which, by my limited interaction, seemed cheap (they are recreations). However, I was too busy snorkeling to participate in the animal and ruins tours, so I have an incomplete opinion.

Overall, an awesome excursion, and I would love to go back with a...