Maya Key is an 11.5-acre private island in the harbor of Coxen Hole, a few minutes by boat from the Town Center cruise pier. It combines two beaches and a large pool with replicas of the Copán ruins and a rescue center for Honduran wildlife. This guide covers what is on the island, how day packages work, how to get there from each port and how to visit the animals responsibly.
Maya Key opened in June 2009 and was developed by Anthony's Key Resort, the long-established dive resort in Sandy Bay. It is a small island across the bay from the Coxen Hole waterfront, landscaped as a day resort rather than left wild.
There are two beaches with sun loungers, a 70,000-gallon pool with a shallow, shaded area for small children, and a 5,000-square-foot sun deck. Garden paths connect the different areas. Food and drinks come from the Ironshore Bar and Restaurant, whose menu mixes BBQ chicken and fried fish with Honduran dishes such as coconut rice and beans, and Tonina's gift shop sells locally made crafts.
It is designed as an easy half day: level paths, short walks and everything within a few minutes of the pier. That makes it popular with families and with cruise passengers who do not want a long road transfer.
The island's theme comes from the Maya city of Copán, the archaeological site in western Honduras near the Guatemalan border. Maya Key has life-size replicas of some of its ruins, a Mayan Plaza and a ball court, which give a taste of a site that is far too distant for a cruise day.
The Mayan Interpretation Center uses reproductions of artifacts and text murals to explain Maya daily life, beliefs and their relationship with nature, and why Honduras' archaeological sites need protecting. Next to it, the Ethnic Honduran Art Exhibit Center shows crafts from the country's different peoples.
According to the excursion descriptions, all the animals on Maya Key were donated, confiscated, injured or rescued. The island lists macaws, toucans, parrots, monkeys and Honduran wild cats such as jaguars and ocelots. Guided tours of the rescue area run several times a day; the times are posted on the activities board when you arrive, and staff tell each animal's story.
The island's own marketing still mentions feeding and cuddling a capuchin monkey, but a January 2025 notice from the wildlife department of Honduras' forest institute (ICF) bans carrying and holding wild animals such as monkeys, macaws and sloths for exhibition and photos at Roatán's wildlife attractions. Skip any handling you are offered: it stresses wild animals, can pass diseases between people and primates, and makes them harder to return to the wild. Watch from the paths, do not feed anything and ask the guides what happens to animals that recover. For other ways to see Roatán's wildlife, see our guide to sloth, monkey and wildlife tours.
The reef just off Maya Key is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and a pier gives easy access to it. Mask, fins, snorkel and a snorkel vest are compulsory in the water; the official rental price is $20 for the set, so bring your own if you have it. Lockers can also be rented.
Use reef-safe sunscreen, float rather than stand over the coral, and never touch or collect coral, shells or sea creatures. If snorkeling is your main goal, a dedicated reef trip from West End or West Bay visits several sites; compare them in Roatán snorkeling and diving tours.
Most visitors arrive on a cruise-line shore excursion, usually about four hours long with an island-style lunch included; snorkel gear, lockers and drinks are often extra, so read what your package covers. Independent visitors and guests staying elsewhere on Roatán can also book a day directly through Maya Key's own website.
Guests on Anthony's Key Resort's seven-night packages get a Maya Key day as part of their stay: divers go by boat between morning dives, and snorkelers and non-divers take the resort shuttle. The island's website lists opening hours of 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday and 10 am to 4 pm at weekends; check the day you want, as hours are not given for every day of the week.
From the Town Center at Coxen Hole, Maya Key is a boat ride of about five minutes across the bay, so you spend very little of your day in transit. From Mahogany Bay, now branded Isla Tropicale by Carnival, the cruise lines' packages add a road transfer along the south coast to the boat, so allow extra time and check that transport is included. Our Roatán cruise port guide and Mahogany Bay guide explain both terminals.
If you are staying in West End or West Bay, take a taxi to Coxen Hole and agree the fare before you get in; getting around Roatán gives typical taxi tips.
Both are private-island days with animals, but they suit different people. Maya Key is closer to the Coxen Hole pier, quieter, and stronger on culture and on the pool. Little French Key, near French Harbour, has more water sports, horseback swims and a busier, bar-centered atmosphere. For gardens and a pirate-themed cave closer to West Bay, see Gumbalimba Park.
Maya Key is a private island in the harbor of Coxen Hole on Roatán's south coast, about five minutes by boat from the Town Center cruise pier.
From the Town Center at Coxen Hole a short boat takes you straight to the island. From Mahogany Bay you need a road transfer to the boat first, which cruise-line packages usually include.
The rescue center houses macaws, toucans, parrots, monkeys and wild cats such as jaguars and ocelots, all donated, confiscated, injured or rescued according to the excursion descriptions.
Cruise-line Maya Key excursions usually include an island-style lunch. Snorkel gear rental ($20) and lockers are extra.
A short hop from Roatán's shore, this small island suits families and curious travelers who want beach time plus Maya-themed exhibits. Options include snorkeling, paddle-boarding and a pool.
from ~$112 per person
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Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 29, 2026.
Little French Key The private island off French Harbour: day packages, what is included, the animals, transfers from both cruise ports and Big French Key. 