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Topic: Roatan In March (Read 1,499 times)

tjhogg
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Roatan In March
« Thread Started on Nov 28, 2004, 9:02am »

Hi there

We will be traveling to Roatan, Fantasy Island in March 2005 for two weeks. I have noticed as others have commented a distinct lack of first hand information on the destination. I realize from Toronto, where we are leaving from, Westjet does not start flying until mid December. We would very much appreciate any information and personal observations by travelers to this location. Any information, eg.

Do people need certain items such as they do in Cuba that we could bring as gifts? If so what types of things?

Any restaurants or attractions that you visit off the resort any comments? Even though its all inclusive we like to get out and experience other food/places.

If you go over to the mainland (La Ceiba) whats it like and was it worth the trip.

If you are a cigar smoker or notice any stores where they can be purchased. Is there a black market?

Really any information would help. We are going against the odds here. Travel agents and other travellers continue to talk about Roatan as a dive destination. While we enjoy snorkelling its only one of the things we like to do. The research I have done on Honduras and Roatan has shown what seems to be an incredible number of things to do and see. I am hoping that perhaps it has been overlooked as a destination by all but the divers. You can rent motorcycles, swim with the dolphins, visit butterfly farm, the iguana farm, Mayan Ruins etc. Maybe I we will be disappointed but after having done Mexico, Dominican and Cuba 3 times it was time for a change. Happy vacationing. Think beaches and palms (occassionally bikinis).

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Barcelo Maya, Mexico 2000
Casa del Mar, Bayahibe, DR 2001
El Senador, Cayo Coco, 2002
Brisas Guardalavaca, Cuba 2003+2004
Fantasy Island, Roatan, 2005
Villa Covarrubias, Cuba 2005-6
Crown Pacific, Huatulco, 2006
Quatro Palmas Varadero, 2007
Gran Club Santa Lucia, 2007

SabineG
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Re: Roatan In March
« Reply #1 on Dec 18, 2004, 7:37pm »

Hi,

I was in Roatan last year for almost 2 months (yes, pure heaven; unfortunately can't do the same this year) and would be happy to answer whatever questions I can.

First of all, let me say that I'm a writer who went there to get away from it all and write. So, unfortunately, I didn't visit a lot of places I would have otherwise. But I'll tell you what I can.

Very useful site on Roatan:
http://www.roatanet.com/

Also, you can check out guidebooks (just browse through them at the book store - the section on Roatan is short enough!). Moon Handbooks has a good guidebook on Honduras with lots of info on things to do in Roatan.

Okay, so... here's what I can say: I didn't go to Fantasy Island. I stayed in West End, at the tip of the island. But I have no doubt that Fantasy Island is a high quality resort, filled with all the amenities you could want and plenty of possible excursions. Even though it's not a high profile tourist destination, it has everything the other destinations offer with the benefit of not being inundated with tourists.

Roatan is indeed a divers' paradise. But that shouldn't discourage you. I had an ear infection so, to my great dismay, I couldn't dive the whole time. But I snorkeled every day and it was more impressive than any reefs I'd ever seen. It's the 2nd biggest reef after the Great Barrier Reef and, unlike certain places where you have to take a boat to get to good sites, it's right off the beach.
One day I found myself swimming alongside these strange creatures that turned out to be squid! I've eaten 'em but I'd never seen 'em!
Again, since I haven't been to Fantasy Island or anywhere near French Harbour (town near your resort), I can't comment specifically on the snorkeling there. I did it right off the beach at West Bay, an area at the tip of the island with lots of nice little hotels that, even in high season, is quiet enough to relax and not be sawmped by hoards of tourists... except on the days the cruise ships come to town and hundreds of pasty white loud people descend onto the beach with their blue and white towels that look like prison uniforms.
So - if you go on a trip to that area, inquire and make sure it's on a day that the cruise ships will not be there. The hotel staff should know the schedules.
And ask about the snorkleing - if it's the same quality at your hotel versus West Bay. If not, West Bay is worth a trip - the beach is sandy white, the water is turquoise and it's like swimming through silk.
I used to take boat taxis from West End to West Bay. You might be able to do that from your hotel. If so, it's lovely to see the island's vegetation and towns go by from the water.

There are definitely interesting things to do and see there. The Butterfly Garden, the Iguana farm, boat tour through mangroves. You won't be bored. I went to the Carambola Botanical Reserve - it was nice, fun to hike up little trails and get to a peak at the top of the island. Perhaps not as impressive as some places I've seen in Costa Rica, for example, but still fun and always interesting to see a new place and learn about a different culture.

Roantan is a unique mix. It, obviously, is part Spanish influence but also a lot of the inhabitants are Black Caribbean who, I believe, fled places like the Cayman Islands after the abolition of slavery. So despite mainland Honduras being 100% Spanish speaking, many Roatan residents actually speak a patois English.
This only adds to the uniqueness of the place.

I met quite a few North Americans as well as Europeans & Argentinians who left their countries and moved to Roatan, to what they considered a still relatively undiscovered gem.

Coxen Hole, the main town, has nothing 'touristy' to see. If you wnat to get a sense of real Honduras, go there to see the squalor that they live in, huts one atop the other, sewage running through the streets, as we live it up in the resorts. I had a surreal experience when I went there to go to the bank and saw a massive, pristine white cruise ship looming behind all this poverty.

Apparently French Harbour (near where you'll be) has a little more charm but nothing much to see aside from getting a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen.

Talking about the poverty, I'm sure there are lots of things the people there could use but it's not like Cuba, in that there's no embargo. They have no shortage of American goods, just a shortage of money with which to buy them. So unfortunately, I can't help on that front - I don't know if you gave someone toothpaste, if they'd be grateful or insulted. Perhaps cash is the best way to go. If you could ask about this while there and let us know, it would be great to know for next time.

As for the ruins, apparently they're spectacular - a hidden treasure. How would they compare to those in Mexico, I'm not sure.

West End is essentially 1 main road - hilarious to see - sand matted down, filled with holes and puddles (when it rains) so huge that the cars weave their way through them, as do the tourists (who, if they don't watch where they're going, fall right in - myself included!), with a bunch of dive shops, souvenir stores, fun relaxed bars and an international meld of tourists who come for a month or two to dive or work in the dive shops or restuarants, often continuing on to other destinations thereafter.

The Argentinian Grill in West End is a great restaurant run by an Argentinian family (who also run the lovely little hotel set on luscious grounds in back of the restaurant). It overlooks the beach and serves delicious grilled meats, among other choices. Oh, and there are some monkeys hanging around outside (in a cage, but still, don't offer up your sunglasses, they'll steal them!)

You can go to West End to see the place, then take a boat taxi over to West Bay (West End's beach is not beautfiul so don't get discouraged - I promise West Bay is divine) for some swimming in luscious water and snorkeling right off the beach (at the end of the beach - ask the boat taxi driver - usually a little kid!)

Anyway, before I ramble on yet some more about places you won't really be visiting, I'll say this-

Write to me if you have specific questions and I'd be happy to try to answer them and--

Important note - there are sand flies on the beach can be a nightmare and leave you with little red welts. Bring a suntan lotion with DEET in it or you can buy stuff locally - they sell something called Cactus Juice that keeps the flies away. Make sure to spray it on all over - even if mosquitoes are not attracted to you, sand flies are not so discerning.

I'm happy just thinking about Roatan. Don't let the lack of info about it worry you; it's a good thing.

There was recently a hugh article about Roatan in a Montreal newspaper and I have no doubt it'll soon be overtaken with us snowbird sun worshippers. My father, who thought I was going into the jungle when I went, read the article and now wants to go!!

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Playa Coco, Cayo Coco - '05 / Roatan, Honduras - '04
Sol, Cayo Largo - '02 / Tryp, Cayo Coco - '00 / Costa Rica - '99 / ? (hazy recollections), Cienfuegos - '97
?, Punta Cana - '96 / Club Kawama, Varadero - '95
Cuatro Palmas, Varadero - '91 / Treasure Cay, Bahamas - 1986-90

tjhogg
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Re: Roatan In March
« Reply #2 on Dec 19, 2004, 8:55am »

thanks very much for your info. I bought one of the guide books and it talks extensively about West End and West Beach. We plan to visit them both. I am hoping to rent one of Captain Van's motorcycles and tour the island at our own pace. Hopefully avoiding many of the potholes. The tips about the sand flies are very helpful we will bring some spray but its always nice to know there is a local remedy and it probably works better. If there is anyone you would like us to say hello to let me know. I will be writing a report for Debbie's web page as it has been very helpful to us in the past. I will be sure to send you a copy. Cheers.
Tim

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SabineG
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Re: Roatan In March
« Reply #3 on Dec 19, 2004, 5:19pm »

my pleasure.

It's a good idea to explore the island at your own pace. Lets you discover all sorts of places you wouldn't otherwise.

Have a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear about it!

By the way, in guidebooks (at least the ones I checked), it says there are only a few internet cafes scattered around the island. But actually there are lots. West End is filled with restaurant/cafes or book exchanges (fun idea) that provide very affordable internet access - just in case you have worried family who think you're descending into unknown territory!!

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sunburn
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Re: Roatan In March
« Reply #4 on Feb 22, 2006, 11:42am »

Hola! Was at Fantasy Island for 1 week. :'(

Wished it was 2 wks. Feb.11-Feb18. It was a spur of the moment thing. Booked it Fri.10 at noon. We were in room 340. Near the boat marina and dive shop. Basic room. Needed some tlc. but no big deal. The air conditioner worked great. Not much variety of food but it was good. No shortage of restaurants in Roatan. 1 main road so you won't get lost. Roads are quite narrow and have a lot of potholes in them. Roatan to me is a minature Costa Rica. We enjoyed our stay at Fantasy Island. The snorkeling off the gazebo was awesome. There are a lot of tours you can do. Island,shopping,dolphin,canapy,mongrovecanal,nature,catamaran,parasailing,fishing,and the list goes on. Cigar roller came in on Thurs. to roll cigars. I believe it is $35 a day for the scooter and $175 for the week. good way to see the island. Mini-zoo at the resort. Resident monkeys,cats,iguanas,peacocks,goats,wattusas(sp) roam the grounds.$12 for the cactus juice for the no-see-ums at the gift shop. The iguana farm $5.00 donation was interesting. But then the resort itself has iguanas up in the trees and roaming around. We did the shopping tour $15. Bought a hammock at West End for $25. No safes in the room. We just left our things in our carry on bags. No problem! When you leave they check your bags (search) and assign your seat at the resort. Don't buy seashells as they will confiscate them.I have a list of tours and cost if you want to see them. . You will have a great time.

Black market-don't know. We just used ameriacan money. Didn't exchange. Bring small bills for tips. If you are a smoker fill your lungs before you go to the departure lounge because once in you can't get out and it is non-smoking. Any questions just e-mail or pm. For pictures check webshots below.

« Last Edit: Feb 22, 2006, 11:47am by sunburn »

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http://community.webshots.com/user/hoskidean
pictures of Club Amigo Varadero & Club Cojimar & Villas Sol Costa Rica & Fantasy Island Roatan

Freedom Ryder
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Re: Roatan In March
« Reply #5 on Jan 21, 2008, 8:58pm »

I am so excited!

Wossa and I will be heading to Honduras this March for some awesome diving and site seeing.

I have talked him into doing a 'Specialty Course' through "Padi" on 'Diving with the Sharks'.

I am counting the days down now and thank goodness January has just flown by.

Now we just have to get through February, then we will be there. :-*

Freedom Ryder 8-)

...................

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