Travel Answers

Hello, what is the diving like in the South Shore vs the West End of Roatan?

Hi there, I tend to be more of a backpacker traveler and like to stay away from resorts, cruise docks, etc. I know I'm a tourist just the same but I like to get the most unique perspective out of my travels rather than being surrounded by what I am trying to get away from... if that makes any sense. A friend and I will be meeting up on Roatan Island at the end of February - beginning of March. Are there any areas we should avoid? Also, how easy is it to hire a boat to travel to the other islands? I've read that they can be more remote. Lastly, what is the deal with the water, I haven't found any big warnings about staying away from the drinking water. Mostly just warnings about sand flies. I've had traveler's e-coli before so just trying to find out if there are any drinks/foods I should avoid. Thanks for any help! Andrea

Hi, How easy is it to get from Roatan to Utila? Thanks!!

Hello! We will be visiting Roatan for the day on a cruise and I'd love to find some postcards to mail to friends from Roatan. Does anyone know where the post office is and if I will be able to purchase postcards or beautiful stamps there? If so, does anyone know the hours of operation of the post office? Thanks so much!

Hi everyone, My name is Alex, from London, England. Around late July, my girlfriend Abby and I are going on a 3 1/2 hour, 2000ft dive with the Roatan Institute of Deep Sea Exploration (http://www.stanleysubmarines.com/) in a deep sea submergible. Located off the coast of Roatan Island (Bay Islands, Honduras) and one of only 3 places in the world which allows the public to dive in a submergible, this company takes you by far the deepest of all three. We are incredibly excited about it, but the price we´re paying for all passengers is1600 total - a little expensive. However, Karl, the owner of the company, says that although it´s designed for 2 passengers, he often takes down 3 people who want to share the costs, making it only533 each. The only limit is the weight limit of 440lb. Abby and I weigh in at 286lb, leaving around 154lb (or 70kg) space for another person. Our dates are fairly flexible (around late July) so if you can come down to the island, and would like to join us, I think it´s going to be absolutely spectacular. And in case you´re worried, Karl is recommended by Lonely Planet, has made more than 1,500 dives and has recently taken down the President and Vice President of Honduras. Looking forward to hearing from you, Alex and Abby

Hello friends, I need to reach Roatan from Lisbon, Portugal. What air companies flies to Roatan? Should I go to SAP instead and then by land+boat to Roatan? I found Lisbon - Miami and then spirit airlines from Fort Laudardale to SAP with a good price. Any more ideas, please? Great travels, LP

We will be on Roatan for a cruise ship stop in April 2011. Are there good beaches within walking distance from the Coxen Hole port? Is there transportation other than cars to the West End beaches? We would like to not have to take our car seat with us. Thank you!

OK..Whats the scoop on getting to and from the resort area around Roatan? Which airport should I use and what form of local transport will I need to get to and from the ocean?How long a drive is it and how are the roads.Is there a domestic airline doing local flights?-Thanks

when you are diving with sharks are you in a cage??

Exactly how do you pronounce Roatan? Ro -tan or Ro-a-tan? or ...?

I will be in Roatan next week. I have heard that med & school supplies are sorely needed in Honduras, & would like to take some stuff w/ me. Any suggestions on what to bring? And to whom should I give them?

My boss and her family are stopping in Roatan . . .on their cruise ship. I've searched all the websites . . . what I need help with is . . they really want off the beaten path to hire a driver for a day. I'm looking at West End Beach and Gumbalimba park (kids under the age of 12) and a terrific restaurant . . perhaps if you also know a great driver who can meet them at the dock. Thanks so much for ANY imput.

If we are planning to stay on Roatan, do we need any shots? What about malaria pills? I do think we'll want to day trip to see the Mayan ruins & rainforest, so ........ This winter I spent a day on Roatan, & a day cave trekking in Belize. No prob either place. Was I just lucky? Is it worse in the summer?

Thanks to everyone for all your advice. One more question: are any of the beaches around Ambegris Caye clothing optional or topless allowed?

Travelling on a cruise ship and we are in Roatan just for the day. Looked on the travel advice website and got a bit spooked by the high risk of Malaria. Do we need to take Malaria tablets? Can anyone please reassure or advise. Thanks, Tommo

My wife and I are planning to go to Roatan from March 1-8 2010. We live in Toronto and were wondering about drinking water and food safety as well as any other health concerns rgarding the Honduras

My dad and myself are coming in via private aircraft. We do not know what day or when. Is it easy to clear customs / immigration in Roatan? Is it easy to get a taxi? We do not have hotel reservations...is that okay? Where should we have the taxi driver take us? Any general suggestions? We are not diving and will probably be relatively tired. This is our first trip to Roatan.

I'm looking at booking a room in May. Which is the better area to stay - West Bay Beach or West End?

I'm taking a cruise that stops in Roatan. I am wondering where on the island do the ships usually dock? I'm trying to find a dive operator nearby, wanted to avoid the cruise line's shore excursion diving... anyone have suggestions for a local dive operator? Thanks for your help!

How far is the Carambola gardens from the cruiseship dock and what is the best and easiest way to get there?

Hi! Two quick questions. Your ideas and recommendations greatly appreciated. 1. Does anyone know where on Roatan we might rent a Hobie Cat or Laser (small personal sailboat) for an hour or two? We're not staying at a resort. And we have transportation to get us to wherever we need to go on the island. 2. Which dive shop offers not-the-usual-tourist dive sites? My partner is very advanced and he's looking for something different. Thanks for your two bits! Have a great day.

Hi! Will be traveling to Roatan for the Easter weekend and staying for 7 days. There will be 2 young children and an elderly female with the group, my question is... how is the food and water safety on the island? If we can only drink bottled water, how can we be sure the food is safe? Hate the way the question sounds, but have to make sure the kids and grandma are safe from any possible stomach bacteria. thank you so much for any help or advise

Has anybody bought something from the New Souvenir Shop and had them ship it to the airport near their home ?? I bought something two weeks ago and haven't heard anything from anybody yet. Can you advise me ??

How is the island & people doing after Hurricane Felix. Damage ? Injuries ? What was the result ? Hoping everyone and everything made it through okay.

I am a bit timid about 'rainy season' designations. What is the weather typically like in Roatan during 1st week of November ? Thank you.

Do You think if is a good idea to retired in Roatan?

Hi, I'm very scared of heights and was wondering how high and secure is the first platform to begin the zipline tour.

does anyone know anything about the inn of last resort (i think that's what it's called)....yes, absolutely stay there...or, oh no never...any other tips would be awesome...this would a diving, off the beaten path trip thanks so much, stacey

My Husband and I, both divers, are planning on a trip to Roatan in late Nov, 2007. I've been looking at Inn of Last Resort and Reef House. I know they are both two different kinds of set ups with Reef Hse having everything there. My Husband likes the idea of a more quiet place and I prefer more access to the town. One of things that I'm wondering about is which dive shop in town would be one of the better ones to dive with if we stay at LR and do any of the West end dive shops make regular dive stops on the Leeward side of the island? I've read that the reefs there are in better condition. Anyone care to weigh in? Any thoughts, ideas or experiences would be greatly appreciated!! Chrys Annapolis, MD

My GF and I are flying into San Pedro Sula (Honduras) on New years eve for a 3 week trip in CM. We will be travelling out to Roatan first off, for a week of diving. Which is as far as we have set in concrete so far. Any words of wisdom on the following would be greatly appreciated; 1. Having not yet got accomodation on Roatan and the fact that alot of budget places do not take reservations, whats our best bet for ensuring we wont have to sleep on the beach? Or will we be fine just turning up to the west end and getting good budget accom, even at that time of year? 2. For the remaining 2 weeks we would like to see Guatamela, and therefore looking for some good routes to take in; Tikal, Rio Dulce, Livingston, Coban, Antigua, Lake De Atitlan and the rest of the highlands (not in that particular order). Any Itinerary suggestions? Gracias