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aldofont

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Posts posted by aldofont

    truth about bugs on roatan beaches

    in Roatan

    Posted

    It depends on the day, the weather, whether the sand has recently been treated, personal sensitivity and luck. It's the Caribbean, bugs are there, make sure you bring some bug spray and you will be ok (and chances are high you won't use it).

    Snorkeling?

    in Roatan

    Posted

    This is only our 2nd cruise and first time in Roatan. We are a senior Mom and Dad along with our grown son and his girlfriend. We all like the beach and will bring our own snorkelling gear and are looking for an economical day. All of the excursions on the Western Caribbean cruise we are taking in December on Splendor seem really expensive and times four makes many not doable. We are not into ziplining or extreme sports but would enjoy Mayan ruins tour or the beach. Anyone have any suggestions for us?

     

    You could try Maya Key:

     

    "11.5 acre private island conveniently located just three minutes across the bay from the Roatan cruise pier and 15 minutes away from Mahogany Bay Cruise Pier. This pristine island features two secluded beaches, excellent snorkeling from a scenic pier, a 70,000 gallon swimming pool, 5,000 square foot lounge deck, lush garden paths bursting with indigenous flora and most recently an animal rescue center, artisan plaza and Roatan's finest cultural attraction, The Bay Island's Interpretation Center and Ethnic Honduran Art Exhibit Center."

     

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g292019-d1441401-Reviews-Maya_Key-Roatan_Bay_Islands.html

     

    Otherwise, a trip to West Bay beach will not leave you unsatisfied.

    Best Seafood in Roatan?

    in Roatan

    Posted

    My personal favorite is Gio's restaurant in Flowers Bay (pretty close to the port, but you still need a taxi). Their King Crab is memorable.

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g292019-d1798410-Reviews-Gio_s_Restaurant-Roatan_Bay_Islands.html

     

    Argentinian Grill offers a good combo of seafood and meat (there are two restaurants, one in West Bay, one in West End):

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303875-d1088927-Reviews-Argentinian_Grill_Restaurant_Parrilla_Argentina-West_End_Roatan_Bay_Islands.html

     

    Vintage Pearl has very good wines on top of seafood (it's in West Bay):

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g944573-d1065231-Reviews-Vintage_Pearl_Restaurant_and_Wine_Cellar-West_Bay_Roatan_Bay_Islands.html

    Excursion Advice?

    in Roatan

    Posted

     

    A little background about us: we're both 30, not really interested in zip lining or scuba diving. Maybe something beach related or sightseeing?

     

     

    A few ideas:

     

    You can view or interact with dolphins at the Anthony's Key Resort (expensive, but really cool):

    http://www.anthonyskey.com/en-us/dolphins.htm

     

    Visit the Cameo Factory:

    http://www.cameoclassic.com/

     

    The chocolate factories (there are two):

    https://www.facebook.com/theroatanchocolatefactory/

    https://www.facebook.com/Mayak-choco...63949777012200

     

    Handlining (traditional fishing):

    http://caribbeanadventuresroatan.com/adventures/hands-on-fishing/

     

    Visit a naturist/nude beach:

    http://www.payabay.com/

     

    Play music at the Steel Pan Alley:

    http://www.steelpanalley.org/

     

    Horseback Riding at Havana Beach:

    https://beachclubroatan.com/

     

    Enjoy fantastic cocktails at the Sundowners Beach Bar (expat bar in half moon bay):

    https://www.facebook.com/sundownersbeachbar/

    Bumpy boat ride over to little french key?

    in Roatan

    Posted

    I have attached a picture that allows you to appreciate how close Little French Key and Big French Key are to the main island.

     

    (This picture is a few years old, but the islands haven't moved :) )

     

    It's a very short ride, and the sea around these islands is usually flat.

    background-1st.jpg.9ac05ac24d3ab13381c7da78c6223765.jpg

    "looking for something new!"

    in Roatan

    Posted

    I can confirm that Blue Harbor is incredible! Nature at its best. It's also cheap.

    http://blueharbortropicalarboretum.com/

     

    If you are into fishing, there's a new "hands on fishing" boutique company:

    http://caribbeanadventuresroatan.com/adventures/hands-on-fishing/

     

    April 12th is a great celebration day for the Garifuna people in Punta Gorda:

    http://www.gobluecentralamerica.org/content/april-12th-garifuna-celebration-punta-gorda-roatan-honduras/gbc84696B1F083BEA71C

    I've been there on April 12th last year, very interesting and great food.

    Can't get more cultural than this.

    But if you land in Punta Gorda on any given Sunday, you're going to like it.

     

    If you like driving, you can rent a car or scooter and just drive east to Paya Bay, great scenery and road. Paya Bay is a fantastic resort, you can just get in, have lunch, enjoy their beaches.

    http://www.payabay.com

    I recommend renting a vehicle and roaming around the island. There's also a Jeep rental in west end. http://roatan4x4.com

     

    If you are into diving, there's a shark dive in Roatan. No cage, they're reef sharks and we humans aren't on their menu.

    Coxen Hole nearest beach???

    in Roatan

    Posted

    We are on a very very tight budget for this cruise.

     

    Looking for a cheap way to go to the beach our group of 7.

     

    Where would that beach be???

     

    There's a beach at walking distance, mostly used by locals. It's free, but no services other than the bars and shops along the road. No chairs, etc. Probably not what you're looking for, although it's free.

     

    Otherwise the nearest beach on the main island is probably Las Palmas, their site is http://laspalmas.hn/ - I've never been there though, I have no idea what it's like.

    Havana Beach Club??

    in Roatan

    Posted

    Very difficult to keep up with the name changes at this resort!

     

    Has it changed names yet again, or is it under new ownership?

     

    It has changed name again. First it was Palm Beach, then Havana Beach, and now simply Beach Club Roatan.

     

    As far as I know, same ownership but it's been renovated.

    Xocolati - The Chocolate Experience

    in Roatan

    Posted

    There are two boutique chocolate factories in Roatan, both offering tours and tasting sessions.

     

    One is "The Roatan Chocolate Factory":

    https://www.facebook.com/theroatanchocolatefactory/

    http://theroatanchocolatefactory.com/

     

    The other one is "Mayak Chocolate Roatan"

    https://www.facebook.com/Mayak-chocolates-Roatan-763949777012200

    https://www.tripadvisor.com.mx/Attraction_Review-g303875-d8747040-Reviews-Mayak_Chocolate-West_End_Roatan_Bay_Islands.html

     

    I'm no chocolate expert, but as anyone I love chocolate and both offer tasty chocolate that seems very high quality. But again - I'm no expert, I just enjoy eating it.

    West End Day Plan.....

    in Roatan

    Posted

    I would always avoid using the taxis stationed around the roundabout. In my experience, they always try to rip you off.

     

    Sundowners is indeed a great location, great drinks, great expat community and lovely sunsets on the beach. Great food too.

     

    DIX is on the same bay and it's really nice.

     

    The Beach House is on the same bay and it's smaller, a bit secluded, with great food and a great view. It's an upstairs terrace.

     

    The Blue Marlin is another spot where you'll find good drinks, a nice view, and a nice expat community. It's not on a beach however (well technically it is, but there is no beach that you can use, it's partly on the water).

    Two Roatan questions..

    in Roatan

    Posted

    Pirates of the Caribbean and Caribe Sky are the largest ziplines on the island.

    They're usually described as "Extreme", in various ways.

    Caribe Sky however has a few hiking segments and might be harder for a bad knee, so Pirates could be a better choice.

     

    Other ziplines on the islands are South Shore, Mayan, Gumbalimba. They're smaller, but also cheaper.

     

    Both Coxen Hole and Mahogany ports have their own micro ziplines. They're very limited in size, not very memorable, but very convenient as they require no transportation from/to port.

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