Bob514450

On 12/15/2018 at 7:26 AM, Guest 2000 said:

 

 

Yes, public access to the West Bay Beach is a small gravel road between Bananarama and Paradise Beach Hotel. 

 

I am sorry, I do not understand the question about "the spot" between Paradise and Grand Roatan. 

 

The concern is how much of the sand is public, and if it is covered with people walking up and down the beach. You are certainly welcome to arrive on the beach via public access and play in the water anywhere along the sand. And you may be able to find a spot to sit on the beach out of everyone's way on public space. 

 

Please do be aware the sand fleas can be relentless and you may not notice until much later. 

 

I reread your post, I believe you are asking of you can access the snorkeling  between Infinity and Grand Roatan via public access between Bananarama and Paradise.  Yes!  There is enough public beach to be able to walk the whole of West Bay which would include your route. 

 

If I have misunderstood your question please do ask again. 

 

Thank you very much for the advice. We came back from our cruise last weekend (NCL getaway). 

It was rainy when we arrived in roatan, but stopped when we get out the taxi. It started back when we when out of the water. So not too bad. We took a private taxi to Bananamara Road. Thank you for the tip because the driver wanted us to go to a resort. We didn't need a chair or lunch. It costed us 50 USD total for 2 including tip, parking and taxi. He waited a bit more than 2 hours.

The fish were impressive but we wish we knew a path to pass the other side of the shallowest reefs. We saw a map on one of the booth when we came back to the port. They show the clear path in front of infinity bay. We could have reached the other side near the big drop.

I didn't thought it would be that shallow. Some time I was afraid of touching the sharp reef. Some time also I was kinda caught between reef and the waves was pushing me towards them.

I thought the reef themselves would be more alive but I think there's too much pollution/activity. Also we got very small jellyfish burns but nothing to bother much.

We enjoyed it anyway.

Thank you again guest2000 for your great help!

On 8/19/2018 at 2:36 PM, Guest 2000 said:

 

You are most welcome! It would seem you found a hole in my original infomation. Thank you for pointing out the oversight.

 

All the sand (beaches) on Roatan is free though often times one need to pay for access through a resort. Fantasy Island is a good example. West Bay Beach and Half Moon Bay Beach both have public access and snorkeling from shore, one need not pay a day pass to play in the sand as long as you stay off what the resorts consider their property. Those things which are payable are lounger, potties, food and beverages.

 

The above means if you wish to just sit on the sand with no access to potties or lounger, sure try that. Access to Half Moon Bay is easy due to its location in the village of West End. Public access to West Bay Beach need be had either by way of road between Bananarama and Paradise Beach Club or via water taxi from West End.

 

Taxi prices are not regulated, I find them to be high. If you pre-arrange round-trip transport you are far more likely to both depart and return to the ship in a timely manner. Prices are per person and would be a bit less to West End/West Bay if you are docking in Coxen Hole.

 

There is a bus system but of you are docking in Magohnay Bay it would take you far to long to get to West End. The minibus from Coxen Hole to West End starts near an open market in Coxen Hole which means you have to walk from the port into town. You can ask along the way were the bus to West End is.

 

If in fact, you are docking in Coxen Hole the trip would be something along the line of : walk into town (10min) Minibus once it departs 25min to West End. If you decide to go to West Bay catch a water taxi from the stand in the middle of town. Understand the minibus passengers are locals and you are visiting an island off the coast of a third world county. I have done this many times though not from a cruise ship but if you have a large group or children or are just not all that adventurous.. it may not be your better bet.

 

I have never dug through the tour operator websites, one of them may have a group shuttle to West End/West Bay.

 

One other thought, some people are eaten alive by the sand flies. Yes, they live in the sand. One may be more likely to be bothered if no longer is used. Take repellent.

Thank you for all this information. Just want to be sure I understand... If I arrive on the beach by Bananamara Drive between paradise and Bananamara resorts, I will be able to walk on the beach and get to THE spot (shown on the map) between paradise and grand Roatan? Or their "properties" go up to the shore line and I'll get stopped?

Thank you in advance!