Guest 2000

On 5/9/2024 at 10:04 PM, #1TravelMom said:

We've been going the for 15+years, I've never seen seaweed in Wesr Bay. The water is crystal clear. 

That sea grass has been a problem a time or two over the years.  I agree it is not often but asking is always a good idea.  

15 hours ago, #1TravelMom said:

True - "Wildlife" may not the correct term.   Even if the monkeys and sloths are not native, at Mayan Eden, they are not caged.   Some animals are in cages, but lots of them just roam free. 

Thanks, that is helpful.  

On 5/2/2024 at 8:51 AM, #1TravelMom said:

Sorry. I don't have any ideas for non- water,  zipline.  We've stayed in the island for 10 days at a time.  It's known for amazing snorkeling,  clear beaches and wildlife.   There aren't really any "sights" like some islands.   When we cruuse, we spend the day doing mission work on Coxen Hole. We take school supplies and toiletries for a large group of children. You will love the children there.   They are so grateful for anything you give them. 

Wildlife?   There is very little native wildlife on the island. There are zoo type places but monkey and sloth are not natives. Oh maybe you mean sea creatures. Definitely heaps of that.  😁

Bananarama on West Bay Beach has a Webcam.  You can see for yourself anytime you like.  

Mahogany Bay has a very comprehensive website with a map. https://www.mahoganybaycc.com/

As far as snorkeling goes, Good is subjective to your past experiences. If you have been to West Bay, then it is doubtful Mahogany Bay would entertain you. But if you are new to snorkeling, perhaps it will. I have not done so, but that said, if you go to the end of the beach at the end of the dock, there is some sealife to witness there. 

If you use the search here, you might find more information about snorkeling. 

Have you looked at the pictures of Turquoise Bay on their website? They seem to suggest shallows like Sandy Bay. Roatan’s Best Dive Value | Turquoise Bay Dive Resort (turquoisebayresort.com)

Maya Key also has a website, and the water definitely looks clear. More possibility for snorkeling as well. Maya Key Private Island Retreat | Roatan

I no longer recommend Little French Key. Brady's Cay is a much better option. If you hire a private driver, like Jezy from Roatan Driver, she would be more than happy to teach you about her beloved island and make all your dreams come true. 

3 hours ago, CruiseMomTX said:

 

Eldon's is about a 12min walk from the port in Coxen Hole.  We have walked there without any problems.  When you walk out the main gates of the port area there will be a ton of men trying to sell you their tour or asking where you want to go, we just say no thank you and go on our way.

 

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/8F73%2B2W9+Berth+1+-+Port+of+Roatan,+Main+St,+Coxen+Hole,+Honduras/Eldon's+Supermarket/@16.3142949,-86.5443527,1145m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8f69e87eb2e63ff7:0xa13205f66048929c!2m2!1d-86.5451279!2d16.3125362!1m5!1m1!1s0x8f69e880ee79b343:0x8766e61a32a9e908!2m2!1d-86.538659!2d16.3140781!3e2?entry=ttu

ahh it had not occurred to me, there is more than one Eldon's in Coxen Hole. I was thinking of the bigger market on the hill just outside of town. 

10 minutes ago, ABQrobin said:

WE just got back from the Carnival Jubilee.... went to Tabyana beach when in Roatan, and LOVED it.  Totally chill vibe.  I did a video on that and will post soon if anyone is interested.

Have you snorkeled Mahogany Bay as well? I would like impressions of MB vs West Bay.  

3 hours ago, NSnJW said:

I have been there on Carnival and NCL and had a great time on both.  I will say that NCL takes very good care of solos.  Carnival was pretty good too but didn't have a dedicated solo meet just before dinner like NCL. 

The only place that I snorkeled was Bonaire.  I went out on a ship built like a Chinese Junk.  We went to Little Bonaire and the current will carry you down the coast of the island.  So they put you in the water about a half mile up the coast and then wait for you.  You don't have swim at all to cover a lot of water.

A drift snorkel!! Very cool!! Did you find it interesting? Did you see many ocean creatures? Colorful corals? 

NCL, thank you!! 

I have only been on one cruise, with a friend to Greenland. It was an interesting experience. 

Anywho, my current focus is snorkeling and it seems to me the ABC Islands are a good place to give it a go. 

I was hoping maybe the members here could point me to cruise lines they recommend to the ABC Islands from the US. I would like to have a room with a balcony. Number of days is not a worry.  I know nothing about price and we all know if we can get around single supplements that would be grand. 

Thank you for any help you would like to offer. 

The whole north-ish side of the island has a barrier reef. In West Bay, it is very close to the sand; the further east-ish you get, the farther out it gets. If the snorkel spots are within 5 minutes of each other and you are starting in West Bay or West End, there is a good chance the tour is staying within the Roatan Marine Park. It runs from Sandy Bay's east-ish end to West Bay's opposite end. 

I have not been on any snorkel tours from West End or West Bay, so I don't know their stops.  One year, I took an inflatable kayak with me for my 8-week stay. I padded daily from West Bay to West End for four of those weeks. I padded the whole of Sandy Bay and snorkeled for an additional two weeks. I agree with post #2; it is all worth seeing.  However, I did not see a single shark or ray. I have only seen turtles before 9 am in West Bay and rays off of the Bite on the Beach dock. 

Your drift snorkel may be on the other side of the island...but I don't know. Can you email the operator and ask them where.. I may be able to help you sort it out. 

I just noticed two threads under this one talking about "Best" snorkeling.. one has a reference to a company doing a drift. 

Taxi on the island are not regulated which means if haggling is one of your skills and in Spanish, by all means, grab a cab at the port. If you go this route set a price for round-trip and pay when you return. 

A far more reliable way is to pay for a day pass at one of the resorts which includes transportation. Amenities will vary with the resort you choose. The websites have pics for reference. Infinty Bay, Mayan Princess, and Paradise Beach Club are popular if you want a pool as well. Beachers has very good food and I think still offers day passes but no pool. 

On a good day in normal traffic with no road construction, the time is about 20 mins, with variables, who knows? 

4 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

What cruise line are you sailing? This will determine which port you are at. Where do you want to go?

Oops, you are absolutely right...I forgot to take into account Carnival's Mahogany Bay. 

Wish the system would let me delete or at least edit my other post.  

I am a solo female traveler who has spent a heap of time on this island, wandering from end to end, side to side.  There is no way to know if you will be safe. I say this because I know how to behave as a guest in someone else's country. Those people who do not... who knows? Bad things happen the world over, and anyone who tells you without a doubt you will be safe is not doing you any favors. We are talking about an island off the coast of a third-world country; some fair, desperate people are around. 

The weather refuses to be predictable. I have seen very nice weather in Feb I have also seen northern storms with 6foot waves in West Bay. Unfortunately, you just have to take your chances. 

There are several websites offering historical weather but even they do not have a crystal ball. 

If you want almost guaranteed sun, have a look at the ABC islands, they are more arid. 

2 hours ago, lifes-a-beach said:

Sounds like Half Moon Bay near West End Village.  We did the same thing years ago with a Victor Bodden Driver. 

Hey, you could absolutely be right about this.  I don't remember red doors showers but the rest fits really well including the boat traffic.  Good show!!!

If so, the parking lot and stairs belong to Half Moon Bay Resort. 

19 hours ago, SamFaniam said:

My sister and I have a cruise stop in Roatan and she is going scuba diving. She has lots of experience with this and I do not, so I am not going.  I would like to tour Roatan and see some of the island and perhaps go to a beach resort. But, I am nervous about booking a non-cruise tour on my own.  Have any of you ever taken a tour with Victor Bodden on your own?  I have seen some other tour companies, but am not really interested in riding a bus with 50 other people.  Thanks for any insight. 

As a female solo traveler myself, I would prefer a female driver. Jezy, from Roatan Driver, is my current favorite.  She will do her level best make all your dreams come true.  

Mahogany Bay has a website with heaps of information including map

Yes, only guests of ships that dock there are allowed to use the amenities.  The beach is free with chairs unless you upgrade your experience. It is walkable from the ship. Or you can take the flying chairs part of the way. 

The food seems to be pretty standard excursion stuffs. There is a list of shops on the website. 

Sandfleas are individual to person, some people get eaten alive with repellent and some are not bothered at all. I recommend you go armed with a product that works for you and be happy if you don't need it. 

On 1/14/2024 at 7:14 PM, Karma23 said:

Hi Guest 2000,

Looking for pretty normal market stuff (coffee/tea, seasonings, sauces, snacks, jam, etc); handmade items would be a bonus 😊. How long is the drive time? Is the scenery/view/ drive better to Coxen Hole or French Harbor? Thanks for the info!!!

Your list save the handmade items can be found at either Eldon's. 

Drive time is a challange to pin down with construction. 

Ya know what ya might do is contact Roatan Driver....Jezy and her husband are delighted people who would be more than happy to make all your dreams come true. They can tell you what is available where, driver time and what additional view points she could fit in.  

There are heaps and heaps of private drivers on the island who would be more than happy to do exactly what you want to do.  My current favorite is a lady by the name of Jezy, she and her husband are drivers. The website is Roatan Driver.  

If your party wishes to stay together and those on the beach want to be able to track the snorkelers in the water, Infinity Bay Resort is your best choice for day pass. Paradise is the next closest place with easy access to reef snorkeling but ya have tonwalk down the beach, it maybe 3mins.

Snorkel gear is another thing, I would not use someone else's tooth brush so the idea of renting mask and snorkel on an sland off the coast of a third world county doesn't appeal.  Still, there have been people renting on the beach or dive shops.  I think I have heard whispers that someone was unable to find any because there were all being used, so take your chances there. 

I do not know this place.. 

There are several Roatan Facebook groups with many local members including drivers. Maybe one of them will recognize the place. 

13 hours ago, Karma23 said:

Hi Travelers,

How much should I expect to pay for a cab from the Mahogany Bay cruise pier to the Eldons Market in Coxen Hole? Is it any better to go to Eldons in French Harbor?

I don't know the price and it probably is not set. Haggle is always a thing on the island. The Eldon's in French Harbor is closer and the original.  I think yhe one is Coxen Hole is bigger.  I suppose the choice depends on what you are looking for.  

1 hour ago, crusinmomwithtwo said:

We are docking at Coxen Hole, so I was planning a private tour with one of the companies recommended on here, so I'm not actually sure what the location would be.  On the Victor Bodden website it just says Mayan Jungle Canopy. 

Ask the tour operator, as a guess they have heard and answered this question more than once.  Then pop back and let us know what they said.   😊

17 minutes ago, Laurenran said:

Has anyone seen sea turtles while snorkeling in Roatan? Trying to decide between a couple of different snorkeling excursions and want to pick one with higher chances of a turtle sighting. Thank you! 

I have seen turtles multiple times in West Bay.  But as you say....hard to know if they will be there when you are.