Another first timer to Fantasy Island

[formernuke]

As most of you already know I'm going to Fantasy Island for the first time january 6-13. I had a couple of questions that I have not found on other threads though I'm sure they are there I havn't found them. (I know about the bug repellant already)

Is anyone else going to be there during this time frame?

Not only is this my first time to Roaton, it is also my first dive vacation, I'm a New England shore diver normally. Are then any tips/ etiquette rules for making the trip easir, more enjoyable and not pissing off my fellow divers.

If I want to do shore night dives, is there a way I can rinse and put my gear away? (I'm thinking this is a stupid question or people wouldn't do them, but Im asking it anywise)

And in general any advice not covered in the above.

 

[adjuster-jd]

As for tipping at FI - I tip based on service received - in the past have given the captain and DM $35 to $40 each. Gave a few (around $10) bucks to our usual staff in the dining room.

For shore diving - they close the gear storage room at 8 PM. If you end your shore dive before that (well more like 7:30 or so) you can catch a ride in the skiff back from the gazebo (shore dive entry area) to the dock. At that point you will have the rinse bins there as well as a hose. They do lock up at 8 so they guys want you to be done by then. After 8, the rinse bins and hose are still there as they are out on the dock area, but you would not be able to get in the storage room and would have to take your gear back to your room. (depending on what room you are in will determine how long a walk it is back from the gazebo). If you end your shore dive after 7:45 or so, you will need to walk back to your room with your gear (you leave the tanks at the gazebo). You can (as above) walk down to the dive dock and rinse out your gear but you will need to keep it in your room that night.
Hope this helps.

 

[Cajuncru Diver]

Just be yourself, relax and I am sure you will be fine. As soon as you are assigned to a boat, let the divemaster know your experience and comfort level and if you are a single and don't have a buddy he will probably either be your buddy or try to pair you up with someone of similar experience. Once you are assigned your place on the boat that will be your place for the week so don't try to move around on the boat if you get there earlier than the other divers. When diving make sure to stay off the reef, and when the divemaster finds that neat stuff to look at, go over take a good look and then move past so the other divers can move in and see what's there. I am sure you will have a wonderful time diving in Roatan, but be careful because you are very likely to become "hooked"!! Any specific questions you have about FI just PM me and I'll be happy to try to answer them for you.

 

[CajunDiva]

As most of you already know I'm going to Fantasy Island for the first time january 6-13. I had a couple of questions that I have not found on other threads though I'm sure they are there I havn't found them. (I know about the bug repellant already)

Is anyone else going to be there during this time frame?

Not only is this my first time to Roaton, it is also my first dive vacation, I'm a New England shore diver normally. Are then any tips/ etiquette rules for making the trip easir, more enjoyable and not pissing off my fellow divers.

If I want to do shore night dives, is there a way I can rinse and put my gear away? (I'm thinking this is a stupid question or people wouldn't do them, but Im asking it anywise)

And in general any advice not covered in the above.

Hi Nuke -

My hubby (Cajuncrudiver) and I are frequent visitors to Fantasy Island. We absolutely love the place. The first thing you need to know is that you are going to have a GREAT dive trip!

Other than the advice you have already been given, you should consider a couple of practical things. Be sure to pack things you MIGHT need if something comes up while you're in a third world country...specifically be sure you pack Immodium! Be careful to only drink the water that is placed in the pitcher in your refrigerator or is served to you at the restaurant or on the dive boat. When you brush your teeth, be sure to use the water out of the pitcher also. It's very easy to slip up and potentially miss a couple of dives. I also pack a good antibiotic in case it becomes necessary. (May be a little overboard, but I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it)

We visit F.I. fairly frequently, so please feel free to send any questions our way...we're always happy to help out

 

[CajunDiva]

As for tipping at FI - I tip based on service received - in the past have given the captain and DM $35 to $40 each. Gave a few (around $10) bucks to our usual staff in the dining room.

This year has been INCREDIBLY hard for the people of Roatan. Business has dropped off by about 75%. Some of the DM's and boat captains have gone weeks without working.

I look at tipping (currently) as an offering. I take as much money as I can spare and make sure to tip everyone I can and tip generously. This includes the lady who cleans our room every day, the servers at EVERY meal, the dive shop personnel, the dive master and the boat captain...and anybody else who does anything for me.

I think 2010 will be a much better year for Roatan, but until then all of those loyal employees still take GREAT care of us while we're there. The least I can do is tip them the absolute best I possibly can.

 

[formernuke]

I thought of some specifics, do i need elecrictial converts for my camera and battery recharger?

You guys mention tipping, what is considered a good tip/ bad/ (In some countries I've visited a tip is considered an insult) I know it's up to service but most places and industry's have a "norm"

If some thing does happen are there medical facilities close by?

Is there an ATM on sight or do I need to bring money and get in converted at the airport if there is one what are the fees for using it?

I'm looking forward to the trip, around here 10' vis is good and 20 is omg.

 

[CajunDiva]

I thought of some specifics, do i need elecrictial converts for my camera and battery recharger?

Nope...no converters necessary - their power is the same as ours.

You guys mention tipping, what is considered a good tip/ bad/ (In some countries I've visited a tip is considered an insult) I know it's up to service but most places and industry's have a "norm"

We leave $1 per couple at each meal. We tip the DM and boat captain minimum $50 each and leave money in the tip jar at the dive shop. We also leave $1 on our pillow each morning for the cleaning lady. I don't know if this is considered "good", but it is certainly appreciated! We get hugs and are called by name on each visit...

If some thing does happen are there medical facilities close by?

Yes, there are medical facilities on the island, including a chamber.

Is there an ATM on sight or do I need to bring money and get in converted at the airport if there is one what are the fees for using it?

There is an ATM at the airport if you feel the need to exchange money. We have been to Fantasy Island at least 12 times and have never exchanged any money. Just about anyone will accept (and probably prefer!) your dollars. When we are at FI, we charge everything to our room and settle up with a credit card at the end of the week.

I'm looking forward to the trip, around here 10' vis is good and 20 is omg.

You'll think you're seeing forever in Roatan :cool3:


Feel free to keep the questions coming...I could talk about Fantasy Island all day - in fact, we've got two free flights (credit card points) so you're really making me decide to go back...SOON

 

[formernuke]

I take it the 50 is for the week right? how about for getting on and off the boat, should i bring a knit type bag for bringing stuff on and off the boat or is there a better way?

Does anyone know what type of regulators they can service, I plan to bring kits with me just in case.

 

[Cajuncru Diver]

I take it the 50 is for the week right? how about for getting on and off the boat, should i bring a knit type bag for bringing stuff on and off the boat or is there a better way?

Does anyone know what type of regulators they can service, I plan to bring kits with me just in case.

Yes the tipping rate quoted is for the entire week.
As far as needing a bag, not really. The storage lockers are right at the dive boats dock, so you really don't have to be "lugging" gear around. It's all just a few steps apart.
FI is a five star PADI shop, so they can generally help you if during the week you have a problem with your gear. Pretty much able to service most of the common regulators but it is certainly a good plan to bring a kit in case something is needed.

 

[CajunDiva]

how about for getting on and off the boat, should i bring a knit type bag for bringing stuff on and off the boat or is there a better way?

If you need to bring little things on the boat like sunscreen, mask defogger, etc. a small bag might be a good idea. There is a spot on the boat you can put dry things.

But as far as your dive gear, that's not a problem. The locker room is only steps behind the boat. Just get to the boat a few minutes early and get your gear set up. Then all you'll have to remember before the boat leaves is your mask, fins, camera, etc.