Thinking about Roatan for Next Year - Where to Stay?

[Doc]

I was there is 2007, wonder why they closed it?

Costs of ongoing maintenance, needed immediate repairs, staffing and overall redundancy due to the pre-existing operational chamber at AKR.

It was installed, as many things are on Roatan, as pure bling and bragging rights.

Reality always sets-in after actual operational costs are recognized. FIBR has had a number of such forays into similar arenas, beginning with dredging up the disaster of Roatan's first man-made beach ruining their shore dive. They went through the sailboat & PWC rentals and even tried to create a dive site by sinking a massive cargo ship in an un-diveable location.

The same DNA recently paid a Utah chairlift company to install a 4 place ski lift to run pod people 1/4 mile across a mangrove from the Cruise Ship to the beach.

Roatan can be a funny place if you watch long enough.

Casinos, submarines, airport landing lights, paved roads and airstrips, radio stations, water supply, mangrove cutting restrictions, electrical power.... stuff that tourists never notice because the joke takes so long to tell and is drawn out~ kind of a "shaggy dog" story.

 

[ncchuck]

I have the feeling that many of you have never had the need to visit a doctor, nurse or clinic in Roatan or Bonaire. Roatan has a few volunteer run clinics that can certainly handle everyday accidents or sickness. The hospital is a little scary but the clinics work very well for those willing to use them. Anthony's Keys has excellent medical facilities. I used a public volunteer clinic on the for north east end and received excellent care for a severe bleed from recently installed stitches that broke loose in the salt water. The repair was $10.
I visited the clinic/hospital on Bonaire once and the only problem was that we needed two people to get the proper translations. I even went back for a follow up a couple days later and met with an English speaking doctor that made additional recommendations for followup visits back in the states. I think the total bill for both visits was $23.
I for one wouldn't hestitate to dive a location just because it didn't have a "world class" hospital or clinic. I would have missed the best dives of my life if I hadn't been on several liveaboards that have only emergency first aid equipment.
By the way there are at least two medical facilities on the tiny island of Utila that provide excellent care for routine injuries and sickness.

 

[CODMAN]

Here in many canadian cities it takes 5 minutes to get to world class care... Then 7-8 hours to get sorted and actually see a doctor... So places like Roatan are no sweat to us tough canucks!!!:cool2:

I have the feeling that many of you have never had the need to visit a doctor, nurse or clinic in Roatan or Bonaire. Roatan has a few volunteer run clinics that can certainly handle everyday accidents or sickness. The hospital is a little scary but the clinics work very well for those willing to use them. Anthony's Keys has excellent medical facilities. I used a public volunteer clinic on the for north east end and received excellent care for a severe bleed from recently installed stitches that broke loose in the salt water. The repair was $10.
I visited the clinic/hospital on Bonaire once and the only problem was that we needed two people to get the proper translations. I even went back for a follow up a couple days later and met with an English speaking doctor that made additional recommendations for followup visits back in the states. I think the total bill for both visits was $23.
I for one wouldn't hestitate to dive a location just because it didn't have a "world class" hospital or clinic. I would have missed the best dives of my life if I hadn't been on several liveaboards that have only emergency first aid equipment.
By the way there are at least two medical facilities on the tiny island of Utila that provide excellent care for routine injuries and sickness.

 

[waterfaerie]

First of all, PROPS to paradise for planning a dive trip 1 year ahead! and thank you so much for posting MY EXACT thoughts and questions regarding where to stay in Roatan. I wish I was that organized, I always seem to be planning my trips less than a month before I actually leave!

I also am a single traveller going to Roatan/Utila to dive from Jan 25-Feb 8 (YES! in 2 weeks!! i know...). After this insightful summary by all (thanks!) I am highly considering CCV now for a week and a combo of Cocolobos/Coconut Tree divers plus some time on Utila +cayes....

so much diving so little time!

ps: i Loved your summary of the "qualitative factors" LOL!

 

[robint]

First of all, PROPS to paradise for planning a dive trip 1 year ahead! and thank you so much for posting MY EXACT thoughts and questions regarding where to stay in Roatan. I wish I was that organized, I always seem to be planning my trips less than a month before I actually leave!

I also am a single traveller going to Roatan/Utila to dive from Jan 25-Feb 8 (YES! in 2 weeks!! i know...). After this insightful summary by all (thanks!) I am highly considering CCV now for a week and a combo of Cocolobos/Coconut Tree divers plus some time on Utila +cayes....

so much diving so little time!

ps: i Loved your summary of the "qualitative factors" LOL!

If you are considering CCV, you better call and make sure they have room. It is only 26 rooms and they are usually booked full well in advance. :shocked2: With the slow economy they may have space, but no guarantees. Call... Reservations: 1-800-282-8932

 

[theorikle1968]

cocoview is very good for a begining diver the 2 to 3 inch waves at the entry point are a killer