Roatan compared to Cozumel?

[CODMAN]

Form what you've written, I think you've made a sound choice. I'm sure you gals will have a blast!

We're off to CCV! It was hard to give up the pool, free beer and that nice beach at FIBR, but after a bit of research we just felt CCV had a few more amenities that would make our vacation more enjoyable. I know someone will ask.... specifically, the ease of shore diving, more consistent reviews of room and food quality and what sounds like a tad better service.

Now don't ya'll start another flame! I've never been to either place so I don't (and won't) know the "truth". I can only go by what I can glean from the 100's of reviews here and around the web. I don't believe that either choice would have resulted in anything but a great dive vacation.

Thanks to all for your input and advice. We're counting the days! Anyone else going to be done there Aug 14-21?

 

[robint]

I think you will be happy with your choice.
We expect a full trip report with photos when you get back!!!

robin

 

[saramanouch]

I'm a new diver - I did my Open Water in Roatan in April, and I LOVED it. Naturally, I can't compare, but my friend who had gone diving all over the world thought it was amazing.
I'm going to Cozumel in 2 weeks, and hope I will enjoy it just as much.
I dove w/ Reef Gliders, and was truly impressed w/ them.
I stayed at Casa Del Sol, and that was very nice as well...

just my two cents on Roatan, even though I don't have other diving experiences to compare it to...

 

[Scuba J]

wow I needed that info thanks I will be going on a cruise in Oct 2010 to Cozumel and Roatan and was wondering where to go since my wife is only allowing me one day of Diving on this cruise (she is scared of diving and will not join me under water) I have been leening towards Roatan I defenetly want to do a wreck dive and have found info on some good ones in Roatan any sudgestions you all can share with me

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

wow I needed that info thanks I will be going on a cruise in Oct 2010 to Cozumel and Roatan and was wondering where to go since my wife is only allowing me one day of Diving on this cruise (she is scared of diving and will not join me under water) I have been leening towards Roatan I defenetly want to do a wreck dive and have found info on some good ones in Roatan any sudgestions you all can share with me

When I stay at Anthonys Key they have their large boat filled with cruise ship divers once a week. I'm not sure if that's something you sign up for on the cruise ship but I believe it is. There are nice sites to dive there and a couple of wrecks too.

 

[rayaa3]

wow - this thread is becoming less fun all the time.

So I've been to Cozumel a few times, and am in Roatan, staying at fibr right now.

the diving is from moored boats - there is no drift like cozumel

the southside is windward - that means this week between 3ft -5ft seas, however, the boat rides are short - so it's not that big of a deal, and the underwater surge is quite minimal. I'm told it's not always like this.

the fish life is less abundant (for anything over 24 inches in length) - however, the coral is MUCH MORE abundant - with more variety of corals and sponges, whips, fans, etc Also - there are many more smaller critters around - you just need to look for them.

the vis is a bit less - though it's good enough not to matter much, 60-80ft depending on site, and time of day, orientation of the sun to the wall you are diving

I feel dives are much more independant than cozumel - you dive your own profile - just come back with some air left, and please don't get bent.

The biggest initial adjustment is planning your dive so that you conservative enough to make it back to the boat with some margin of safety. In cozumel when the air is up, you make a safety stop - hit the surface - and the boat picks you up (drift diving).

We are loving it here.

 

[rayaa3]

Iron Shore, Mr. Bud, and Gold Chain site dive pics:
Ray Aslin's Photos - Roatan 6142010 dive pics | Facebook
fibr hotel pics:
Ray Aslin's Photos - Fantasy Island Surface Pics Roatan 6142010 | Facebook

forgive the amateur photography

 

[CajunDiva]

Nice shots...thanks so much for sharing them

MORE PLEASE :kiss2:

 

[robint]

rayaslin - you hit the nail on the head, comparing Coz and Roatan, IMHO. It is exactly why we loved Roatan - diving freedom! I love Cozumel, really had a good trip there a few months ago, but the boat dives, having to follow a pack of divers and getting dragged along by the current isn't great for a videographer. Roatan, OTOH, you can do your own thing just be back at boat in 60 minutes so they can do a SI and get to another site before lunch or dinner.

robin

 

[CODMAN]

My general advice for anyone going to Roatan is stay at an AI other than AKR and not stay in West End or West Bay. Avoid any expats working there, except those that own or manage businesses. The place will be a whole lot better when the Honduran Immigration authorities finish the job and get rid of these kids from rich countries who are stealing jobs from the poor Hondurans. You don't get good service out of them because they think work is interfering with their extended vacation. The AI's (other than AKR) don't employ very many expats. They tend to be concentrated in West End/Bay.

I wish there were more divers/ travelers like this... That way places like Roatan would stay authentic like the way they are presently...