3 College kids

[newdiver3]

My two friends and I would love to get away from this cold weather up here in scranton, pa and go somewhere. I went to Roatan last March with my dad and lovedd it! But we stayed at Anthony's and thats definately out of our price range for three college kids. I dive but my two friends don't and they'll be fine with just a little beach.
I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for us for a nice little budget trip for a few days during Christmas break. Would like to stay in West End. Thanks!

 

[driftwood]

Will's site is the best I have found, Dive Bay Islands. Never met him or been to Roatan, but I like the way he talks.

 

[sand diver]

I would stay in West End! Bars, resturants, nightlife, beaches, easy acess to West bay beach. My recommendation would be Casa Del Sol for accomadation. They offer a variety of different rooms. Its just on the enterance to West End so is very central! As for diving, I believe there are minimum agreed prices in West End. Dives are $25. So don't look at shops in terms of price, rather in terms of quality of equipment, staff and safety. I always dive with Coconut Tree Divers.

 

[DeputyDan]

Are you looking at Roatan only!

If it were me I would contact Liz on this board and see what she could do for you on Bonaire.

She owns the golden Reef Inn there and does packages.

 

[newdiver3]

thanks guys!
and deputy dan...yes we're only looking at Roatan right now because since I've been there my parents would be more comfortable with me going there. I never really thought about Bonaire though since I'm the only one that dives I thought Bonaire might be too diving orientated.
The one thing thats killing us right now is the air fare

 

[IceBergSlim]

Last time I was on Roatan there was a place you could rent a hammock on the beach for like $2 a night.

Cannot recall the place but it was near AKR.

That was around 2001 so by now it must have skyrocketed to at least $3.

Might be worth a look.

 

[driftwood]

thanks guys!
and deputy dan...yes we're only looking at Roatan right now because since I've been there my parents would be more comfortable with me going there. I never really thought about Bonaire though since I'm the only one that dives I thought Bonaire might be too diving orientated.
The one thing thats killing us right now is the air fare

Bonaire is VERY dive oriented and not much else. The diving on Bonaire is FANTASTIC! For air fare get to Houston (IAH). Costs are same from Houston to Roatan as either Cozumel or Cancun on Continental.

 

[sand diver]

Try americanairlines to San Pedro- pretty cheap from Miami and then get the $100 domestic flight or go by bus and boat. Taca is also pretty cheap as is spirit air (although the arrival and departure times aren't great!)

I'm not to sure the hammock place exists anymore! Otherwise it would be he best deal on the island!

 

[pir8]

Could always try Grand Cayman

 

[dvrliz1]

Ok, time for me to chime in...actually bonaire is MORE than dive oriented! Your non dive friends could do cave snorkeling and or exploring, rapelling, mangrove kayaking, try windsurfing and kite surfing, land sailing (see pic below) which is REALLY cool.... also, they have a few good bands at quite a few places at night...a small casino (if you are 21 or older), great restaurants, guided snorkel trips, explore diving (a 1/2 day program) to see if they would like diving, also parasailing, fishing...so much!

Liz