Everyone has always been so helpful in our journeys, we finally write a trip report - Chicago to Roatan, August 2009:
TACA - all flights on time except the last-San Pedro Sula to Roatan flight, 5 hour delay. I'd advise anyone flying the ORD-Guatemala-San Salvador-San Pedro-Roatan route to ask about departure flights often when you get to the San Pedro airport. Once our flight was delayed, we almost missed the new flight due to lack of announcements in English that we could understand. Our fault -we have to brush up on our Spanish!
Return flights were all on time and we actually enjoyed visiting the San Salvador and Guatemala City airports.
Many may prefer the more direct routes from the US
Infinity Bay - I'd give them 5 stars out of 5. We rented from a private owner thru VRBO. Our particular unit was sparse as far as dishes, glasses, basic spices, pots and pans, etc. are concerned. We met some other owners during our stay and they have upgraded the amenities in their units; will stay with them in the future. We had 3 people in a one bedroom/one bath unit which was a little small, fine for a couple, well do a 2 bdrm next time. The bar and restaurant at Infinity were great. Excellent bartenders and servers, with reasonable prices. Hit these folks up for tips on diving and fishing, etc., they know the reputable locals. Seafood pasta at Infinity was great, tasty chix wings and a good breakfast.
Diving - we haven't been diving in a while so we took our time in talking with various dive shops. After talking with Ocean Connections they were the right place for us. Silvio and Rowan were just terrific and went above and beyond for us. We had an awesome refresher shore dive with Rowan, he pointed out shrimps, lobsters, etc. On the boat dive eels and turtles were spotted. I just cant say enough good things about these guys.
Snorkeling - was outstanding just to the left of Infinity Bay. Buoys mark the spots. Saw the biggest parrotfish Ive ever seen. They were huge. Saw a ray, huge lobster, xmas tree worms, shrimps, etc . just a wonderland!
Cruise ships - we were really only affected by a ship on Wednesday. The area gets crowded but you get a chance to educate the cruisers about the island.
Dining/Drinking West End Eagle Rays was a nice spot, but food was average at best, we enjoyed the Argentinian place twice, good value, food was above average. Pizza at Shark Dive was unusual, but great and you could make your slice your own with all the different toppings.Loved Sundowners for cocktails, very reasonable.
West Bay see above regarding Infinity. Celestes Baleadas were yummy and her parrots are entertaining, Cool Beans has great sandwiches, Fosters was good as well. Bite on the Beach has great apps, cool t-shirts and very friendly advice about the Island in general (we didnt get a chance to have dinner ), Bananarama has the best bar entertainment on West Bay and Tim has our vote for best bartender along with Carlos at Infinity.
Rental Car -We rented through Hertz and our service person at the airport was the best. Driving around was a little hairy ( we did come to a screaming halt so a horse could cross the road in Flowers Bay), but we thought our rate, around $188/week was worth it. We toured the Island, shopped for groceries and were able to stop at spots we saw along the way. (we found The New York bakery for a great breakfast in French Harbor and The View was a great place to stop for lunch or a cocktail ). A driver or taxi may be fine for those who are uncomfortable driving crazy, hilly roads with equally crazy local drivers.
Roatan is one of the nicer Islands that weve been to. We still have a lot wed like to see and explore in Roatan and well be definitely visit again.
TACA - all flights on time except the last-San Pedro Sula to Roatan flight, 5 hour delay. I'd advise anyone flying the ORD-Guatemala-San Salvador-San Pedro-Roatan route to ask about departure flights often when you get to the San Pedro airport. Once our flight was delayed, we almost missed the new flight due to lack of announcements in English that we could understand. Our fault -we have to brush up on our Spanish!
Return flights were all on time and we actually enjoyed visiting the San Salvador and Guatemala City airports.
Many may prefer the more direct routes from the US
Infinity Bay - I'd give them 5 stars out of 5. We rented from a private owner thru VRBO. Our particular unit was sparse as far as dishes, glasses, basic spices, pots and pans, etc. are concerned. We met some other owners during our stay and they have upgraded the amenities in their units; will stay with them in the future. We had 3 people in a one bedroom/one bath unit which was a little small, fine for a couple, well do a 2 bdrm next time. The bar and restaurant at Infinity were great. Excellent bartenders and servers, with reasonable prices. Hit these folks up for tips on diving and fishing, etc., they know the reputable locals. Seafood pasta at Infinity was great, tasty chix wings and a good breakfast.
Diving - we haven't been diving in a while so we took our time in talking with various dive shops. After talking with Ocean Connections they were the right place for us. Silvio and Rowan were just terrific and went above and beyond for us. We had an awesome refresher shore dive with Rowan, he pointed out shrimps, lobsters, etc. On the boat dive eels and turtles were spotted. I just cant say enough good things about these guys.
Snorkeling - was outstanding just to the left of Infinity Bay. Buoys mark the spots. Saw the biggest parrotfish Ive ever seen. They were huge. Saw a ray, huge lobster, xmas tree worms, shrimps, etc . just a wonderland!
Cruise ships - we were really only affected by a ship on Wednesday. The area gets crowded but you get a chance to educate the cruisers about the island.
Dining/Drinking West End Eagle Rays was a nice spot, but food was average at best, we enjoyed the Argentinian place twice, good value, food was above average. Pizza at Shark Dive was unusual, but great and you could make your slice your own with all the different toppings.Loved Sundowners for cocktails, very reasonable.
West Bay see above regarding Infinity. Celestes Baleadas were yummy and her parrots are entertaining, Cool Beans has great sandwiches, Fosters was good as well. Bite on the Beach has great apps, cool t-shirts and very friendly advice about the Island in general (we didnt get a chance to have dinner ), Bananarama has the best bar entertainment on West Bay and Tim has our vote for best bartender along with Carlos at Infinity.
Rental Car -We rented through Hertz and our service person at the airport was the best. Driving around was a little hairy ( we did come to a screaming halt so a horse could cross the road in Flowers Bay), but we thought our rate, around $188/week was worth it. We toured the Island, shopped for groceries and were able to stop at spots we saw along the way. (we found The New York bakery for a great breakfast in French Harbor and The View was a great place to stop for lunch or a cocktail ). A driver or taxi may be fine for those who are uncomfortable driving crazy, hilly roads with equally crazy local drivers.
Roatan is one of the nicer Islands that weve been to. We still have a lot wed like to see and explore in Roatan and well be definitely visit again.
