bananarama or Las rocas?

[Heifina]

Hello guys,
I am new to the board. I am planning a trip in april to Roatan and Utila. For roatan we have it narrowed down to either Las rochas or Bananarama. The three main factors, are the diving operations (we are new divers, just certified last summer), the beach and snorkeling, and the accomodations. I have read reviews in this forum for both, but I still can't decide. Does anyone prefer one over the other or have any reviews or comments?

Thanks,

Heifina

 

[smokey braden]

heifina,
welcome to this board.
you are in the right place to find info on diving.
there's a gentleman named roatanman on this board who is very knowledgable about roatan, who could answer all y'alls questions.
there is also a nice lady named dee who could do the same for you.
good luck, have a great trip and give us a trip report when you return.
regards

 

[hil71]

stayed at Las Rocas back in December - we also looked at Bananarama - cant remember why i didnt choose it. Really liked Las Rocas - good big rooms round a nice garden - really friendly staff and good dive team who i learned alot from especially Ricardo who was a good teacher and DM. Some really nice dives infront of the hotel and regular boat into West End. Also not to far to walk during the day. We were also picked up at the airport (think most resorts do that) . The restaurant was ok - and there is a great one next door (actually its basically on the property - a big boat! We struck it lucky and had a great group of people who were all really friendly and we are still in touch. It;s small but not to small, if you'd like to see some photos go to
http://www.msnusers.com/roatandec2004/roatandec2004

Have a fun trip
Hilary
ps if you want more info email me on hilary_buchan@hotmail.com

 

[Bay Island Diver]

Personally I would choose Las Rocas without hesitation. Check out www.bayislandsdiver.com for lots more info on Roatan.

 

[Heifina]

Thanks guys. We actually changed gears and we are going to stay at Foster's now. We may still dive with bananarama though. I will be sure to give you a report when I get back

 

[Shrew]

Hey Heifina

I didn't realize you started this thread. It's fun to see you around here. Maybe I'll bump into you more in the future. Since I'm typing, and another poster mentioned Roatanman, I'd like to bring up my first experience diving.

We dove on a sandy bottom w/ spotty reefs off Grand Bahama for our first open water dives. We did have fun swiming around a bit, but for about 10 minutes we laid suspended in the water focusing on a coral patch. I remember feeling how amazing it was to watch life pass me by on the reef. The tiny creatures living their lives right infront of our eyes. We saw so much that we could never see snorkeling. Roatanman mentions bringing a 10x magnifying glass to roatan. I'm looking forward to seeing the little things. Seeing the little things on our first dives is partly what made them so memorable. So was the medatitive floating, weightless and still.

 

[kent_1848]

Thanks guys. We actually changed gears and we are going to stay at Foster's now. We may still dive with bananarama though. I will be sure to give you a report when I get back

We went last year, and dove with Bananarama, but didn't stay there. We dove with Anja and Lieber, both were excellent! I would ask for them personally. Have a good time!