Bay Islands Suggestions for 2 week trip

[handben]

This summer I plan to spend 2 weeks in the Bay Island (end of June and beginning of July). The first week is pretty well set in stone in that we'll be in Utila taking Spanish classes and diving. I plan to dive for fun with my son while my wife and daughter take their advanced open water that week. I had planned to hop over to Roatan the second week for a change of pace and stay at the Bay Island Beach Resort and dive dive dive. However my brother-in-law and his wife and son are joining us and are not really resort type of folks. They will be getting certified that week in Utila (and taking Spanish classes as well).

My in-laws are avid travelers and like to get off the beaten path and get to know the local people, food, and customs. I guess I do as well; but I also love to dive as much as possible (5 dive a day is about right for me). They do not like to stay on the "tourist track". We don't need high end luxury and don't expect to be pampered; but a nice view of the water would be in order. I'm trying to decide whether to just stay on Utila or if heading to Roatan makes sense. I've never been to either island; but perhaps visiting the West End and being able to dive either the north or the south side of Roatan would still fit the bill. I'm curious to hear from folks who have first hand knowledge of the area what suggestions they have. Thanks to all for the great feed back from the scubaboard community. Ben

 

[billmosel]

Hi Ben.

You're asking a lot but I will try to give you my insight from my travels thru the Bay Islands.

On Roatan I have found that it is difficult to do 5 dives a day unless you're staying at either Coco View or Fantasy Island which are really "dive resorts" which I'm not sure if your non-diving friends would like. Maybe Fantasy Island would be better for the non-diving friends but you're going to have to make concessions to accommodate everybody.

West Bay is beautiful. It has probably the best beach on Roatan. But I don't believe you're going to be able to get 5 dives a day although I'm sure somebody might be able to guide you to an op that I'm not familiar with that will do 5. Staying there you will be able to get into the people and the culture there. Restaurants and local are more relevant here that if you stayed in one of the "dive resorts".

My vote would be for West Bay for everybody's concerns.

No matter what you will ENJOY your first visit to the Bay Islands. It's a great destination.

 

[handben]

Hi Ben.


On Roatan I have found that it is difficult to do 5 dives a day unless you're staying at either Coco View or Fantasy Island which are really "dive resorts" which I'm not sure if your non-diving friends would like....
My vote would be for West Bay for everybody's concerns.

No matter what you will ENJOY your first visit to the Bay Islands. It's a great destination.

Thanks Bill. I should clarify. 5 dives would be ideal - but I realize that isn't a realistic expectation. 3 dives a day is more in line with what I'm expecting. I'll look at West Bay though.

I see on their website that Bay Island Beach Resort closed on February first. Too bad... I am also looking at Marble Hill Farms - it seems to be off the beaten path.

 

[mmtndiver]

Handben,

BIBR has been closed for a year now. To bad it was nice place to stay with Spooky Channel for your shore dive. Ted and Cam ran a great dive operation. Anyone that attended the pig roast and crab race will miss them.

Mmtndiver

 

[billmosel]

Ben, when I go to West Bay I stay at bananarama. check them out... Bananarama Dive Our Eco Friendly Dive Center and Beach Front Resorts :: West Bay Beach Hotels. They do a extremely good job.

 

[Doc]

Really useful advice so far.

My in-laws are avid travelers and like to get off the beaten path and get to know the local people, food, and customs. I guess I do as well; but I also love to dive as much as possible (5 dive a day is about right for me). They do not like to stay on the "tourist track".

Roatan is the tourist track.

There is no available "local culture", not to the two week visitor. An "island vibe", however, is an available commodity.

The "island vibe"? On Roatan, it comes in two basic forms.

One is along the day-dive ops of West Bay, utilizing the guest houses and enjoying the bars and restaurants.

The other might be obtained from a secluded setting. The current leader there is RHR (Reef House) and this island rustic feel is still available at CCV (CoCoView).

These are both very isolated, so it depends on what you really want.

Other resorts are available, but they are trying to be more upscale and ritzy. The operative word is "trying". Some other resorts are a bit vague on dive operations.

Three a day, anywhere but at an AI is going to be a hump.

It is also a distinct consideration as to time of year for your trip. North and West operations can get fairly iffy from Sept thru February. South, not so much. Your trip should be fine anywhere on the island during June-July.

Each shoreline has its delights.

 

[georoc01]

Banarama also has a spanish class/diving combo that you might be interested in. I'd be interested in what you are doing in Utilla, as we have been looking into that on Roatan.

 

[BDSC]

I also loved BIBR and was disappointed when they closed. I called and spoke with Ted and asked who he would suggest to stay with that would be close to something like he had. He HIGHLY recommended Reef House Resort. Here is a link:

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So we stayed there last fall and it's all the reviews say it is. I know there are a lot of CocoView folks who love that place and I have stayed there myself and liked it as well, but for me, RHR was much better. The food was ABSOLUTELY better. The rooms were about the same but maybe a nod to CocoView but still the rooms were great. There are two rooms that are up some stairs and are adjoining rooms. Might want to ask for those. The diving was the best I have done on Roatan. The places they go are places only they go except for maybe one or two that overlap. I think Davit found 13 seahorses for the week. I found two myself. Many big green morays. A very good shore dive out front!

I doubt I'll ever go back to Roatan and stay somewhere other than RHR. It was that good to me and I've never met anyone that works as hard as Mike does to make sure you have a great time.

 

[bkpix]

Ditto for RHR. Going back this year for our 2nd time and can't wait. The only other reference I have on Roatan is a trip to Fantasy Island quite a few years ago. I think RHR has it beat in all aspects hands down!! I realize FI has done major renovations so my reference is dated.

I know that CoCo has it's fans that would not go anywhere else, and that's good to think about too.

RHR is quite small and isolated. The staff there become almost like family; they are that friendly and attentive.

 

[handben]

I appreciate all the feedback and tips. I'm favoring the Reef House Resort - I just have to convince the rest of the group. I am also intrigued by the Marble Hill Farm - but there are almost no reviews here (a couple on tripadviser). Any first hand knowledge would be great.