First trip to Roatan

[rainmaker]

I've been once (2 weeks in June 2007).

A good question to ask your hotel is "Do you have a back-up generator?". Whether they do or don't, I'd still take a small flashlight with extra batteries. Matches and candles can be purchased locally.

I'd put my toothbrush, food items and any eating utensils where flying and crawling insects can't get to them at night. Personally, I think that not doing this is one of the main reasons for "Roatan Tummy". I'd bring anti-diarrhea pills. I'd also buy a couple of bottles of 100% DEET at Wal-Mart before I go.

When buying fruit from a vendor, I'd watch for a while and see what the locals are being charged before I made a purchase.

When departing, I wouldn't go through Security until just before my flight departed (when I was there, ventilation at the airport was minimal, and folks were having a bad time with the heat. You couldn't go outside into fresh air without backtracking through Security). Even if everyone says that the departure tax is $32, be prepared to pay $33.19.

 

[adjuster-jd]

As for bug repellant, consider Cactus Juice - much more friendly to the environment. Be careful of DEET and dive or camera gear (wetsuits included) as DEET can damage plastic.

 

[diver 85]

Good, I'd say. He was in the process of adding eight rooms (thereby doubling the size of the place) when I was there in February last year. The "big" boat was out of commission, so we dove from pangas.

Nothing new with the big boat then, it used to always be out....lol.....glad he's doing 'good'..need to get by & visit with him our next trip in...

 

[eponym]

Rainmaker's post reminds me--if you use a battery recharger (with an HID canister light, for example) you'll want a surge suppressor. The local power was so dirty it blew the internal fuse on my recharger the first time I plugged it in. The whole unit had to be replaced. Belkin and others make small single-outlet suppressors. I've found 'em at my local Staples.

 

[jiminmd]

My wife and I just got back 2/9 from our sixth trip. The power outages are not happening as frequently. Therefore the airport is not as bad as mentioned. The diving is as easy as it gets short boat rides, clear warm water and lots of neat creatures to check out. It does not matter if you dive on the north or south side, it is all good. The shark dive is great fun. The west end is a good place for cold beer and cheap food. A trip to the hole in the wall is quite an experience. There are a couple zip line canopy tours. their fun to do. The zip line over west bay ends near a wild life park. It has birds and monkeys and they give a brief history of the island and its people. I heard there is a new wildlife park that recently opened. Keep an open mind, be friendly you will have a great time.