Holiday in Roatan (new to Scuba)

[bushrider]

My Girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Roatan for one week.

1) Getting there. It seems like the only convent option is the direct flight from Houston to Roatan, which is on Saturdays only (We are from NYC).

Are there any other options that would allow us to leave on say Friday and return Monday to give us a little more time that doesn't involve long stop overs?

2) We will have 6 days is this enough time to do the Open Water PADI course a few dives and still have a relaxing Holiday?

Generally how long does the course take, is it difficult?
Will it require study and early morning starts?
Are the courses offered by resorts like (Luna Beach) professionally taught and safe?

3) Accommodation: We have been looking at the web sites of various places. We would something fairly up market preferably without lots of children. The Luna Beach Resort looks pretty good.

Any recommendations other recommendations of accommodation or diving outfits would be appreciated.

FYI we have both been snorkeling and are good swimmers.

Thanks in Advance,

Ben and Olga

 

[Doc]

1) Getting there. It seems like the only convent option is the direct flight from Houston to Roatan, which is on Saturdays only (We are from NYC).

I think they run out of Miami on Sundays.

Are there any other options that would allow us to leave on say Friday and return Monday to give us a little more time that doesn't involve long stop overs?

Yes, from Houston there are weekday flights to Central America where you can then head North into the islands. It's not ideal, but...

2) We will have 6 days is this enough time to do the Open Water PADI course a few dives and still have a relaxing Holiday?

Short answer: Maybe deffinitely yes and no. Standard reply: do all the pool work and pre-study the book, do every quiz- then do the open water referral in paradise.

Take two weeks. We always do.

 

[undefined]

1. I agree with Doc on taking two weeks. The easiest way to do Roatan is Saturday to Saturday. Direct flights go out of Houston and Atlanta on Saturdays. Miami on Sundays, I believe, through TACA.

2. Do your pool work and classwork at an LDS where you are at. Take your referral forms with you to Roatan and complete your four checkout dives there. These will take two days. That leaves you with 4 days (more realistically three) to dive post-OW.

3. See other threads about Luna Beach. I, personally, would not stay there, but that is just me. If you want a dive resort, go to Cocoview, AKR, BIBR, or FI. If you want a hotel, find one in West End or West Bay and dive with one of the local dive ops. We like Coconut Tree for a dive op, but you would likely get good service from many of the local ops such as Native Sons, West End Divers, and many others. One good option is to pick a place where you want to be (West End, West Bay, etc.) and book a room. When you get there you won't be diving on your first day, so walk the main drag on either West End or West Bay and interview a few shops. Be sure you like who you are dealing with before you commit to doing your dives with them.

 

[Praxus]

Just to give some perspective; I did my open water recently in four days in mexico, which seemed to be the typical time. Those four days were quite busy, between watching the dvds, reading the book, pool courses, and open water dives.

So I'd say six days is fine, if you don't mind spending a lot of that time working on your cert. Sitting on the beach reading the PADI manual isn't such a sacrifice anyways

One thing, don't forget that you can't dive the day before you leave (no diving < 24 hrs before flying) so you may only have 5 days.

 

[Roatan Marine Park]

If NYC implies New York, Continental fly direct from Newark to Roatan at a reasoanable price

 

[bushrider]

All very useful information.
We would like to spend 2 weeks but we only get 2 weeks of leave annually so it&#8217;s a tough call.

We will investigate the flight from Newark and If we end up only going for 1 week we will probably do all our theory and pool stuff in NYC before we go.

One more thing, I get the impression that doing the theory and pool part of the PADI cert and getting a referral for the open water practice is a standard thing.
Is this the case?

Thanks again for all the help,

Ben and Olga

FYI the flights to/from Newark are on Saturday.

 

[NorthernShrinkage]

Just got back from Roatan last night and would fully agree with undefined do your pool and class work at home that way you can enjoy more of your time away.

We stayed at Fantasy Island again and would not reccomend it we stayed there 2 years ago and they have done very little in 2 years to improve the resort and in my opinion the dive operation has gone downhill the majority of the dive staff have become bored with there job and the level of service shows it.

 

[UndrWatrDan]

You can fly in to San Pedro Sula from many cities and take a hopper to Roatan. American airlines and several others fly into San Pedro Sula and there are several flights daily to Roatan.

 

[buni]

I believe this is the most recent schedules:
Delta flies direct to Roatan from Atlanta on Saturday and Sunday;
Continental flies direct to Roatan from Houston (IAH) on Saturday and Sunday;
TACA (United partner) direct to Roatan from Miami on Weds and Sundays.
We usually stay in private housing (ours) and dive with Inn of Last Resort. The gear has been updated this year, I've noticed, and as usual, the dive staff is eager to please and are responsible and responsive. Rates are extremely competitive. ($15 each for 10 dives, + a little extra for gear rental.) Food is great there -- they do all inclusive or meals or dives -- your call. Nice folks.

Our little development is off the beaten path (Extreme west end of Sandy Bay) and we usually stay there unless it's booked. Condos. Contact me if you are interested in more info. Pool, Pier, HughesNet Satellite Internet, Hughes DirecTV, Live-on Watchman, Landscaping (please pick the flowers if you like), etc, etc.

 

[citydiver]

My husband and I have been to Roatan twice and stayed both times at CCV...just a fantastic resort, the service is wonderful and the diving was amazing. We flew out of New York City and if you are doing the same I would highly suggest either the Continental flight from Newark nonstop to Roatan on Sat..or the Delta from Atlanta...We did the San Pedro Sula connection the first time and it was a nightmare..

Definatley get all your pool work done and book work done first, at home. Have a great time..enjoy the diving!