Roatan Certification 12/15 - 12/22

[yingmiki]

Hello,

I am looking forward to getting my diving certification in Roatan next week. But there are still many things I should figure out before I leave. Thank you for answering any of my questions.

1. My friend went to Utila and got her certification there. She says the accommodation is usually included with all dive courses. Is that true in Roatan as well?

2. If not, how much should I expect to pay on top of a dive course? (The prices listed on websites go from $5 a day to $900 a week.) Since I'm travelling alone already, I do prefer singles over dorm rooms.

3. Since it is low seaon, it won't be hard to find a dive shop when I'm there right?

4. Are AKR's dolphin activities still available on a rainy day? What about the Iguana Farm, Butterfly Garden, etc?

5. Which restaurants do you recommend? What are some Roatan specialties? Do people there eat sea urchins?

6. I e-mailed Coconut Tree Divers once, and they replied saying December is a fun time on the island. Does that mean there will be special events?

Thank you in advance for any reply!

 

[smokey braden]

yingmiki,
welcome to this board.
roatan is a good choice for a dive holiday.
if you have the time, do a search for the answers here.
please fill out your profile.
i am sure other board members will chime in with helpfull advise.
please give us a trip report upon your safe return.
regards,

 

[hopefulist]

Roatán, in general, is more expensive than Utila and most places don't include lodging in the dive packages. There's a lot more to do on Roatán and it's an excellent choice. Our favorite restaurant was the Lighthouse which burned a few months ago; I've heard it's rebuilding but don't know when. Check out the Bay Islands Diver site for lodging and dive shop info. Happy trails!

 

[sand diver]

Hi Yingmiki
Roatan is a great choice! In answer to your questions:

On Roatan accomodation isn't usually included in dive courses in the West End, although alot of shops are affiliated with different hotels. You'll find a $40 cabins at Coconut Tree, about $40 a night at Casa del Sol, $40 or a little more at Posada Arco Iris or Las Orquideas, $75 at Cocolobo- they have a swimming pool! I would recommend booking something soon! some of the larger resorts include accomodation- Cocolobo, Fantasy Island- these are not close to West End or West Bay.

One of the best things to do is hire a car and drive around the island. That way you can tie in the Iguana fies and take in some amazing views! Can't help you with the AKR dolphins but you might find a sunny time to do it!

Mavies and Dixies is a fantastic resturant -same family thats runs/ran lighthouse. Great seafood! The galley is a great one for a quick lunch! There are a couple of new resturants open in west End too- Beda and a new pizza place! Sea Urchins is not really a delicacy here! Not sure if that will disappoint you or make you happy!

December is a fun time on the island as everyone is feeling a little more festive then usual. You'll see dive staff from different shops out and about in bars more socializing with customers- great fi you're travelling alone, its generally just a very happy vibe! Not many special events though.

I hope this information helps! Hopefully you'll enjoy being on the island! Good luck with the certification!

 

[sand diver]

Just as an aside..
You shoudln't have to many problems finding a dive centre.. the hardest part will be deciding which one to go with. My best advice is whicheveryou feel most comfortable with after meeting the instructor who will be teaching you. A couple of things you should look out for are good quality equipment, oxygen, vhf radio, first aid on the boat and generally high safety standards, professional instructors, contingency plans (it is rainy season!) i.e. do they have a pool to do the confined water training in.

Enjoy!

 

[yingmiki]

smokey braden, hopefulist, and sand diver:

Thank you! I will report on my trip when I come back. I am finishing up the packing right now.

sand diver:

Thanks for the great suggestions. I'll write them down and bring them with me.


I will post some pictures if I managed to get anything good.

 

[hopefulist]

Happy trails!