Roatan for Divers and Non-divers?

[Rainer]

Sister is currently living down in Honduras (Tegucigalpa) and the rest of the family is looking for a chance to fly down to see her. We'd be a mix of divers (experienced; looking to do a few days of diving) and non-divers (not looking to learn).

Family is considering going to Roatan.

(1) Thoughts on this as a destination for a mixed group of divers and non-divers?

(2) Best/worst places to stay for such a mixed group (general location and specific hotels/resorts)?

(3) Any special considerations when planning a trip there?

Timeframe would be this coming Jan/Feb.

Thanks!!!

 

[Doc]

West End would likely be the best bet.

Lots of restaurants and little shops within easy walking distance. Always easy to find cabs standing around. Good selection of day-dive ops and many small guest houses.

...

Fun in Roatan can come in many forms, but keep in mind that it is simply not developed to the point where there is neon signage and a Carlos and Charlies. But don't wait too long!

If the non-divers are avid snorkelers or if they are happy just lounging on a beach chair, the South side AI resorts would become an option. There, the AI fees, even for a non-diver, might be a prohibiting factor as non-divers would likely elect to eat out at varying restaurants every evening.

In that Roatan is a very long, thin island, these concerns that you have do come into play. Likely others will chime-in, but do look for threads about the West End area. You really can't miss.

 

[RTBDiver]

And make sure it is understood clearly that the prices your sister pays on the mainland have no relevance on Roatan. Just hate to have you listen non stop about how much cheaper it is in Teguc.

 

[lthomas132]

Sister is currently living down in Honduras (Tegucigalpa) and the rest of the family is looking for a chance to fly down to see her. We'd be a mix of divers (experienced; looking to do a few days of diving) and non-divers (not looking to learn).

Family is considering going to Roatan.

(1) Thoughts on this as a destination for a mixed group of divers and non-divers?

(2) Best/worst places to stay for such a mixed group (general location and specific hotels/resorts)?

(3) Any special considerations when planning a trip there?

Timeframe would be this coming Jan/Feb.

Thanks!!!

Look at West Bay area. It has best beaches for nondivers, proximity to West End, nice places to hang out. It also offers great diving in much calmer water than on the south side

 

[CODMAN]

in much calmer water than on the south side

I can't even fathom calmer water than the south side! Obviously, weather patterns coming through can change things, but in general the South side is very sheltered.

 

[RTBDiver]

I can't even fathom calmer water than the south side! Obviously, weather patterns coming through can change things, but in general the South side is very sheltered.

Most of the year the Northside is the leeward side allowing for generally calmer seas than the south.

 

[RTBDiver]

For a mixed group and not a "dive vacation" Personally I would not choose Roatan if i did not already have a home here and plenty to keep busy. Some also depends on how adventurous the group is and whether this is mostly an R+R thing or not along with how many dives the divers in the group want to do. Last year we had some friends visit us on roatan a few days then head over to Pico Bonito lodge and do a trip to Copan. Got some diving in along with some great sightseeing.

 

[Doc]

I can't even fathom calmer water than the south side! Obviously, weather patterns coming through can change things, but in general the South side is very sheltered.

Most of the year the Northside is the leeward side allowing for generally calmer seas than the south.

Roatan is a curious place, as both statements are true.

Generally the breezes blow from the South.

The storms come from the North.

 

[Rainer]

Thanks everyone!

Seeing as my sister is in Honduras, that's where we'll be headed. If there's a better place to go than Roatan for some sightseeing, relaxing, hiking, photography, *and* diving, I'm all ears!

If we stayed in the West End / West Bay area, any specific recommendations about lodging and dive ops?

Really appreciate all the posts!

 

[RTBDiver]

Thanks everyone!

Seeing as my sister is in Honduras, that's where we'll be headed. If there's a better place to go than Roatan for some sightseeing, relaxing, hiking, photography, *and* diving, I'm all ears!

!

You do realize the places i mentioned are also in Honduras, Right?