Roatan Planning Tips

[John_B]

They use aluminum like all the others on Roatan. I would use a trim pocket or two and leave the lead behind! I can't even imagine carrying a back-plate on a trip! Why? Travel light!

I agree about leaving the weights behind, they have a little scale dockside where they keep stacks and stacks of hardweights, for instance in case you need two 2-1/2 lbs weights instead of two three pounders.

But I couldn't disagree more about the backplate. Five or six pounds exactly centered over the lungs is a perfect offset to the buoyancy of the AL80s, and it actually weighs as much or even less than some BCDs, especially if the BCD hasn't had the chance to completely dry out. Plus it packs smaller.

Good advice but not always true. I travel internationally a lot. Capital One credit cards do not charge these fees. Not only that, they actually absorb the mandatory 1% fee (rip off charge) imposed by MC and VISA. Also: Exchange rates are not variable. By law they may only charge the prevailing rate at the time of the transaction.

"The fees are twofold: Visa and MasterCard have a standard 1 percent charge on foreign purchases and the issuing bank adds another fee. Bankrate recently surveyed the top credit card issuers to find out what they charge for these transactions. The lowest conversion fees are from Capital One, at zero percent, and Zions Bank, which charges 1 percent for its conversions." (From Bankrate).

Huh, strange. The conversion rate on site and at the airport was 19.1 lempra per dollar, but that's not what Citibank charged me. (I didn't go anywhere else this trip.) IMO, its just easier to have dollars at CCV and not have to deal with the exchange rate or currency fees. Esp. since everything at CCV including the extracurriculars were priced in US$ anyway. Not meant to be a knock against anyone, just a personal observation for my next trip. It might be a different story at the West End or another resort...

 

[crd_kats]

They use aluminum like all the others on Roatan. I would use a trim pocket or two and leave the lead behind! I can't even imagine carrying a back-plate on a trip! Why? Travel light!

I agree about leaving the weights behind, they have a little scale dockside where they keep stacks and stacks of hardweights, for instance in case you need two 2-1/2 lbs weights instead of two three pounders.

But I couldn't disagree more about the backplate. Five or six pounds exactly centered over the lungs is a perfect offset to the buoyancy of the AL80s, and it actually weighs as much or even less than some BCDs, especially if the BCD hasn't had the chance to completely dry out. Plus it packs smaller.

Trim pockets are a great idea! Thanks But you had me on the bp...

Thanks John_B, I was thinking that my jacket bcd did weigh so much more than my ss bp.

 

[John_B]

Thanks John_B, I was thinking that my jacket bcd did weigh so much more than my ss bp.

Weigh your BCD at the end of your next dive trip. Any AL plate is lighter and the SS may be as well.

 

[mikemill]

Thanks for the replies all. My reason for posting my plan was for you all to poke holes in it and tell me how to improve it

I just want to make sure I'm clear but it sounds like CCV operates in USD?

 

[John_B]

I just want to make sure I'm clear but it sounds like CCV operates in USD?

Yes.

Pretty much everywhere on the island will take either US$ or lempras, though you will likely get any change back in lempras (which is why they advise you to take small US$ bills).

 

[mikemill]

Thanks

 

[John_B]

OBTW, not that it matters but the reservations, etc. for CCV are all handled from their Houston office.

 

[mksmith713]

If you don't get a chance to do anything else.....you have to snorkel Mandys Eel Garden.

 

[tridacna]

Huh, strange. The conversion rate on site and at the airport was 19.1 lempra per dollar, but that's not what Citibank charged me.

I was party to a Class Action settlement last year for that exact rip off. VISA/MC had to pony up big time. I doubt that they would risk the same scam again. I did over 9 trips this year to foreign destinations. The exchange rates charged on my credit card were comparable to those quoted at the time. Countries included Mexico, Belize, South Africa, UK, Israel and Senegal.

I would dispute the charges with Citibank.

 

[mikemill]

Got an email from the agent saying that the wait list has been cleared and we are now confirmed for an over water cabana. Man the next few months are gonna SUCK.