Roatan - Rental Car

[jscheier]

I am staying at the Mayan Princess and was wondering if I should rent a car. I plan to go to different restaurants at night but didn't know if they were in walking distance or if a taxi is easier.

Thanks

J

 

[bkpix]

Driving on Roatan seems about as crazy as anywhere I've seen. Probably better off taking cabs.

 

[jscheier]

What is so crazy about driving there?

Thanks

J

 

[RTBDiver]

If your staying at Mayan Princess, the most touristy place on Rotan, and plan on sticking to the your areas, Do not bother renting a car. You can get anywhere in West Bay and West End or Sandy Bay very cheap or just walk and then if you want an excursion, take a cab

 

[jscheier]

Thanks.

 

[Doc]

What is so crazy about driving there?

What RTBDiver said.

Do a search here for the insanity of driving any vehicle on Roatan.

-insane liability (you're 100% on the hook even if it's not possibly your fault)
-crappy roads (no, they're worse than that)
-doubtful rental car lights and wipers (to start the list)
-no trauma facilities (zero)
-you can drink many Salva Vida beers (while your driver stays relatively sober)

 

[diversteve]

There's also the water taxi between West Bay and the West End. I'm not sure how current this is:

Water taxi service is convenient and easy between West End and West Bay. The fare is 50 Lempiras during the day. Look for the dock near Foster's Bar or Crystal Beach Cabins in West End. The return trip from West Bay has two pickup spots and you'll easily recognize where to catch a ride. Water taxis will go to other areas and be sure to confirm the fee before taking the trip.

It's also only till about 9PM.

Besides being just about everywhere, taxis often wait at the taxi stand across from the main entrance to the West End for a return ride back to MP. It might be a little too far to walk from the MP to the heart of the West End - maybe 2?+ miles.

 

[Mike]

Have stayed at the Mayan Princess a couple of times, have rented a car each time. We like the freedom to get out and do what you want when you want. Have never had any problems driving on Roatan other than the 3 foot deep pot holes in West End. I'm sure you could get back and forth with taxis, I just don't recall really seeing any around, but most of the time we were getting back to the Hotel pretty late at night. I would not be walking back and forth between West end and the Mayan Princess. I wouldn't be walking around anywhere deserted late at night on Roatan.

 

[jlevine]

I have rented a car a few times on Roatan but stopped and now use cabs. When I first came to Roatan, years ago, driving was much easier. Over the past few years I have seen more close calls than I care for. IIRC, none of the car rental places offer liability insurance. Your country's home policy probably doesn't cover such liability. Collision Damage Waiver does not cover liability. Also, accidents in Honduras may be considered criminal, not civil. I don't want to scare anyone but I personally do not feel comfortable driving there. Cabs from West End to West Bay are available but can be expensive since there aren't as many people in West Bay waiting for a cab to West End. The water taxis are cheap but only run until sundown.

 

[RTBDiver]

I do not know where all the liability panic comes from. We all know you are more likely to be sued in the US even if it is not your fault. Driving can be tricky and if staying at the MP and staying among tourist areas I would not rent a car but that is not to say I am against it. I have been driving here for years, as has my wife. In that time we have been involved in two small accidents, both times with a rental car, both times the at fault driver went with us to the rental car agency and took care of the paperwork so they were responsible for the repairs. Is this the norm? I do not know but I imagine those two small incidents are two more than most have had here on the forum