Roatan?

[UWBuddha]

Roatan is very nice, but if I had the option of going to Cozumel or Roatan, I would choose Cozumel hands down. It isn't just resorts, and it's easy to get away from tourists to enjoy the island lifestyle.

 

[RTBDiver]

Roatan is very nice, but if I had the option of going to Cozumel or Roatan, I would choose Cozumel hands down. It isn't just resorts, and it's easy to get away from tourists to enjoy the island lifestyle.

This just doesn't make sense to me, are you suggesting Roatan is all resorts without Island lifestyle, If someone believes that it is likely because they never wanted to leave a resort. Since my first visit to the Bay Islands in '98 long before I bought my home in a very local Island community I can honestly say the closest I have come to a resort on Roatan was Posado Arco Iris hotel in West End or I guess the Bay Islands Agressor.
Also, While Roatan does have a few places they consider resorts, Cozumel has a far greater number, especially in the higher rise all inclusive true resort style where as the higher end places on Roatan are basically a glorified upscale vacation rental.
Heck, Seems those on Cozumel are even proud of this as one resort, El Cid, on the first google search I did say's this in its advertising T

his stunning property is located on one of the most populated islands in the Caribbean, Cozumel.

Cozumel All Inclusive Resorts

 

[beaverdivers]

We had a group in Cozumel last Jan. It was a record cold front. I have had the exact same thing happen in the Bay Island.

Always, take some fleece and a wind jacket.

Especially in the Winter!

 

[Rumrunner_1492]

I'm looking to take a week vacation from So Cal, looks like Roatan or Cozumel are the best options. I prefer chill hotels over resorts, it seems that Cozumel is more of a resort destination, so I'm figuring Roatan is the the better option.

I'd like to find a hotel with a balcony / deck, on the beach, a hammock to relax in, and a chill bar to have a few drinks at night. I'd also like a high quality dive operator on site for ease of use and challenging / interesting dives.

My last trips were to Fiji, Australia, Bali and Belize.

Any recommendations on where to go and stay?

I was in Roatan last year with my wife for 7 days in March. We stayed at 2 different locations. The first was Banannarama and the other was Barefoot Cay. They both had excellent dive shops on site. Banannarama was less expensive and right on the beach in West End. They had an area with nicer rooms and a less expensive area as well. They had a great beach bar called the Thirsty Turtle on site as well. It was very relaxing and a great place to stay. If your looking for luxury this isn't the place but if your looking to relax at a great location with nice people it is the place for you. We will certainly be going back.

The diving is fantastic. You can do a shore dive or hop on the small boat and go on some amazing dives. The dive operation is the best we have had.

 

[Adventure Traveler]

Thanks for all the feedback. I ended up going with Cocolobo, looked like a good option for the first time visiting the island. Choosing the dive shop next. Based on other posts, I'm figuring Coconut Tree or West End. Would anyone recommend one over the other, or another shop?

Thanks again.....

 

[Doc]

Only if you promise a full report with pictures.

 

[Sally Fletcher]

We always dive with West End Divers (www.westenddivers.info) and we have not had anything less than an amazing experience. You can contact them before you get to Roatan and they will give you all the information you need. (westenddivers@gmail.com) Enjoy!

 

[Carlos Danger]

I'm looking to take a week vacation from So Cal, looks like Roatan or Cozumel are the best options. I prefer chill hotels over resorts, it seems that Cozumel is more of a resort destination, so I'm figuring Roatan is the the better option.

I'd like to find a hotel with a balcony / deck, on the beach, a hammock to relax in, and a chill bar to have a few drinks at night. I'd also like a high quality dive operator on site for ease of use and challenging / interesting dives.

My last trips were to Fiji, Australia, Bali and Belize.

Any recommendations on where to go and stay?

Cozumel is flat, generally more developed, but has great reef systems. Roatan is hilly, and very chill with a much slower pace and less comercial. In Coz I stay at Casa Mexicana in town, and dive with Aldora. I prefer to stay in West Bay when in Roatan; beautiful beach, with easy access to the bars and restaurants in West End. I stay at the Mayan Princess, which is a perfect location for me in the middle of West Bay. Both are great dive distinations, so it's kind of a toss-up.