South side...in early December

[binkyk]

Need some advice from a Roatan regular...About ready to pull the trigger on a week at CCV in early December. Many have made comments about the rainy season being oct-jan +-....my question is....does the runoff deteriorate the viz that much? I'm not concerned about a couple of quick showers a day (if it's that much). I know the weather is unpredictable, but can you predict. Also...how much worse are the mosquitoes at that time of year. I'm used to thick mosquitoes where I live in the summer (but they don't carry malaria or dengue fever). Are there less sand fleas at CCV since they don't have the beach. We were in Roatan back in sept. '92. Spent a week at FI and enjoyed the diving and sightseeing through the coutryside... although we did itch for the next week and a half. ... Thanx ...

 

[Clinto]

Sand Fleas? How bad are they actually throughout Roatan? Are they bad enough where one might want to choose another dive destination?
Ps My wife and I have never been to Roatan. And want to go to a great dive vacation/anniversary in Feb/March. Should we re-think Roatan and go to maybe Costa Rica or Cozumel.

 

[lmorin]

Was at CoCo View in August and saw no sand fleas or mosquitoes whatsoever. Had repellent and never used it. Obviously, others will have different experiences.

 

[Doc]

December is not anywhere close to my wife's favorite time on Roatan, there can be a lot of rain and cooler temps. I could care less.

At that time of year, "Northers" can push down on the Bay Islands, they are remainders of weather patterns that came from the same gun as the Huricanes.

When we get those arctic cold air masses in the States that come down through the plains via Utah, North Dakota, Minnesota, and the like- that's also spurs headaches.

When you get those 40 degree temps in Texas- the next thing that gets smacked is Belize, Cozumel and points South, including the Bay Islands.

If you had to be there in that Nov-Mar time period, you don't want to be on the North side, but you did ask about a South side property, so you're okay there.

The surface air temps might be 5-10 degrees down, sitting in the low to mid 80's in the day, and that might sound warm until you realize that you're sitting on a boat, it may well be overcast, and you were hoping for hot sun. Chances are fair that you'll be drizzled upon. But, if you're going, at least you'll avoid the blowing wind and wave of the North side during that time frame.

As to the other poster's query as to Sand Flies? That has been discussed and beaten to death here on SB many times. A quick search will bring up every conflicting opinion as to how nasty they are. Suffice to say, EVERY island in the Mar Caribe has sand flies, the Bay Islands have the best Sand Flies.

 

[monica Eccher]

Okay, I am going Nov 24 for a week to BIBR with my 3 and 5 year old. They will live on the beach. What should I put on them to keep the fleas from biting. We went to Cabo a couple years ago and my son was eaten up.

 

[hopefulist]

Pray for a breeze - we have barely even seen a sand fly in Belize or on Roatán or Utila because of the consistent breezes but I know others haven't been so lucky. Beyond that, I've heard that any kind of oil (baby oil, vegetable oil) works because they get stuck in it and/or can't bite through it. The problem then is sun burn. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[monica Eccher]

I guess what ever works. I can just see it. My kids full of oil with sand stuck to them. They would love that. Hopefully the breeze will be with us. Thank you

 

[hopefulist]

Hello, again - I came across a new product today that might be worth trying, although I was unable to find an references to use on kids. It's at the bottom of this page:

https://sawyergear.com/products.asp

 

[rleslie]

Cactus Juice worked very well for my wife and me. It can be purchased everywhere on Roatan.

 

[ronscuba]

I think almost any insect repellent will work. It's a matter of putting it on frequently since it gets washed off everytime you go in the water.