Thinking of going to Fantasy Island

[jjach]

Today I went to Our World Underwater dive show in Chicago. We were hoping to find a good show special for our spring vacation. We found a great deal for Fantasy Island. This is almost to good to pass up. I have done a search for info about FI, and it seems people either love it or not. I know it is not fancy, I don't need that. I want to do alot of diving, but I don't know if I can do 5 a day, every day. I've never done that. Not sure if the wife will want to do that many dives. Is there anything else to do at FI besides dive ?We would dive every day, but maybe not all day everyday. I've read that the food is good, not great but good. But only 3 meals a day. What do you do if you need a evening snack? Is there some place that you can get something small to eat in the evening?
Our dive vacations have been limited to Cozumel and Belize. Is there much current on Roatan, or a surge like we found(or fought) in Belize. We are looking for some easy diving, just to see some nice coral formations, and anything different that the normal Caribbean fish. Some of the pictures that have been posted here are beautiful. They make me want to book our flight now. So any other info that you can give us would be greatly appreciated. We are on a tight budget this year so the price we got maybe impossible to pass up.

 

[Doc]

We are looking for some easy diving, just to see some nice coral formations, and anything different that the normal Caribbean fish.

FIBR is right in the middle of the zone that hosts the most unique diving in the Caribbean. On either side lies five or so miles of shallow vertical, Sunlit walls.

 

[divin'dog]

I think FIBR sounds perfect for you from reading your description of what you want. I've been there twice so I'm familiar with the resort. If you get hungry, just bring some snacks. You will most likely enjoy the diving. I think it's really easy diving but has some great walls with rugged outcroppings to find all kinds of things. The shore dive to the Prince Albert is not to be missed and is a simple easy dive off the Gazebo. Just don't go during rainy season. Been there, done that.

If you want some down time instead of diving, the beach is nice and they control the no-see-ums by raking the sand every morning. Great for getting a tan to make your neighbors jealous and just relaxing. There are other things to do also... kayaking, windsurfing (I think?), airplane ride (supposedly safe for divers), massage, snorkeling, volleyball...

Also, they now have at least one new boat and should be getting 2 more from what I understand... Book it! FIBR is usually a good value.

 

[CajunDiva]

We have been to Fantasy Island 14 times! The value is so great we are able to dive Roatan more often.

The diving is fantastic. On occasion you will experience a slight current, but if so they just turn it into a drift dive and the boat is there waiting for you when you surface - valet diving! All of the divemasters and boat captains are very helpful. If you want to do 5 dives a day/night that option is certainly available to you. We are satisfied with 3 dives a day plus the one night dive provided during the week. (There are other things to enjoy as well)

The dive packages are all-inclusive, and in this case that REALLY means all-inclusive...drinks and everything. You literally do NOT HAVE TO spend a dime if you don't want to (until you pay your departure taxes at the airport)

 

[robint]

I agree with the others, Roatan is exactly what you are looking for.... no current like Cozumel, more dramatic walls and coral formations than Belize, plus you can do 3-4 dives per day all included in price.

 

[ncchuck]

Unless something unusual happens the diving in Roatan is probably the easiest you've ever done. Rarely any current that would even keep you from stopping to look at something without any real effort. Everything I've seen about FIBR makes it sound like an excellent value. Book it, have a great time and you'll soon be hooked on a new favorite place.

I used to do 5 dives a day when I was a lot younger but rarely do that anymore. Don't worry about it. Do as many dives as you want and just enjoy being away on vacation. I've been diving for more than 20 years and even worked in the industry. Most people do 3 dives a day and one or two night dives a week. Enjoy.

 

[parrotheaddiver]

I pretty much agree with the other posters....there are other things to do on the island off of the resort....someone at the resort can arrange transportation....other than what has already been mentioned...there are zip line tours or go to West End for shopping eating or drinking....there is a botanical garden...iguana farm.....mangrove tour....also other island tours.....

 

[stortecky]

So what is the deal that you found at Fantasy Island. I am interested if is different then the deals on their website.

Thanks

 

[jjach]

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to ask. The package I am looking at is for travel between April 17 to May 1st. That is for $649.00. Plus I got a coupon from the dive show for an additional $50.00 off per person. I just have to make my reservations by March 15. So for $600.00pp plus tax, that seems like a great deal to me. Now if the air fare from Chicago would drop a little I would be thrilled. But you can't have everything. We are hoping to go from April 24 to May 1st.

 

[CODMAN]

JJ, go for it! It's exactly waht you are looking for. try to book rooms in the newer section of the resort; they are nicer. You can get snacks at the souvenir shop (chips, chocolate, etc...). The food is... well I found it bad....:depressed: But I am a food lover so hard to please. You can generally find something passable at every meal and for that price I wasn't complaining...

It's arguably the best deal you'll find there for tons of diving! Have fun!