Question on Coral Cay, Roatan
kbutterly
My family (myself, DH, DD (9 yo), and DS (6 yo) are cruising on
Grandeur of the Seas out of Tampa on 4/5/08. I am reserving our shore
excursions
For Roatan, RC has two excursions that go to Coral Cay, one "Coral Cay
Private Island" which is a beach excursion and one entitled "Coral
Cay Turtle Discovery & Shark Experience", which refers to the Marine
and Nature Park. The website for the park refers to the private
island, so I am wondering, can I do the Coral Cay Private Island and
spend some time at the park?
Can I just grab a cab at the dock or is this one that is best to do
through the cruiseline?
Any info on Coral Cay would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kathryn
Peg Caldwell-Ott
Hi Kathryn,
Coral Cay is a relatively new resort on Roatan. We were there while
they were still working on it, on the Norwegian Dawn for a New Year's
voyage, 2005-2006--about 2 years ago. It is a gorgeous facility! We
have a snorkeling review of our time there and some pictures of the
area on our website: www.pegndereksnorkeling.com just check under
Honduras.
I should imagine that the "Private Island" the website is referring to
is the whole facililty which sits on a small island--you walk across a
footbridge to get on to it. I do not think they allow any vehicles
there. On our snorkeling trip, we had access to all of the
facilities, just by virtue of being on the island--the Park is easily
accessible and fun to see, the snorkeling is incredible and the beach
is gorgeous!! There is also an area for food, a bandstand, and a
really nice gift shop. I am not sure which parts of the facility are
being described in your shore excursion descriptions from RCI, but I
would imagine that the one tour ("Private Island") gives you access to
everything but the snorkeling. The other tour ("Turtle Discovery and
Shark Experience") probably includes a guided tour that you walk
around to see various penned animals, and then go snorkeling. If you
elect on just the "Private Island", you can still do the rest, but
will probably have to pay a bit extra once on site--??
Cabs at the dock to get to Coral Cay are always possible, but getting
back to the ship might be a problem, since the local people (in the
gift shop??--they were very helpful to us) would have to call a cab
for you to get back. There were no taxis in the area when we were
there, but the site was new, so this may have changed. Our policy is
"when in doubt about getting back to the ship, always to do tours
through the cruise line" so that there are no worries!
I hope you enjoy your excursion as much as we did--it was a
spectacular facility with lots to see and do--the kids will love it!
Marvelous alternative to Tabyanna, which tends to be very crowded with
both beach folks and boats--too many sand fleas there too!! Be warned
to use bug spray especially on your feet and ankles for any visits
around Honduran beaches!!
Bestest,
Peg
kbutterly
Thanks so much for the detailed reply! Looks like we're going to
Coral Cay!
Have a great weekend,
Kathryn