Honduras, specifically Roaton Island, any info?
The Comish
Does anyone have information or has anyone been to Honduras? (I'm
specifically interested in the island of Roaton but open to other
places). I am intrigued by the combination of quiet beaches and
inexpensive prices and the general lack of commericiality there. What
about airfare? Which North American cities have flights into the
international airport there? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Brad Martin
edb...@myna.com (The Comish) wrote:
HE BAY ISLANDS
Located off the northern coast of Honduras, these islands were at one
time favorites of pirates. Their descendants still live there in a
culture very different from mainland Honduras. The oldest group of
residents speak łEnglish˛ although itąs what you might call
łdialectical Caribbean˛ (it is not pigeon English). Youąll be able to
understand it with effort and if they speak slow. There are three main
islands, Roatán, Utila and Guanaja, all have tourist facilities.
The Bay Islands are a favorite for snorkeling and diving. The reef is
the second largest coral reef in the world (second to Australia). If
youąre into boating and water sports, this is the place for you. The
archipelago includes something like 70 islands, most of which are
uninhabited.
Roatán Island can be reached by daily scheduled flights out of La Ceiba,
Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. From La Ceiba there are now some 18
flights per day to Roatán. These airlines include Sosa, Caribbean and
Isleńa Airlines. If the Bay Islands are your destination from the USA
then several plane changes may be necessary. Usually you will fly to
San Pedro Sula, change planes for a flight to your Bay Island
destination. Roatán is the principal island, thirty miles off the
coast, with its largest town called Coxen Hole (also called łRoatán˛).
Fare costs each way about $25 from San Pedro Sula and $15 from La Ceiba.
Reservations are a must.
A reader reported this experience (12/94) ł...our travel agent had
made us reservations with Taca Air to get over to Roatán from SPS, but
we only had reservations not tickets. So we found to our dismay that we
needed to have tickets in hand to get the plane to Roatán and we got
bumped by a tour group of scuba divers. So lesson one was ...get your
tickets in advance if you want to make your connections.˛ A good travel
agent should be able to take care of this for you.
Ferry Boat Service -
Regular scheduled ferry boat service is now available from La Ceiba to
Roatán and Utila. Check the La Ceiba section for information and
approximate schedules. This would be an alternative way to travel, take
a bus from San Pedro Sula and connect for this early morning departure.
Or better yet, stay the night in La Ceiba and taxi a taxi to the ferry.
ROATÁN
The new airport just opened on Roatán on May 26, 1995. One of my
travelers was there and reported they were still working on getting it
organized.
Coxen Hole has a post office, tourist center, supermarket and souvenir
shops as well as several automobile rental agencies. The Yaba Daba Ding
gift shop sells only items made by local residents.
If this is your first time to Roatán, one of the best things to do is a
tour of the island. This way you can get the feel of the island and then
go back to the places you are particularly interested. You can tour by
your own rental car, or better yet, Denis Belvedereąs glass bottom boat,
located on the West End. Tours are presently running at 10 AM , noon
and 2 PM Dennis and Donna are the shipąs crew. Or you can schedule a
custom tour at łCasi Todo˛ a book and gift shop also on the West End,
telephone 45-1255. Here you can schedule with Averyląs Adventure which
offers tours customize to meet your needs.
West End is really not that big and asking around can locate everything
you are looking for. Belvedere also rents windsurfers, kayaks and rooms.
While you are in the area, try Fosterąs for burgers or a cold one.
Foster also offers bike rentals and horseback riding. Water taxi's are
usually available at Foster's for one dollar. Foster's has several
cabins available. The can be reached at 45-1008.
On the East End look for Oakridge and Marble Hill Farms to enjoy a
gourmet picnic, swimming and snorkeling on a private beach.
Donąt be concerned about transportation once you get there. Roatán has
a steady supply of łjitney˛ buses and taxis. When soliciting a taxi
always ask how much the drive will cost. Avoid a disagreement before it
happens. Rental cars are also available. My recommendation is the
Toyota Rent A Car located near the airport with a branch office at
Fantasy Island. A reader recommended Sandy Bay Rentals, it is on the
south side of the street in Sandy Bay. They have Suzuki Samurais for $40
a day.
For the energetic, hiking on Roatán can be great fun. Using the seldom
used roads you can climb the peaks which reach 1,200 feet, giving you a
panoramic view of two shorelines, cool streams that fall into the sea
and where empty beaches meet secluded bays. Hike to Coxen Hole or
nearby towns, experience the island culture, houses on stilts, churches,
boats and docks.
The Bay Islands are a tourist favorite. There are several popular
resorts such as Anthonyąs Key Resort and Fantasy Island. Usually these
popular resorts are run by or were originally started by North
Americans. Prices vary considerably and are what I might consider
expensive. For the best resorts, plan to spend at least $200 a day and
up per person. Often meals are included, check with the resort
beforehand.
For those looking for economy souvenir T-shirts, try Coxen Hole at H. B.
Warren's supermarket. Their clothing section has a wide selection for
$6.00. This is about half of what gift shops and resorts are charging.
Monday - Saturday 7 AM to 6 PM, telephone 45-1208 or fax 45-1177.
The Adventure Shuttle is a shuttle bus service on the mainland,
advertises tourist class, air conditioned van service and connections to
Roatán. See Adventure Shuttle cross references. They have no buses on
any of the islands. Their Roatán phone number is 45-1255. Offices are
located at the Liberia Casi Todo at the West End Beach. Most
destinations cost $18.
Banking
The Bay Islands have limited banks and money exchange facilities. The
possibilities of cashing a personal check is more limited than on the
mainland. Take whatever travelers checks or cash that you need. If you
plan to use a credit card, ask if the facility accepts your card. As far
as I know, there are no American Express representative offices on the
islands.
Sailing, boating or Kayaking
Tortuga Charters offers the trimaran "Genesis" to discover the Bay
Islands. For one day or more, you can enjoy the gentle tradewinds,
turquoise waters and beautiful coral reefs. Docked at Half Moon Bay,
call for reservations at 45-1460 or fax 45-1659 or ask for Rick Biddle
at the French Harbour Yacht Club. Half day for $25.
In Roatán the Caribbean Sailing Club at Brick Bay rents out boats and it
is also possible to hire a boat and sail around the island or visit the
cays (smaller islands). Iąve heard you can rent one of these small
islands for private visits. Those that are uninhabited, of course.
Kayaking around the islands can be a fun and an economical visit. Plan
to camp out and enjoy yourself. A reader spent about a week going
around Roatán with a small group.
Fishing charters on Roatán
For fishing charters call Rob Gibson 45-1461, Randy French 45-2163,
Sandy Bird 45-2163, Arthur Johnson 45-1614 or Floyd Scoggins, Blue
Marlin, telephone 45-1710 or fax 45-1711.
Keep an eye out for a copy of Coconut Telegraph, the local magazine. It
is filled with things to see and places to go. You may subscribe by
writing Coconut Telegraph, Cooper Building, Suite 301, Coxen Hole,
Roatán, Honduras, $35 per year. Telephone 45-1660 or fax 45-1659.
Marine Science Institute, next to Anthonyąs Key Resort, has
installations for research of marine life, auditorium and the main
attraction, the dolphins. There are trained dolphins accompanying divers
as well as permitting people to swim with them.
Those traveling to Guanaja or Utila will need to go by Isleńa, SOSA or
Caribbean Air. These flights at usually out of La Ceiba through
connecting flights. At present these are the only commercial flights
available. You can however use charter air service if you wish. Note
list of charter services at the end of the book.
HOTELS - Roatán
At the Roatan Airport you will find the Airport Tourism Agency.
Reservations can be secured here for any hotel or bungalow in Roatan.
If you are having difficulty contacting Roatan accomodations, give them
a call at telephone fax 45-1930.
I have a medium priced favorite. Itąs the HALF MOON BAY CABINS on the
beautiful West End. Cabins come in two units: doubles run $50 a
night. Hot water, flush toilets, rustic and well made cabins. The beach
is coral, but sandy beach is available within short walking distance.
They have an excellent restaurant, there have even been times when itąs
the only one I could find open. Itąs a good place if you want a
quiet get-a-way, relax, do some diving or just do your thing. Snorkel
gear is available for guests without charge. Generally tourists have
not yet found this place, mostly Honduran mainlanders are the guests.
Reservations needed during peak seasons. Telephone 45-1075 phone/fax.
Another nice place on the West End is the SEASIDE COTTAGES at Rudyąs
Coffee Shop located a short distance from Fosters. The units are new and
in a dome design. Very clean and pleasant, a reader gives a highest
recommendation. Their address is Rudy Stockhausen, Manager, Seaside
Cottages, West End, Roatán, Honduras. Telephone 45-1749 or fax 45-1205.
Cost is about $30 to $40 a night for a double. The little coffee cabana
serves great banana pancakes for breakfast and has hot sandwiches. The
cabana has a beach view.
Next to the Half Moon Bay Cabins is the SEA GRAPE PLANTATION RESORT. I
had a taxi driver try and convince me this was just as good and cheaper.
Well, it is $5 cheaper, however the cabins arenąt anywhere near as nice,
they are not on the waters edge and the restaurant is not comparable.
They have a dive center run by Jeff and Ray offering diving courses and
PADI certification. You can telephone them at 45-1717, 45-1428.
By the way, on the main road to the West End there is a flora nature
preserve on the left hand side of the highway. They were featured on TV
as a łrain forest exhibit˛. Its called Carambola Botanical Garden, you
canąt miss it, they are located in Sandy Bay. Featuring a wide variety
of exotic plants including an extensive orchid collection and nature
trails. Open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. Cost about $1.50. For information
call 45-1117. Operated by Bill and Irma Brady. Mixed reviews.
OCEANSIDE INN, Sandy Bay, is a new hotel tastefully decorated in native
woods, with a spectacular view and located in the Marine Park Reserve.
Facilites include a restaurant, bar sundecks, sundry and cigar shop.
Activites to be enjoyed are fishing, diving, dolphin encouter, horseback
riding, sunset cruise, island tours and white water rafting.
For information and reservations contact: Oceanside Inn, Sandy Bay,
Roatan, Honduras, Central America. Telephone 45-1552 or fax 45-1532, USA
number 1-407-850-9795.
OSGOOD KEY HOTEL, located on a key (Osgood) right across from the
airport. They provide a boat that takes you from the main island to the
key. The hotel is made up of small bungalows. Also included is a tour
of Roatán as well as other amenities. Price for a double room is $15, on
peak dates (late January to łLa Semana de Santa˛ - Easter week) the
price goes up to $40. This is a new hotel and I do not yet have
telephone numbers.
The LOST PARADISE OF THE WEST END, bar, garden, private beach,
snorkeling, restaurant and transportation available. Cabins are
beautiful and comfortable, designed by the architect son of the owner,
$50 to $68 a night. Older rooms are available for $20 a night.Sometimes
dinner is served in the gazebo, look for the chalkboard for information.
Telephone 45-1306, 45-1388.
SUNSET INN, West End, comfortable rooms, bar and restaurant, telephone
45-1005. If you dive the least expensive room is $10 and $15. They also
have doubles with private baths and air-conditioning for about $55 a
night. Oscar, at Ocean Dive, is the diving guide and he makes people
feel comfortable and is quite knowledgeable about the diving sites.
FOSTER'S also has one room wooden cottages with thatched roofs. A
reader wrote that they are available for lodging for $20 night,
telephone 45-1018. An economy move would be HOTEL SHEILA in Coxen Hole.
Double runs about $12. Telephone 45-1318.
Also available on the West End is the Belvederes Glass Bottom Boat a
popular boat tour. Run by Dennis and Dona, tours are presently running
at 10 AM, noon and 2 PM.
THE RESORTS - Roatán
ANTHONY'S KEY RESORT, Sandy Bay, one of the largest and most popular
tourist resorts. Restaurant, bar, hot water, garden, private beach,
boating, paddle boats, horseback riding. They have a museum and a
performance of dolphins, try not to miss it. Telephone 45-1327,45-1274,
fax 45-1329, or 1-800-227-3483. Prices different for divers and
non-divers, $100 to $175 per person daily rate, week rates available.
Major credit cards accepted. Choice of room on the hill or the key.
BAY ISLAND BEACH RESORT, formerly Roatán Beach Resort, comes highly
recommended by its clients, smaller in size, currently serves 18,
located on the north shore, oceanfront villas and beach bungalows, air
conditioned, hot and cold water, queen sized beds, restaurant, bar,
natural sandy beach. Full diving operations, three dives a day, night
and shore diving. They have an excellent color brochure for the asking,
contact them at 1-800-4 Roatán or in Honduras at 45-1425.
REEF HOUSE RESORT, restaurant, bar, hot water, garden, boat rental.
Located at Oakridge Caye, also known as the Venice of the Bay Islands.
The Reef House was the first dedicated dive resort in the Bay Islands.
After twenty years it still has its relaxed family like atmosphere.
Excellent diving sites are within minutes away. Telephone 45-2297,
32-7008 or 1-800-328-8897, also at the Central American Divers 32-7008.
FANTASY ISLAND, large popular resort, restaurant, bar, air conditioned,
boutique, private beach, television. Rooms and suites are quite large.
Telephone 45-1222, or fax 45-1268, US telephone 1-800-676-2826, (813)
835-4449, or fax (813) 835-4569. Diving and extended stay packages are
available, call and get more information.
COCO VIEW RESORT, top rated, located 1/4 mile East of Fantasy Island.
Twenty-five ocean front rooms with private porch or balcony. Some with
air conditioning. Excellent diving. Speak to Terry Evens the son of the
owners, Bill and Evans. Great people! Telephone 1-800-282-8932 (Roatán
Charter), or fax (904) 588-4158, in Honduras 45-1011 or 45-1013. Ask for
their color brochure.
INN OF LAST RESORT, just finished this April 95 is Roatánąs newest
resort - Inn of Last Resort. Located on the West End between Sea Grape
and Anthonyąs, they have 30 rooms, all air conditioned, hot water
showers, modern bathrooms. Each room has a queen size bed and two twin
beds in a corner seating arrangement to provide extra sleeping space.
Ceiling fans add to the air conditioning are above each bed.
The decor is tasteful with beautiful wooden designs that blend naturally
into the environment. Each unit has a spacious porch.
They have a restaurant, dive shop, bar-lounge, gift shop as well as a
certified Massage therapist. Andy and Donna Arcaya are the owners, you
may contact them at 1-800-374-8181, 1-305-893-2436 (Miami) or fax
1-305-891-3620. Various packages are available, some include airfare
from Miami. Rates run from $100 up depending on the size of your group
and package. Skyline Travel also handles this resort. You can call
them at 1-800-690-0884.
Visit them at the web site:
http://www3.islands.com/coral/results/innlast.html
(thanks to Bonnie Sutphin sutphin#m#_bon...@mmac.is.lmsc.lockheed.com
for the above information on the Inn of Last Resort)
ROMEO'S RESORT, at French Harbour, restaurant, bar, hot water, garden,
laundry, private beach, fishing, water skiing, snorkeling, boat rentals,
fishing. Telephone 45-1518, 45-1337 or fax 45-1645. They have had some
recent complaints about poor food, diving safety and general poor
management. Not presently recommended.
BUCCANEER INN, in French Harbour, restaurant, bar, hot water, garden,
laundry, parking, swimming pool, cable TV and air conditioning. Fairly
good sized resort. Prices quoted with and without meals. Telephone
45-7032, or SPS number 57-3471. Informational office in SPS at 1 and 2
Calle, 8 Avenida, Barrio El Benque, SO, #3.
I personally have a problem with the resorts located in French Harbour.
In order to get to them you must drive through some pretty depressing
poverty. Just beyond the Buccaneer Inn youąll see some of the worst
poverty in the Caribbean. When people go on vacation, I feel it is
difficult to enjoy your vacation knowing such poverty exists practically
outside your door. For those into details, Fantasy Island is near this
area, yes, but itąs far enough away and built so itąs a tourist łisland˛
unto itself. Youąll never know whatąs down the beach...
SUNRISE ROATÁN RESORT combined with Dive Roatán boasts of more than 30
dive sites less than 15 minutes from your room. Learn and dive with
economical prices. For information call 57-8011.
FRENCH HARBOUR YACHT CLUB, bar, restaurant, pool, marina, dive shop, air
conditioning, cable TV, phones. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Telephone
45-1478 or 45-1559.
PAYA BAY RESORT, the rooms and restaurant are nestled amoung sea palms,
on an outcropping of limestone rock overlooking two picturesque bays. A
great getaway of natural beauty and idyllic isolation. They are
located on the Northeast corner of Roatán. Rates run from $75 to $100
per person depending if meals are included, doubles $48 to $65. Visa
and MasterCard accepted. For more information or reservations fax or
phone directly to 45-2139 or call the U.S.A. representative at
1-800-815-5019.
CAY VIEW RESORT, restaurant, bar, hot water, garden, parking, laundry.
Telephone 45-1202 and fax 45-1796. Five minutes from airport.
Beach houses for rent
A number of houses are for rent on the West End and in the area of
Anthony's Key. Houses are completely furnished with linens, kitchen
facilities and maid service. Usually rented for one week at rates of
$80 day to $125 day depending on the rental package.
Maya World Tours maintains and inventory of private rental houses and
cabanas on Tabyana Beach (Westbay), Sandy Oak and Oakridge. Rates are
$45 per day for beachfront cabanas to $1,200 per week for three bedroom
houses. Reservations 1-800-392-6292 or 1-407-477-4848. Fax
1-407-477-4879 or email sa...@mayatour.com WEB: http://mayatour.com
RESTAURANTS - Roatán
French Harbour
Gio's Restaurant, French Harbour across from Dixon Plaza, opened in
December 1994, this is an excellent restaurant and may be one of the
best on the island. Menu includes beef, pasta, shrimp and crab. Open for
lunch and dinner, dress is casual. Telephone 45-1536 for information and
reservations.
French Harbour Yacht Club for lunch and dinner. Great view of the many
yachts that dock there. Restaurant, bar, pool, marina, dive shop as
well as rooms available. Telephone 45-1478 or fax 45-1459.
Romeoąs Restaurant in French Harbour, remodeled, is practically built
into water. Specialities cocktails or king crab platter. A reader
tells of two lobster dinners with shrimp and fish for $15. There have
been complaints about the quality of food and sanitation, presently not
recommended.
For dancing, lounge and slot machines by Bolongo's in French Harbour.
See their disco, dockside restaurant and new lounge.
West End
Fosters built on a wooden deck out from the beach. Vivian and Fosters
Bar and Restaurant is an easy going friendly place. Simple menu,
burgers and fries. Excellent place to inquire about boating, diving,
places to stay and so forth. Telephone 45-1008.
Belvedereąs Italian restaurant is great, it is located near the
bookstore łCasi Todo˛. The aroma of good Italian food will lead the way.
Donąt forget the Half Moon Bay Cabins Restaurant, even if you donąt stay
here, youąll find this an excellent choice for dining. I recommend this
restaurant, it's worth it. Dinners run about $14 to $16, expensive, but
good.
Speaking of Fosters, from there you can catch a motor boat to their
Westpoint Beach restaurant. Cost is about 80 cents each way. The
restaurant is run by a Danish couple. The man cooks up wonderful gourmet
seafood meals. Garlic shrimp for $9 and lobster for $10. The cabana is
right on the beach near the reef. It is usually uncrowded and a great
place for snorkeling.
Try Rudyąs for pancake breakfasts running about $1.50. Nearby is
Stanleyąs, a small restaurant up a hill in a private residence, good
seafood. Cost for dinners from $3 to $8. The sign actually says "Coffee
Stop."
Dorreene Reynolds (dorr...@spiiux.secprop.com) wrote:
"There is a fabulous new restaurant in the West End. Salt & Pepper
opened in April and is run by Paul, a Brit who caters food at the
American embassy in Tegucigalpa. This outdoor restaurant is set into
the hillside in the trees next door to Stanley's (about 25 yards before
Fosters). Open for dinner only, Paul offers a set menu each night for
80 lempiras which rotates through the week serving, Thai, French, Greek,
Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Spanish cuisine."
"A chalk board in front of the restaurant lists the evening's menu.
There is a heavy emphasis on seafood. The food is creatively prepared,
with excellent presentation. In a major city in the USA such a meal
would cost $30. By far, the best food on the island!!"
For divers, on the West End, scuba diving certification is advertised as
$139. Iąm told this is a good price. Near Sunset Inn is Ocean Dive
offering diving for $15 trip. Good equipment, diving Masters, well
organized with courses and certification offered.
Travelers have told me the West Bay Beach is one of the nicest in the
Caribbean. Palm trees, white sand, and ultra-blue water. It is a ten
minute water taxi ride from most hotels and restaurants in the West End.
Coxen Hole
El Paseo, on Main Street, hearty steaks, seafood and sandwiches.
Divers insurance
Cornerstone emergency medical service and hyperbaric chamber, insurance
$2 per diving day. 24 hour emergency service, Sandy Bay, phone/fax
45-1515, VHF Ch#26 "Cornerstone." This is often available directly from
your dive instructor.
From the guidebook "Honduras Travel Guide"
All material is copyrighted, this is from the
March 1, 1996 edition.
Brad Martin author of "Honduras Travel Guide"
Hond...@aol.com