Activities in Roatán
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Diving Sites
Roatán has dozens of dive sites and most shops do a good job of making sure divers who buy multi-dive packages don't end up going to the same place again and again. If there's a site you are keen to try, don't be afraid to ask. At the same time, weather and water conditions dictate most site selection, and some dives aren't practical or diveable for days at a time.
Some favorites - among many, many others - include: Mary's Place: fissures in the coral form a deep, sheer-faced maze at this one-of-a-kind site. Winding through, you'll likely see jacks, lobsters and crabs, and huge schools of silversides; near the mooring, keep an eye out for seahorses. Mary's Place is near …
reviewed
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Roatán Institute for Deepsea Exploration
The Roatán Institute for Deepsea Exploration is the fancy name for an American kid with a homemade submarine, which he uses to take tourists into the deep-sea trenches just off Roatán’s north shore. This is one of only two operations in the world that take Joe Public deeper than 91m. And the Idabel, as the sub is called, goes much deeper than that – more than 610m down, for as long as seven hours. There is no vegetation after 91m (and no light after 520m) and only the strangest of life forms: bioluminescent sponges, swimming sea cucumbers, six-gilled sharks, all amid huge limestone boulders and fossilized coral formations. The sub’s creator, Karl Stanley, got into sub…
reviewed
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Gumbalimba Park
GumbalimbaPark, a family recreation park, has something for everyone: beach, kayaking, canopy tour, snorkeling, SNUBA, nature path, botanical garden, monkey and bird enclosures, and, of course, restaurants and gift shops. Aimed squarely at cruise-shippers, it can still be a fun outing for independent travelers with kids. The park is only open to the general public on days when there are no cruise ships on the island. Even more strange, the park does not have set individual admission prices – they negotiate package deals with cruise ship companies – so be sure to call the day you plan to go to see what the fee is. It’s a 10-minute walk north on the beach from West Bay.…
reviewed
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Eddy & Danny Fishing Charter
At the far end of town, Eddy & Danny Fishing Charter is a friendly family operation that takes groups trolling (for tuna, dorado, barracuda, and sometimes wahoo and marlin in season), deep-sea fishing (for grouper, and snapper) and flat fishing (catch-and-release bone fish). On a full-day trip (L$6650 to L$11,400 depending on the boat), you can combine different types of fishing, and even stop for snorkeling or lunch on a deserted beach. Half-day trips cost from L$3800 to L$6650. At the end of the day, you can have your catch cooked up, along with potatoes, garlic bread and veggies, for an extra L$100 per person.
reviewed
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Hiking
A loop starting in West End heading to Flowers Bay, then continuing south almost to the tip of the island, over the ridge to West Bay and back up the beach to West End, makes a good five- to six-hour hike. Tack on a couple of hours enjoying the beach at West Bay, and it's a whole day's excursion. For a shorter trek, simply do the West End-Flowers Bay leg - when you reach the ridge, look out over both sides of the island.
In either case, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and adequate repellent to ward off the numerous ticks and sand flies.
reviewed
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Santé Wellness Center
A great way to pamper yourself is at the SantéWellnessCenter, a day spa located on a tiny, private island about 5km east of French Harbour. Treatments cost anywhere from L$600 to L$1900. If you find it hard to leave, you don’t have to – there is a high-end bed and breakfast (room L$2375) here as well. Base prices include breakfast, but all-inclusive packages including meals, spa treatments and diving are also available.
reviewed
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Subway Watersports
Subway Watersports operates out of the resort, but is open to the public. Open Water dive courses cost L$7220, while fun dives are L$665. The resort can also arrange sunset horseback rides, which last from 1½ to 2½ hours (advance reservations required), or if you’re feeling brave, try the 1½-hour canopy tour, located near the main road.
reviewed
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Kayaking
There are plenty of places to push off in West End; Half Moon Bay is one of the easiest - and prettiest - places since it's so well protected. A few hotels - Posada Arco Iris, Sea Breeze Inn, and Casa Calico - provide kayaks for their guests to use. Lighthouse Rentals (363 6727; near Lighthouse Restaurant) rents one- and two-person kayaks.
reviewed
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Native Sons
A solid, professional outfit run by Alvin Jackson, a local instructor with almost three decades of experience. Fast, modern boats mean this shop is more willing than most to go to distant dive spots. It’s at the entrance to Chillies hotel.
reviewed
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Glass-Bottom Boat Rides
For glass-bottom boat rides head to the small kiosk across from the Beach House at Half Moon Bay. There is no fixed schedule, and at least two people are needed to take the 45- to 60-minute trip. It also offers snorkeling tours.
reviewed
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Derry's Diner
Just past the Palms condos, Derry's Diner takes groups of four or more on hour-long snorkel trips. You don't go far - just to Blue Channel or Canyon Reef in front - but it's nice to snorkel from a boat and you can't beat the price.
reviewed
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Coconut Tree Divers
The only shop to regularly offer advanced two-tank dives in the morning. Experienced instructors lead most dives; after-dive beers draw a younger crowd. It has basic dorms for divers (per person L$100). Next to Coconut Tree Market.
reviewed
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Wind & Fun Windsurf School
Wind & Fun Windsurf School offers private lessons for L$800 per session (1½ to two hours, including equipment); equipment rental only is L$400 per hour. It’s west of Blue Bahía Resort.
reviewed
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Roatan Shore Excursion: Zip 'n' Dip Canopy Tour
4 hours (Departs Roatan, Honduras)
by Viator
Roatan is mostly known for two things -- beaches and adventure. On the famous Zip 'n' Dip Canopy Tour, you can enjoy both of these and make the most of your tim…Not LP reviewed
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Roatan Shore Excursion: Extreme Zipline Canopy Adventure
90 minutes (Departs Roatan, Honduras)
by Viator
Spend time soaring through the treetops of Roatan on this ziplining shore excursion! See the beautiful island of Roatan from a unique perspective as you zipline…Not LP reviewed
from USD$84.99 -
Ocean Connections
With small classes and a friendly, noncompetitive atmosphere. It’s operated by a friendly Canadian couple. Enquire about rates on its cabins with your course. Across from Blue Channel.
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Spa at Baan Suerte
Massage and personalized treatments of various kinds are available at Spa at Baan Suerte. Go for a tropical body smoothie (yummy!). Appointments required.
reviewed
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Roatan Shore Excursion: West Island Tour
4 hours (Departs Roatan, Honduras)
by Viator
While in port on Roatan, visit the island’s popular west bay on this relaxing 4-hour shore excursion! Hop off your cruise ship and head to the Carambola Botanic…Not LP reviewed
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Healing Hands
If carrying tanks on and off the dive boat has put a kink in your neck, book a massage at Healing Hands, located at the Mariposa Lodge.
reviewed
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Sueño del Mar
Friendly, professional dive center with excellent gear - in fact they service equipment for several competitors in town. Hotel and retail shop on-site.
reviewed
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Roatan Shore Excursion: East Island Tour
4 hours (Departs Roatan, Honduras)
by Viator
While you’re in port in Roatan, explore the tropical island’s east end away from the crowds on this relaxing shore excursion! Travel by car to the Garifuna Cult…Not LP reviewed
from USD$49.99 -
Roatan Shore Excursion: Island Hike to Pobbleton's Peak
3 hours (Departs Roatan, Honduras)
by Viator
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure while in port on Roatan, embark on a 3-hour guided hike through the beautiful Caribbean island on this active shore e…Not LP reviewed
from USD$44.99 -
Roatan Shore Excursion: 2-Tank Scuba Diving Adventure
4 hours (Departs Roatan, Honduras)
by Viator
While you’re in port in Roatan, embark on an unforgettable scuba-diving experience on this exciting four-hour shore excursion! Known as the “Dive Mecca” of the …Not LP reviewed
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Roatan Shore Excursion: Dune Buggy Adventure with Optional Snorkeling
3 hours 30 minutes (Departs Roatan, Honduras)
by Viator
Discover Roatan by dune buggy on this exciting shore excursion! Ride with a partner or go solo during this adventure, where you’ll see the lush jungle, ride alo…Not LP reviewed
from USD$99.99 -
Roatan Shore Excursion: Mangrove Cruise
4 hours (Departs Roatan, Honduras)
by Viator
While you’re in port on Roatan, spend a day exploring the island’s mangroves on this 4-hour shore excursion! After pickup from your cruise ship you’ll be driven…Not LP reviewed
