Kann ich in Roatán ohne Tauchschein tauchen?
You’ve heard all about how good the diving is in Roatan, which means you have to try it. But can you scuba dive in Roatan if you aren’t certified? We answer all your certification questions and more in our latest blog!
Planning your tropical vacation to Roatan is an exciting time! After all, there are so many incredible activities for you to experience. From lounging on white sand beaches to playing with sloths and monkeys…and don’t forget the most popular island pastime - scuba diving! For those unfamiliar with the sport, it sounds as easy as putting on some scuba gear and going in the water, right? Not really.
Scuba diving requires certain skills, knowledge, and understanding of the equipment, safety procedures, and potential risks involved.
Luckily, PADI has made it easy for those interested in scuba diving to do just that. So while you can’t simply hop on a boat and dive in Roatan without a certification, there are several options available to you.
Option One: PADI Discover Scuba Dive
The Discover Scuba Dive (DSD) is perfect for adventure enthusiasts who are short on time or merely want to “dip their toes” into the water. A DSD is a half day experience which consists of an introduction to scuba equipment and dive theory, followed by basic skills practice in Half Moon Bay, and ending with your first dive in the ocean to 40’.
While a Discover Scuba Dive does not certify you, it does allow you to see what diving in Roatan is all about - without the time and financial commitment of the full Open Water Course. That being said, if you do enjoy scuba diving and have availability, you can continue into the full PADI Open Water or PADI Scuba Diver Certification.
Option Two: Get PADI Certified!
If you have decided that pursuing your scuba certification is definitely something you want, then you can get PADI certified while in Roatan. We currently offer two entry level certification courses: PADI Scuba Diver and PADI Open Water.
The PADI Scuba Diver course takes around 2 full days to complete, and in the end will certify you to dive to 40’ with a professional. The PADI Open Water course requires a bit more time and effort; taking 2.5 to 3 days to complete. But in the end, you are certified to dive to 60’ with a buddy or a professional.
Whichever course you decide on, both will delve into topics such as dive planning, equipment use, dive physics, physiology, underwater communication, and dive safety. All while exploring Roatan’s gorgeous underwater world!
Prerequisites For Diving In Roatan
Whether you’re trying it out or pursuing your full certification, there are a few prerequisites to bear in mind before you can go diving in Roatan. You must be:
At least 10 years old to participate in any of the above programs
In good physical health and possess adequate swimming skills
Otherwise, a positive attitude and sense of adventure is all you need! Oh, and reef safe sunscreen.
Are you ready to go scuba diving in Roatan?
6 Tierarten, auf die Naturliebhaber auf Roatán achten sollten
Roatán ist zwar für seine Korallenriffe bekannt, doch auch über Wasser gibt es jede Menge Tierwelt zu entdecken. Schauen Sie sich diese 6 Tierarten an, auf die Naturliebhaber bei einer Reise nach Roatán besonders achten sollten!
Die winzige Insel Roatán, die zufällig die größte der Bay Islands ist, strotzt nur so vor Naturreichtum und einer reichen Geschichte. Auch wenn viele der Meinung sind, dass der Großteil von Roatáns Reichtum in ihren Korallenriffen liegt, gibt es für Naturliebhaber auch über Wasser noch viel zu bestaunen. Lesen Sie weiter und entdecken Sie die sechs wichtigsten Arten, auf die Naturliebhaber auf Roatán besonders achten sollten!
Agouti auf der Insel Roatán; Foto: Joel Amaya
Roatan-Aguti (Dasyprotcta ruatanica)
Was war das für ein schneller brauner Schatten, der über den Weg huschte? War das ein Meerschweinchen mit Hufen? Nein! Es war das auf der Insel Roatán heimische Aguti – von den Einheimischen auch als „Watusa“ bezeichnet. Das Roatan-Aguti, das etwas kleiner ist als das mittelamerikanische Aguti, ist bekannt für sein sattes orange-braunes Fell und hat meist einen weißen Fleck am Kinn sowie einen gelblichen Fleck am Bauch. Dieses scheue und liebenswerte Inselkaninchen ist sowohl tagsüber als auch nachts aktiv und hält sich im Busch auf, wo es gerne Mandeln, Kokosnüsse und Hibiskus nascht.
Gelbnackenpapagei; Bild: Joel Amaya
Gelbnackenpapagei (Amazona auropalliata)
Es ist früh am Morgen, die Sonne kommt gerade zum Vorschein, und in den Bäumen herrscht reges Vogelgezwitscher. Wenn Sie genau hinhören, können Sie vielleicht das Krächzen des endemischen Gelbnackenpapageis vernehmen. Diese wunderschönen Vögel sind bekannt für den gelben Streifen, der sich über ihren Nacken zieht, und ihre leuchtend grüne Kopfkrone. Leider haben die Abholzung der Wälder und der illegale Handel mit Haustieren dazu beigetragen, dass diese Art auf der Roten Liste der IUCN als „vom Aussterben bedroht“ eingestuft wurde. Einer der besten Orte, an denen man noch einen Blick auf den Gelbnackenpapagei erhaschen kann, ist das Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum.
Roatan-Stachelschwanzleguan; Foto: Joel Amaya
Roatan-Stachelschwanz-Leguan (Ctenosaura oedirhina)
Wenn Sie nach Roatan kommen, sollte die Beobachtung des endemischen Stachelschwanz-Leguans unbedingt auf Ihrer Liste stehen! Dieser schwarz-weiß gestreifte Leguan zeichnet sich durch seine abgerundete Schnauze aus und wurde 1987 endlich als eigene Art anerkannt. Von den Einheimischen als „Garrobo“ bezeichnet, sind diese Leguane in Mangroven, an der „Iron Shore“ und sogar in städtischen Gebieten wie dem Grand Roatan in West Bay anzutreffen. Der Roatan-Stachelschwanzleguan gilt jedoch aufgrund der Bejagung als Nahrungsquelle, der Prädation durch Katzen und Hunde sowie des Lebensraumverlusts als gefährdet. Derzeit leben etwa 4.500 Leguane auf der Insel.
Grünbrust-Mango; Bild: Yamil Saenz
Grünbrust-Mango-Kolibri (Anthracothorax prevostii)
Man sagt, große Dinge stecken in kleinen Hüllen – wie der Grünbrust-Mango! Diese entzückenden Kolibris lieben es, die heimische Flora zu bestäuben und süßen Nektar zu schlürfen; sie leben buchstäblich den Traum. Die Männchen sind bekannt für ihr tiefgrünes Gefieder, ihre blaue Kehle und ihre violetten und orangefarbenen (na klar, Mango!) Schwanzfedern. Zwar sind sie auf der ganzen Insel leicht zu entdecken, doch im La Sirena am East End erwartet Sie ein ganz besonderes Erlebnis am Wasser – dank der gezielt platzierten Vogelfutterhäuschen tummeln sich hier zahlreiche Kolibris, während Sie ein fantastisches Essen genießen.
Goldstirn-Specht; Foto: Darren Clark
Goldstirn-Specht (Melanerpes aurifrons)
Ach, der Wecker der Insel Roatán. Nein, wir meinen nicht die Hühner – wir meinen den Goldstirnspecht! Wenn Sie schon einmal eine Nacht auf Roatan verbracht haben, haben Sie wahrscheinlich schon das frühe morgendliche Klopfen dieses wunderschönen Vogels vor Ihrem Fenster gehört. Mit ihrem leuchtend gelben Nacken und Unterbauch sehen weibliche Goldstirnspechte aus, als wären sie mit Gold bestreut. Die Männchen, die sich stets selbst übertreffen, krönen ihr Gefieder mit einer goldenen Stirn und einer leuchtend rot-orangefarbenen Krone.
Roatan-Korallenschlange; Bild: Joel Amaya
Roatan-Korallenschlange(
, Micrurus ruatanus)
Kennen Sie den Reim „Rot auf Gelb, tötest du einen Kumpel, Rot auf Schwarz ist ein Freund von Jack“? Nun ja … nicht ganz. Die auf Roatán heimische und leider vom Aussterben bedrohte Roatán-Korallenschlange ist bekannt für ihr scheues Wesen und ihre abwechselnd schwarzen und roten Streifen. Obwohl ihr Körper kein Gelb aufweist, hat die Untersuchung ihres Giftes ergeben, dass es sich um eine toxinreiche Substanz handelt, die für Mäuse tödlich ist. Tatsächlich wurde ihre hohe Wirksamkeit als eine der tödlichsten in Mittelamerika eingestuft! Die Roatan-Korallenschlange ist in der Regel im westlichen Teil der Insel anzutreffen, wo sie unter Kokosnussblättern oder in Feuchtgebieten Schutz findet.
Diese Liste umfasst nur einen kleinen Ausschnitt der unglaublichen Tierwelt, die Sie auf der Insel erleben können. Um die gesamte Artenvielfalt, die Roatán zu bieten hat, in vollem Umfang zu erleben, sollten Sie am besten einen einheimischen Führer engagieren – genau wie beim Tauchen! Joel Amaya von „Roatán Wildlife“ ist ein solcher Führer, der nicht nur der wahr gewordene Traum eines jeden Vogelbeobachters ist, sondern auch Pionierarbeit in den Bereichen Umweltbildung, Dokumentation und Artenschutz auf Roatán leistet.
Also, worauf wartet ihr noch, Naturliebhaber?
Geh raus und genieße die Natur!
6 Tipps für sicheres Tauchen in Zeiten von COVID!
In March of 2020, Roatan Divers, along with most of the rest of the world, were forced to take a very long and unexpected surface interval.
In March of 2020, Roatan Divers, along with most of the rest of the world, were forced to take a very long and unexpected surface interval. After 5 months of desaturating, Roatan has finally opened its borders for international and domestic flights. If you’re ready to get those fins back in the water, take a look at these 6 Practices for Diving Safely During Covid before booking your trip with us!
1. Let us take care of the gear.
Here at RD we are a full service shop, so let us take care of the setting up, dismantling, and disinfecting of all the gear. We have put new disinfecting measurements in place, including individual rinsing of mouthpieces, to ensure everything is cleaned properly.
2. Don’t be shellfish, wear a mask!
The RD team can’t wait to see your smiling faces...and we’ll have to trust that’s exactly what you’re doing underneath that mask. Our masks protect you, your masks protect us, and Plus 1 Masks protect you plus those in need on Roatan (if you’re looking for a stylish COVID Souvenir that gives back).
3. Make like a cleaner shrimp and wash those hands!
There are some things we can avoid touching, like the marine life. There are other things we can’t, such as door handles. Be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer (which we have strategically placed around the shop), after coming in touch with high contact surfaces.
4. Respect your buddy’s space...and air
Give your buddy room to frog kick! Social distancing is important when it comes to reducing the risk of transmission. And while highly unlikely, you may end up in a situation where you need to share air. Instead of breathing from your alternate during your pre-dive safety check, simply purge it while breathing from your first stage!
5. Watch where you’re blowing those bubbles!
And that gunk out of your nose. Be cognizant of where you are clearing your snorkel or rinsing your mask while in the water, and avoid expelling these…fluids...around other divers.
6. Do not dive if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID.
If you, or someone you’ve been in contact with, is experiencing symptoms of COVID, immediately isolate and contact medical professionals. Roatan’s beautiful reef will be waiting for you when you get better!
Want more info on diving safely after COVID? Check out DAN’s resources on their website.
Top 3 Tips to Take Care of Your Ears when Scuba Diving
Ears.
We need them to hear, we need them to equalize when scuba diving, and they make our faces look less weird. All important functions, no? Our ears perform incredibly important functions for us, and while they are resilient and sturdy, it’s important that we take care of them. When we’re scuba diving, it’s even more imperative that our aftercare is done right so that we don’t have any equalization issues or pain as the week progresses.
So without further ado, here are our Top 3 Tips To Take Care Of Your Ears When Scuba Diving!
Ears.
We need them to hear, we need them to equalize when scuba diving, and they make our faces look less weird. All important functions, no? Our ears perform incredibly important functions for us, and while they are resilient and sturdy, it’s important that we take care of them. When we’re scuba diving, it’s even more imperative that our aftercare is done right so that we don’t have any equalization issues or pain as the week progresses.
So without further ado, here are our Top 3 Tips To Take Care Of Your Ears When Scuba Diving!
Rinse out your ears with warm water after a dive
You know how a salty towel never dries? In the same way, if you don’t rinse your ear with fresh water after a dive, salt water can stay inside your ear and create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungus to grow. If you’re close to a shower, turn your ears in the direction of the shower and use warm water to rinse your ears out. If you’re on a liveaboard or day boat and don’t have access to a shower, mix cold and hot water in a cup from the beverage station and pour it into each ear to rinse them out.
Do not, I repeat, do NOT use cotton swabs
How much clearer can we say this? Ear doctors (also known as a otolaryngologist, for all you fancy people) and scuba instructors alike will tell you to never use cotton swabs to clean out your ears. We get that it’s weirdly refreshing to clean your ears out with them, but did you know they do more damage than good? Cotton swabs can actually push wax further into your ear instead of taking it out, obstructing your ear canal. Your ear drum can be reached with a cotton swab as well, so pushing too hard can actually puncture it. Rinsing your ears out with warm water is just as effective as it softens and loosens your ear wax without risking damaging your ears, so listen to the doctor and opt out of cotton swabbing.
Vinegar and rubbing alcohol make for the best drops
If warm water isn’t enough to keep your ears healthy, our homemade ear drop mixture will do the trick! While you are most welcome to buy ear drops from the pharmacy, these aren’t as cost effective as a homemade mixture and normally contain glycerin, which can leave an oily residue behind. We like to make a 50/50 mix of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol dries your skin while the vinegar balances the pH, so you can dry your ears without over drying. Most people have both items at home anyways, so make a small batch before you go on a trip and put it in a travel friendly bottle before your next trip and , voila! Clean, happy, healthy ears.
So there you have it! Though this definitely isn’t our sexiest blog post, it’s an important one, so we hope you learned something and we’ll see you on Roatan soon to put those tips to good use!
3 Important Rules for Proper Beach Etiquette
Let’s talk about proper beach etiquette! If you practice a little mindfulness and follow these 3 important rules for proper beach and reef etiquette, you can do your part as a responsible tourist (or resident) to help keep our island amazing!
Tourism is both a blessing and a curse. Islands like Roatan rely heavily on tourism for their economy, and the tourism industry can help push through conservation initiatives to protect natural heritages. However, a big influx of people who are not aware of proper etiquette can do more damage than good. As the world gets smaller, it's important for visitors around the world to practice responsible tourism and leave each place in better condition than when we visited it. You went somewhere because it was beautiful and interesting, so shouldn't others be allowed the same privilege?
Let's bring the conversation to Roatan and talk about proper beach and reef etiquette! If you practice a little mindfulness and follow these 3 important rules for proper beach and reef etiquette, you can do your part as a responsible tourist (or resident) to help keep our island amazing!
1. No standing on the reef
Standing on the reef is a big no-no. Whether you're snorkeling from a boat or from shore, if you get tired and need to take a rest, you should either float on your back to regain your strength or stand on sand. Coral is alive; it's a living, breathing animal, and standing on it can do irreparable damage. If you don't feel comfortable snorkeling without standing on something, wear a life jacket to help you float.
You should also avoid walking through turtle grass. A lot of little animals, like nudibranchs, crabs and juvenile fish live in turtle grass, so it's an important ecosystem on Roatan. Keep a healthy distance from coral and turtle grass so that our marine world can continue to thrive.
2. No touching!
+5 points if you get this Arrested Development reference!
Seriously, though, no touching. No touching, grabbing, or collecting marine life. Everything underwater, from a small, empty shell to a piece of grass, can be a home or food for a marine animal, so please don't pick anything up off the beach or take anything out of the water. No matter how small, each life is precious, and deserves to live its life without harassment from us.
As a follow-up: be aware of what you are purchasing. Just because you don't physically take it out of the water, purchasing marine souvenirs, such as conch shells, seahorses and coral is all off-limits. Make sure to educate yourself on the illegal wildlife trade and sustainability, because ignorance is not an excuse.
3. Pick up your trash
High season, especially times like Semana Santa, normally sees our beaches get littered with plastic bags, takeaway containers and soda bottles. These eventually end up in the ocean, where they can get snagged on or choke turtles and fish, or end up in their stomachs. Avoid using disposable plastics by carrying your own reusable items, and always throw your garbage in the trash if you do end up using disposable plastic.
Since we know it can be difficult to go traveling with your own reusable containers, try to frequent restaurants that offer alternatives to plastic. A lot of restaurants offer takeaway containers made from paper, courtesy of the Roatan Marine Park, which have less impact on the environment than plastic does. There are even biodegradable, plant-based options out there, too! Remember, even if you're using plastic alternatives, littering is still not allowed.
So there you have it, 3 easy and important rules to follow for proper beach and reef etiquette! Whether you're traveling far away or staying closer to home, practicing responsible tourism will help ensure a better future for the planet. Have a happy summer and hopefully you'll all get to enjoy our little island soon.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay in West End, Roatan for a Week?
So you're coming to visit Roatan for a week or so, fantastic! When it comes to travel expenses like food, transport, lodging and activities, many travelers want to have an idea of how much to budget. One thing to note: costs here on Roatan might not be what you expect.
So you're coming to visit the West End area of Roatan for a week or so, fantastic! When it comes to travel expenses like food, transport, lodging and activities, many travelers want to have an idea of how much to budget. Spoiler Alert! Things here in West End might not be what you expect.
When you think of Roatan as being part of Honduras, many travelers expect things to be super affordable since we're in Central America. The reality is that Roatan is an island, and almost everything consumed here is imported. Our food, products and supplies had to undergo a much longer journey to make it to our happy island, and therefore that drives up the price of just about everything.
Let's do a quick breakdown on the most common travel expenses when visiting West End, Roatan. Keep in mind that when it comes to other islands and what things cost there, Roatan still ranks high in terms of affordability and getting the most bang for your buck.
Food & Drink Costs
The view from Ginger's Caribbean Grill, across the beach from Roatan Divers
Whether you are eating out at a restaurant or buying groceries, expect the price to be what you would typically pay in the United States. We have big supermarkets in Coxen Hole and French Harbor, which carry many of the common American name brands most tourists recognize. On average, these goods will cost the same, if not more than if you were buying them at your local grocery store.
For eating out at most restaurants in West End, expect to spend around $8-$13 per person (not including tip). Food can run about $15-20 a person at a few of the more upscale establishments. To read more about tipping policies and other FAQ here on the island, go here for a helpful guideline.
And sure, it's possible to find cheaper eats depending on what foods you enjoy (think fried food and lots of carbs)! Here in West End, we do have local street vendors, serving typical Honduran food, like Baleadas and platos tipicos (meat, beans and rice) for around $5.
We know, we know - the biggest question on your mind is how much a beer costs, right? Many of us like to gauge the affordability of a travel destination by their cost of beer. In Roatan, average cost for local beer is about $3, wine & imports (think U.S beers) $5, and cocktails between $5-7.
Lodging
West End sits at just about 1 mile long, and within that area is a range of accommodation options for travelers. Whether you prefer a more established hotel in the heart of West End or a home or condo for rent on the outskirts if you enjoy being off the beaten path a bit, there's always somewhere you can find that will fit your needs.
Hotels
Prices for hotels in West End can range from $35 to $200 a night (not including hostels), so every budget is covered. Important factors to consider when thinking about your hotel options are the time of year (high season prices vs low season prices) and if they include A/C or offer any meal options in their price. Hotels here are generally pretty small in size and they bring much of the charm and small community setting that people love about Roatan.
It's important to note that while West Bay has all-inclusives, hotels in West End do not. Most hotels don't include breakfast, either, so make sure to keep that in mind and read up on the fine print when you're searching for accommodation.
Inside The Beach House Roatan
What are some nice hotel options? The Beach House Roatan is a luxury, boutique hotel located in the center of West End and sits directly on Half Moon Bay. Prices start at $175/night + 19% tax and include breakfast. For travelers wanting a more affordable, basic accommodation, we invite you take a look at Anderson Sunset Villas. They offer studio rooms and two-bedroom apartments between $45-75/night. Contact us for availability.
Vacation Rentals
Depending on the size of your group, a vacation rental condo or a house might be what you're looking for. With prices ranging from $600-1,200/week for 1, 2 or 3 bedroom options, condos can cut down on your accommodation expenses (one 2 bedroom condo can be cheaper than getting 2 hotels rooms) and give you the freedom of cooking your own meals. Caribbean Colors offer a variety of properties in West End and the surrounding areas, and their properties offer modern amenities, great locations and stellar service.
Transportation
If you're staying in the West End area, the great news is that you can walk to practically everything! Lodging, dive centers, restaurants and bars all sit within a small area. However, when it comes to airport transportation, traveling to Coxen Hole or the eastern areas of the island, you will need wheels. Taxis are a great, safe option to consider. They will be more expensive if you want a private taxi, but if you're fine sharing the ride with others, you can request a "collectivo". Taxis here don't have meters, so generally you will agree upon a price before getting in and heading out. The price will fluctuate depending on location and number of people. Remember to bring small bills, since taxies here rarely carry change!
Activities
Check out some fun island activities at Go Blue Bay Islands
Roatan offers a range of activities, but of course we are most famous for our diving! The costs for diving on Roatan is some of the most affordable in the world, especially when you consider how healthy and vibrant our reef is and how many dive sites we have to offer.
Other activities like ziplining, snorkeling, spas, fishing, golf, or boat excursions are available as well. The cost varies per operator, but we encourage people to consider responsible eco-tourism. For more information about supporting eco-conscious businesses, visit Go Blue Bay Islands, who together with National Geographic can guide you to vendors and operators who demonstrate their commitment to the environment. They rock!
Hopefully we've managed to give you a nice overview of what things cost here in West End and piqued your interest about staying on our beautiful island! For more information about currency on Roatan, check out our other post, 5 Things to Know About Currency on Roatan. As we mentioned, while Roatan may not be be the cheapest destination available, it's still a great value when you take into account the total cost of a trip here, combined with the amazing value of being a part of a small island community with a nice blend of modern and rustic vibes.
Want to know more? We're happy to help guide you through planning your next holiday to Roatan so please send us a note. We can't wait to hear from you!
5 gute Gründe, auf Roatán tauchen zu gehen
Roatan wird wegen seiner vielen beeindruckenden Vorzüge – der üppigen, hügeligen Landschaft, dem azurblauen Wasser, den freundlichen Menschen und der vielfältigen und reichen Kultur – oft als das Juwel der Karibik bezeichnet. Dank direkter internationaler Flüge von Houston, Miami, Atlanta, den Kaimaninseln und San Salvador war es noch nie so einfach, dieses Paradies zu erreichen. Hier sind 5 gute Gründe, warum Sie unserer Meinung nach auf Roatan tauchen sollten!
Roatan wird aufgrund seiner vielen beeindruckenden Vorzüge – der üppigen, hügeligen Landschaft, des azurblauen Wassers, der freundlichen Menschen und der vielfältigen und reichen Kultur – oft als das Juwel der Karibik bezeichnet. Dank direkter internationaler Flüge aus Houston, Miami, Atlanta, von den Kaimaninseln und aus San Salvador war es noch nie so einfach, ins Paradies zu gelangen! Roatan ist natürlich vor allem für seine atemberaubenden Riffe und seine Unterwasserwelt bekannt. Daher sollte Tauchen ganz oben auf Ihrer „To-do“-Liste stehen, wenn Sie die Insel besuchen. Selbst wenn Sie schon andere beliebte Tauchziele bereist haben, ohne dort zu tauchen, finden Sie hier 5 gute Gründe, warum Sie unserer Meinung nach auf Roatan tauchen sollten!
Das sind nur einige der Tauchplätze im West End von Roatán – wenn wir versuchen würden, sie alle aufzunehmen, bräuchten wir eine viel größere Karte!
Grund 1: Die Tauchplätze liegen ganz in der Nähe
Da das Riff bereits wenige hundert Fuß vom Land entfernt beginnt, ist die gesamte Insel im Grunde ein einziger riesiger Tauchplatz. Allein vom West End aus erreichen wir über 30 Tauchplätze innerhalb einer 10-minütigen Bootsfahrt – das bedeutet weniger Zeit auf dem Boot und mehr Zeit im Wasser! Da die Tauchplätze so nah an den Tauchzentren liegen, bieten die meisten Tauchzentren Touren mit nur einer Flasche an. So hast du die Wahl zwischen einem, zwei oder drei Tauchgängen pro Tag und kannst deine Oberflächenpausen gemütlich am Strand verbringen – mit einer kalten Limonade (oder einem Bier, aber erst nach dem Tauchen!) in der Hand.
Grund 2. Das ist zwar schön, aber man muss sie nicht zweimal machen
Der Vorteil, so viele Tauchplätze in unmittelbarer Nähe zu haben, besteht darin, dass man einen Tauchplatz nicht wiederholen muss, es sei denn, man wünscht es ausdrücklich. Wenn man 50 Tauchgänge vom West End aus unternimmt, wird man natürlich einige Tauchplätze wiederholen, aber es ist sehr einfach, Abwechslung in das Taucherlebnis zu bringen. Die Gegend um West Bay ist voller Sandrinnen, Korallenplateaus und kleiner Steilwände, während man in Richtung Sandy Bay coole Schluchten und tiefe Steilwände vorfindet – es gibt also jede Menge coole Landschaften und Sehenswürdigkeiten zu entdecken.
Grund 3: Tauchen an einem intakten Riff in einem geschützten Meerespark
Der Roatan-Meerespark entstand vor zehn Jahren als Bürgerinitiative, um das bereits von der honduranischen Regierung eingerichtete Meeresschutzgebiet zusätzlich zu schützen. Die letzten zehn Jahre waren ein langer Kampf für den Roatan-Meerespark, doch die Früchte dieser Arbeit zeigen sich nun deutlich. Im „Healthy Reefs 2015 Report Card“-Bericht zum Mesoamerikanischen Riff belegte Roatan den ersten Platz in den Kategorien Korallengesundheit und Fischbestände. Viele andere berühmte Tauchziele, wie das Great Barrier Reef, hatten nicht so viel Glück.
Die kontinuierliche Arbeit des Roatan Marine Park im Bereich des Naturschutzes trägt dazu bei, unser wunderschönes Riff noch viele Jahre lang zu erhalten. Unterstützen Sie den Park daher unbedingt, indem Sie eine Tageskarte für 3 Dollar oder ein Jahresarmband für 10 Dollar erwerben.
Grund 4. Ruhige, klare Bedingungen mit schwachen Strömungen
Ein trächtiger Zackenbarsch
Fast das ganze Jahr über genießen wir relativ ruhiges, glattes Wasser an der Oberfläche, wobei die Sicht unter Wasser im Durchschnitt bei etwa 100 Fuß/30 Metern liegt. Auch wenn die Strömungen von Tag zu Tag variieren können, herrschen in der Regel nur leichte Strömungen, die das Tauchen zu einem viel entspannteren und angenehmeren Erlebnis machen.
Wenn das Wetter auf der Nordseite der Insel einmal unruhig wird, haben viele Tauchschulen in Roatán die Möglichkeit, auf der Südseite der Insel zu tauchen, wo wieder ruhige, flache Bedingungen zum Tauchen herrschen. Diese Art von Flexibilität ist in den meisten beliebten Tauchdestinationen so gut wie unbekannt. Wir arbeiten mit einem Partner-Tauchzentrum zusammen, sodass wir unseren Gästen auf beiden Seiten der Insel das gleiche hochwertige Taucherlebnis bieten können.
Grund 5. Vielfältige Meeresfauna
Auch wenn unsere farbenprächtige Unterwasserwelt eng mit Grund Nr. 3 zusammenhängt, konnten wir nicht umhin, die Unterwasserbewohner von Roatán besonders hervorzuheben. Ganz gleich, ob Sie sich für die größeren Lebewesen begeistern oder lieber die kleineren, versteckteren Wirbellosen entdecken möchten – bei uns finden Sie alles! Ein gesundes Riff zieht seinerseits eine Vielzahl von Fischen, Krebstieren, Bodenbewohnern, Garnelen und pelagischen Fischen in diese warmen karibischen Gewässer an.
Das sind sie also, die 5 tollen Gründe, auf Roatán tauchen zu gehen! Auch wenn Sie noch kein zertifizierter Taucher sind, gibt es zahlreiche Möglichkeiten, die Unterwasserwelt zu erkunden – sei es beim Schnorcheln oder mit dem PADI „Discover Scuba Diving“-Programm. Auch unser Leben an Land hat einiges zu bieten. Planen Sie also noch heute Ihre Reise nach Roatán und erleben Sie den Urlaub Ihres Lebens!
4 Cool Souvenirs from Roatan
We'd like to share with you our top gift ideas that can allow you to take a piece of Roatan back home with you, all while shopping responsibly and supporting local artists and business.
The word 'souvenir' can make many of us cringe, thinking of kitschy items made of plastic that can be found at just about any travel destination. Just like every other tourist destination, we have a long list of shops and trinkets to choose from. Some items for purchase here, unbeknownst to you, may have been illegally poached and are in violation of local laws and regulation. How can you find a meaningful memento that does some good in the process?
We'd like to share with you our top gift ideas that lets you to take a piece of Roatan back home with you, all while shopping responsibly and supporting local artists and business. Without further adieu, and in NO particular order...
Rusty Fish- Recycled Island Art
"We have nothing from China!" is proudly declared at each of their several locations here in Roatan. We love that this local business has found a stylish and affordable way to take someone's trash and turn it into another person's treasure! They create handicrafts and artwork from recycled metal, wood, plastic and glass. From wall art to magnets to jewelry and much more, they have a great selection to choose from. Much of their artwork is inspired from our local marine life. It's a great way to take a memory of that beautiful green turtle you spotted in the ocean back home with you! With locations in West End, West Bay, and both cruise ship ports, this is an easy place to visit, even if you're only here for the day.
Roatan Marine Park- Eco Store
In addition to the amazing work they do keeping our reef healthy and beautiful, the Roatan Marine Park Eco Store offers a selection of merchandise and eco-friendly local products. The revenues from these sales go back to support the Marine Park and their local conservation efforts. They offer colorful t-shirts, tank tops, and even long sleeve hoodies that are just right for a breezy night here on the island. Also for sale is locally made honey, coffee, jams, jellies, eco-friendly mosquito repellents, and even hot sauce!
Amazing custom piece by Pink Ginger Jewelry
Local artists
A truly fun souvenir to take home with you is a locally handmade piece of art or jewelry. You can typically find local vendors either walking the streets or beaches offering up necklaces, earrings and bracelets for both men and women. Beautiful stones and intricate braiding make these jewelry pieces truly one of a kind.
If you enjoy artwork, you can find prints, paintings, and canvases full of bright and beautiful colors to remind you of the Caribbean.
Caribbean Reef Life
After just about every dive and snorkel trip, this is the book you see in people's hands as we look back at the colorful and lively marine life we see here in Roatan. This is a must-have for any fish enthusiast who enjoys marine identification photographs by local photographer, Mickey Charteris. The current edition includes over 1,000 species in full color and descriptions for each species. All the photos were shot here in the Bay Islands. Without knowing what creatures live underwater, it's hard to truly protect and care about the reef and its inhabitants. This makes a great coffee table book or keepsake to remember Roatan by!
Not in Roatan?
No worries! Most of our favorite gift ideas are available for purchase online. Visit their website or contact them directly to find out how you can have a piece of Roatan sent to you and your friends.