¿Puedo bucear en Roatán sin tener el título de buceo?

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 especies que los amantes de la naturaleza no deben perderse en Roatán

La pequeña isla de Roatán, que resulta ser la mayor de las Islas de la Bahía, rebosa de riqueza natural y de una rica historia. Aunque muchos estarán de acuerdo en que la mayor parte de la riqueza de Roatán reside en sus arrecifes de coral, los amantes de la naturaleza también tienen mucho que admirar por encima del agua. ¡Sigue leyendo para descubrir las seis especies principales que los amantes de la naturaleza no deben perderse en Roatán!

Agutí de la isla de Roatán; imagen de Joel Amaya

Agutí de la isla de Roatán (Dasyprotcta ruatanica)

¿Qué era ese rápido borrón marrón que se escabullía por el sendero? ¿Era un conejillo de Indias con pezuñas? ¡No! Era el agutí endémico de la isla de Roatán, también conocido como «watusa» por los lugareños. El agutí de Roatán, ligeramente más pequeño que el agutí centroamericano, destaca por su pelaje de un intenso color marrón anaranjado y suele presentar una mancha blanca en la barbilla y una zona amarillenta en el vientre. Activo tanto de día como de noche, este tímido y adorable conejo isleño habita en la espesura, donde disfruta comiendo almendras, cocos e hibiscos.

Loro de nuca amarilla; imagen de Joel Amaya

Loro de nuca amarilla (Amazona auropalliata)

Es temprano por la mañana, el sol empieza a asomar y los árboles cobran vida con el canto de los pájaros. Si prestas atención, quizá puedas oír los graznidos del loro de nuca amarilla, una especie endémica. Estas hermosas aves son conocidas por la franja amarilla que les cruza la nuca y por su coronilla de un verde intenso. Por desgracia, la deforestación y el comercio ilegal de mascotas han contribuido a que esta especie haya sido declarada en peligro crítico de extinción por la Lista Roja de la UICN. Uno de los mejores lugares donde aún se puede avistar al loro de nuca amarilla es el Arboreto Tropical de Blue Harbor.

Iguana de cola espinosa de Roatán; imagen de Joel Amaya

Iguana de cola espinosa de Roatán (Ctenosaura oedirhina)

Si vienes a Roatán, ¡ver a la iguana de cola espinosa, endémica de la isla, debería ser una visita obligada en tu lista! Esta iguana, con rayas blancas y negras, se distingue por su hocico redondeado y fue reconocida finalmente como una especie propia en 1987. Conocidas como «garrobo» por los lugareños, estas iguanas se pueden encontrar en los manglares, en la costa de hierro e incluso en zonas urbanas como el Grand Roatán, en West Bay. Sin embargo, la iguana de cola espinosa de Roatán se considera en peligro de extinción debido a la explotación para el consumo, la depredación por parte de gatos y perros, y la pérdida de hábitat. En la actualidad, viven en la isla aproximadamente 4.500 iguanas.

Mango de pecho verde; imagen de Yamil Sáenz

Colibrí mango de pecho verde (Anthracothorax prevostii)

Dicen que las cosas buenas vienen en frascos pequeños, ¡como el colibrí de pecho verde! A estos encantadores colibríes les encanta polinizar la flora local y libar néctar dulce; viven, literalmente, un sueño. Los machos destacan por su plumaje de color verde intenso, su garganta azul y las plumas de la cola de color morado y naranja (hola, mango). Aunque se les ve fácilmente por toda la isla, puedes visitar La Sirena, en el extremo este, para disfrutar de un espectáculo especial sobre el agua: gracias a la colocación estratégica de varios comederos para pájaros, estos colibríes abundan mientras disfrutas de una comida fabulosa. 

Pájaro carpintero de frente dorada; imagen de Darren Clark

Pájaro carpintero de frente dorada (Melanerpes aurifrons)

Ah, el despertador de la isla de Roatán. No, no nos referimos a las gallinas, ¡sino al pájaro carpintero de frente dorada! Si alguna vez has pasado una noche en Roatán, probablemente hayas oído el repiqueteo matutino de este precioso pájaro fuera de tu ventana. Con la nuca y la parte inferior del vientre de un amarillo intenso, las hembras del pájaro carpintero de frente dorada parecen como si les hubieran espolvoreado oro. Siempre dispuestos a superarse a sí mismos, los machos rematan su plumaje con una frente dorada y una corona de un rojo anaranjado brillante.

Serpiente coral de Roatán; imagen de Joel Amaya

Serpiente coralina de Roatán(
, Micrurus ruatanus)

¿Conoces la rima «rojo sobre amarillo, mata a un amigo; rojo sobre negro, es amigo de Jack»? Bueno… no es exactamente así. La serpiente coral de Roatán, especie endémica y, lamentablemente, en peligro crítico de extinción, es conocida por su carácter tímido y sus bandas alternadas de color negro y rojo. Aunque no presenta ningún tono amarillo en el cuerpo, se ha estudiado el veneno de esta serpiente y se ha demostrado que contiene una sustancia rica en toxinas que resulta letal para los ratones. De hecho, ¡se determinó que su alta potencia la convierte en una de las más letales de Centroamérica! La serpiente coral de Roatán suele encontrarse en la parte occidental de la isla, donde se refugia bajo las hojas de los cocoteros o en los humedales.

Esta lista solo recoge una pequeña parte de la increíble fauna que se puede contemplar en la isla. La mejor opción para descubrir toda la biodiversidad que ofrece Roatán es contratar a un guía local, ¡igual que harías para practicar el buceo! Joel Amaya, de Roatán Wildlife, es uno de esos guías que no solo es el sueño hecho realidad de cualquier observador de aves, sino que también es pionero en la educación medioambiental, la documentación y los esfuerzos de conservación de las especies silvestres de Roatán.

---

¿A qué esperáis, amantes de la naturaleza?

¡Sal a la calle y disfruta de la naturaleza!

¡6 consejos para bucear con seguridad en tiempos de la 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. 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!

---

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

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 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 buenas razones para practicar buceo en Roatán

A Roatán se la suele llamar la joya del Caribe por sus numerosas y asombrosas características: su exuberante paisaje montañoso, sus aguas azules, la amabilidad de su gente y su cultura rica y diversa. Con vuelos internacionales directos desde Houston, Miami, Atlanta, las Islas Caimán y San Salvador, ¡nunca ha sido tan fácil llegar al paraíso! Lo que hace famosa a Roatán son, por supuesto, sus impresionantes arrecifes y su vida marina, por lo que practicar submarinismo debería ser una de las prioridades de tu lista de cosas que hacer cuando la visites. Aunque hayas viajado a otros destinos populares para bucear sin llegar a sumergirte, ¡aquí tienes cinco razones de peso por las que creemos que deberías practicar submarinismo en Roatán!

Estos son solo algunos de los puntos de buceo que hay en el West End de Roatán; si intentáramos incluirlos todos, ¡necesitaríamos un mapa mucho más grande!

Razón n.º 1. Los puntos de inmersión están muy cerca

Dado que el arrecife comienza a solo unos cientos de pies de la costa, toda la isla es, básicamente, un gigantesco punto de buceo. Solo desde West End, contamos con más de 30 puntos de buceo a menos de 10 minutos en barco, ¡lo que significa menos tiempo en el barco y más tiempo en el agua! La mayoría de los centros de buceo organizan salidas de una sola botella debido a la proximidad de los puntos de inmersión a los centros, por lo que puedes elegir entre una, dos o tres inmersiones al día y pasar tus intervalos en superficie cómodamente en la playa con una limonada bien fría (o una cerveza, ¡pero solo después de bucear!) en la mano.

Razón n.º 2. Son muy chulas, pero no hace falta hacerlas dos veces

La ventaja de contar con tantos puntos de inmersión tan próximos entre sí es que, a menos que pidas volver a un sitio concreto, no tienes por qué hacerlo. Obviamente, si vas a hacer 50 inmersiones desde West End, entonces sí, acabarás repitiendo algunos puntos, pero es muy fácil aportar variedad a tu experiencia de buceo. La zona de West Bay está repleta de canales de arena, mesetas de coral y mini-paredes, mientras que, a medida que te adentras hacia Sandy Bay, te encuentras con impresionantes cañones y paredes profundas, por lo que hay un montón de topografías interesantes y puntos de interés que explorar.

Razón n.º 3. Bucear en un arrecife en buen estado dentro de un parque marino protegido

El Parque Marino de Roatán surgió hace diez años como un movimiento popular con el objetivo de reforzar la protección de la reserva marina ya establecida por el Gobierno hondureño. Los últimos diez años han supuesto una larga lucha para el Parque Marino de Roatán, pero los frutos de su esfuerzo ya se están haciendo evidentes. En el informe «Healthy Reefs 2015» sobre el Arrecife Mesoamericano, Roatán obtuvo la mejor puntuación en cuanto a la salud de los corales y las poblaciones de peces. Muchos otros destinos de buceo famosos, como la Gran Barrera de Coral, no tuvieron tanta suerte.

La labor constante que realiza el Parque Marino de Roatán en materia de conservación es lo que ayuda a preservar nuestro precioso arrecife durante muchos años más, así que no dejes de apoyarles comprando una entrada diaria de 3 dólares o una pulsera anual de 10 dólares.

Razón n.º 4. Condiciones tranquilas y despejadas, con corrientes suaves     

Un mero preñado

Durante la mayor parte del año, disfrutamos de aguas relativamente tranquilas y sin oleaje en la superficie, con una visibilidad submarina media de unos 100 pies/30 metros. Aunque las corrientes pueden variar de un día para otro, solemos tener corrientes suaves que hacen que el buceo sea una experiencia mucho más relajante y agradable. 

Cuando el tiempo se pone adverso en la costa norte de la isla, muchas tiendas de buceo de Roatán tienen la flexibilidad de bucear en la costa sur, donde se pueden volver a encontrar condiciones tranquilas y con el mar en calma para practicar el buceo. Este tipo de flexibilidad es prácticamente inaudito en la mayoría de los destinos de buceo populares. En nuestro caso, contamos con un centro de buceo asociado con el que colaboramos para poder seguir ofreciendo a nuestros huéspedes la misma experiencia de buceo de calidad en ambas costas de la isla.

Razón n.º 5. Diversidad de la vida marina

Aunque nuestra colorida fauna marina guarda un estrecho vínculo con la razón n.º 3, no hemos podido resistirnos a dedicar una mención especial a los habitantes submarinos de Roatán. Tanto si te gustan las criaturas más grandes como si disfrutas observando los invertebrados más pequeños y ocultos, ¡aquí lo tenemos todo! Un arrecife sano atrae a su vez una gran variedad de peces, crustáceos, especies de fondo, camarones y peces pelágicos a estas cálidas aguas del Caribe.  

---

¡Ahí lo tienes: 5 razones fantásticas para practicar buceo en Roatán! Si no tienes título de buceo, hay muchas otras formas de disfrutar de nuestro mundo marino, ya sea haciendo snorkel o con el programa «Discover Scuba Diving» de PADI. Nuestra vida en tierra tampoco está nada mal, así que ¡empieza ya a planificar tu viaje a Roatán para disfrutar de las vacaciones de tu vida!

4 Cool Souvenirs from Roatan

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.