¡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.
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.
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 buenas razones para practicar buceo en Roatán
A Roatán se la suele llamar la joya del Caribe por sus numerosas y maravillosas características: su exuberante paisaje montañoso, sus aguas azules, la amabilidad de su gente y su rica y variada cultura. Con vuelos internacionales directos desde Houston, Miami, Atlanta, las Islas Caimán y San Salvador, llegar a este paraíso nunca ha sido tan fácil. ¡Aquí tienes 5 razones de peso por las que creemos que deberías 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
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.
5 consejos de supervivencia que necesitas para las escalas
Layovers suck. Short or long, it doesn't matter, layovers are not fun. And even if you think that a layover will be short, there's a good chance that your transport will be delayed or cancelled, so it's important to be prepared for any transportation crisis.
With the advancement of technology, the world has gotten smaller. You can connect with people of different cultures and languages all over the world, the smart phone has taken the place of books and pay phones, and you can travel to places you can't even pronounce!
And since we're on the subject of travel...layovers suck. Short or long, it doesn't matter, layovers are not fun. And even if you think that a layover will be short, there's a good chance that your transport will be delayed or cancelled, so it's important to be prepared for any transportation crisis.
Some context: I was catching a flight from Los Angeles down to Roatan, with an intended 90 minute layover in San Salvador. I've been on trips where the layovers have been really long before, and I've been prepared for them, but this was the first time that my layover was delayed to pretty cataclysmic proportions (cataclysmic, I tell you!). We spent about ten hours each day for two days at the airport (7AM to 5PM the first day, 6AM to 3:30PM the second) with a night in an airport hotel in between. There was a lot of going back and forth with the airline staff, a re-routed flight, and a lot of people panicking (justifiably) and getting quite angry before we could find a resolution. It was kind of a mess, and exhausting. I think I fared better because I was going home, not going on a precious one week holiday that was just slashed by a few days. I wasn't panicking, but I certainly wasn't happy with being stuck at the airport, away from my husband and work, without any substantial updates or information.
So whether you're taking plane, bus or boat, layovers are something you are going to suffer many times in your life if you want to travel and see the world. So let's discuss our Top Five Tips for surviving layovers!
Tip 1. Keep an extra set of clothes in your carry-on
If you're not planning on checking any bags in, you're good to go. Next!
If you are checking a bag in, make sure to keep an extra change of clothing in your carry-on, just in case you're stuck at the airport or need to be transported to a hotel without getting access to your check-in luggage. To keep your carry-on light and your packing efficient, just focus on clean underwear and a shirt made of light, thin material, that can be easily rolled up and stuffed away somewhere. Delays are more mentally tiring than physically tiring, and having a fresh set of clothing to change into can give you a bit of a boost, even if only for a second.
Tip 2. Layer, layer, layer
Airports, buses and airplanes are horrifically cold. I die every.single.time. I've learned over the years that instead of carrying a thick sweatshirt or hoodie, I should focus on thinner layers so that it takes up less room in my bag and I can adjust my layering as the temperature changes. It's not abnormal for the temperature to rise and fall in increments, and you don't want to have your only two options to be hotter than Hades or Arctic freeze. I always keep a thin cardigan and a scarf on me at all times, as well as a pair of socks. I have a gorgeous scarf that my friend got me in Saudi Arabia 10 years ago, and it's big enough to double as a pillow or a blanket, and just seems to match with everything I own. That scarf has been all over the world with me, and I will travel with it until the day it disintegrates.
Tip 3. Books are sexy
I didn't bring a book with me for this trip (because "the layover is so short, I won't have time read") and I deeply regretted it. I was smart enough to fully charge my computer and phone before I got on my first flight, but after 10 hours stuck at the airport, I eventually needed to recharge. I ate up my batteries faster than normal because I was contacting home a lot in the chaos and also trying to get some work done since I was stuck anyways, and while I was fortunate to be able to find an outlet nearby, when a flight's delayed and there's 100 passengers needing juice and only two outlets, blood will be spilled. Having a book would have helped pass the time faster and given me something other than work to distract me from the never-ending delays.
If you don't want to haul around a heavy book, a reading tablet, like the Kindle, is a great way to carry multiple books in a slim package. The battery life on those things are normally very good so they'll cover you for a long time, and their screens are designed so your eyes don't get tired! A fellow passenger also very kindly lent me his portable charger when I couldn't find an outlet, and that really helped me out as well. I think for my next trip, I'll invest in a portable charger as well so that I don't start to panic when I see my battery level falling.
Tip 4. Keep a universal adapter on you
And in the spirit of charging things, keep a universal adapter in your carry-on when you travel. You never know what kind of outlets places will have, and you don't want to be low on battery, find an outlet and find out you can't plug into it! Universal adapters are pretty inexpensive, are small, and can save you a little heartache.
Tip 5. Keep a snack on hand
Airports can be super expensive, and sometimes they don't have any food options other than beer, burgers and pretzels. To make sure you don't get so hungry that you buy all of Burger King, keep some portable snacks, like chocolate, trail mix or nuts in your bag. Even sandwiches will do! Just be kind to the people around you and avoid particularly pungent food, like Indian lamb curry. Or deviled eggs. Or garlic toast.
Bonus tip. Be kind
This is one that I had to remind myself of constantly during my two 10-hours days at the airport. It's not the staff's fault that the flight is grounded or delayed. They are in the line of fire and take everyone's anger and blame, but nobody reacts very well to getting yelled at, and taking your frustration out on them will only make them not want to help you.
And don't just be kind to the staff. Be kind to your fellow passengers. Be friendly. If someone needs help, help them. No matter how bad your day is, someone else probably has it much, much worse, and showing even a sliver of kindness may be the only bright spot of that person's day. It doesn't cost you anything to be kind, but it may mean the world to someone else.
Being stuck at the airport doesn't have to be an isolating event, or one that divides people. The people stuck on our flight actually bonded together very well, and though I wish I hadn't been stuck for so long, I am also grateful that I had the opportunity to meet some fantastic people and be in the position, for once, to assist others.
I learned a lot about myself on this very long layover, mostly learning that I'm actually capable of not stressing so much and of seeing the bigger picture, and that if something's outside of my control, then that's just the way it is. I saw people being kind to each other and taking care of each other, and it was a good reminder of humanity's ability to see beyond themselves and focus on others. It was a reminder that I was grateful to have, and I hope I don't forget those lessons learned any time soon.