jojoblais

Considering trip there in August -- did you get vaccinations? I never thought of it until someone mentioned it on another travel site so I looked up the CDC recommendations. And they recommend like 5 shots & malaria meds -- but to practically everywhere, so I don't know how seriously to take this warning!
Please advise!!
Thanks

SusanInToronto

We didn't get any vaccinations. I can't remember if I took the malaria meds, but I know my husband didn't. We honestly didn't find the bugs all that much of an issue, and usually I'm eaten alive. We did make sure to use repellents.

I had more of a problem with the sun. On our last day of snorkeling, I was enjoying it so much that I went out in the water again and I forgot to re-apply sunscreen. I usually wear a t-shirt when I'm snorkeling, so my back was ok, but the backs of my legs were really crisp the next day.

Roatan was a wonderful beach destination. Casual, good restaurants, great snorkeling.

roatanvortex

Here is a story I wrote about bugs on Roatan. http://roatanvortex.com/2010/07/11/bugs-on-roatan/
I've lived on the Island of Roatan since 2007. So far so good

ttraveler

I already had all of my shots for previous trips, and I did take Malaria meds both times I visited Honduras. We didn't have much issue with the bugs either but I guess it just takes one.

volcanogirl

Can someone tell me what the main attractions are on Roatan - is it primarily snorkeling? How are the beaches? Any other points of interest you would recommend? What city do people usually stay in?

SusanInToronto

The water is probably the main attraction, at least it was for us. West Bay has a beautiful beach - it's not huge, but it's wonderful for paddling around in the water and the snorkeling is amazing. We stayed in West End - lots of inexpensive hotels, all range of restaurants, nice little town. I wouldn't call either of these places "cities". For us, another attraction was that we could get a charter flight from Toronto and we were there in less than 5 hours. It was inexpensive and easy to get to, with a great beach - perfect beach destination for me.

volcanogirl

Thanks, Susan; I'm intrigued. We love anyplace with beautiful beaches and good snorkeling.

hopefulist

Imo you should at least update your routine immunizations; many adults in the US are years behind. We typically follow the CDC advice - when we were on Roatan last time there were several recent cases of malaria being talked about.

In addition to snorkeling, diving, and beautiful West Bay beach there's nice hiking in the Carambola Reserve a few miles east of West End and good fly fishing if you know where to find it. Happy trails!

volcanogirl

It all sounds great. I think I'll explore it a little more.

quest42n8

We go to Roatan a couple of times a year. I would recommend following the CDCs recommendations.

As to activities, as mentioned above, Sandy Bay area has great reefs within snorkeling distance of shore and in the marine preserve along with wonderfully secluded beaches. While their are several quaint places to stay we stay at Seadancer Villa (www.seadancer.net). Spacious and private and very reasonably priced. It has a wonderful 400 foot dock to relax on and snorkle from.