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-   -   Ambergris vs Roatan Diving? (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/ambergris-vs-roatan-diving-142584/)

Katie Jan 16th, 2002 01:46 PM

Ambergris vs Roatan Diving?
 
I have been following the dialog between Joyce, Peggy, Lan and Katie and have found it really helpful re upscale accommodation at Ambergris. Could anyone tell me if they have been to Roatan? I was considering it because the beaches seem nicer (one of our party is not a diver), but I have also heard that sandflys are a real issue in Roatan. Any thoughts?<BR>Also, in considering a side trip to Mayan ruins, is it worth the extra $ and time to go to Tikal as opposed to closer sites? Thanks for any advice. K

TC Jan 22nd, 2002 06:06 AM

Katie; We spent a week last winter on Ambergris in a spectacular two-bed condo at Villas of Banyan Bay. Great place-good price. They have a beautiful beach, but there's not much to see in the water from any of the beaches on Ambergris. Quite mirky. We are two couples, the guys dive and we ladies just snorkle. The dive operator we used let us tag along on the dive excursions and snorkle - like at the rim of the Blue Hole. It was fantastic. So as non-divers, we had just as much fun as the guys. Does your non-diver snorkle?<BR><BR>We are headed to Roatan in a couple of weeks, so I'll be able to report on that location next month. When do you plan to travel? I have heard from the owners of the house we've rented in Roatan that beach flies are a problem. But I hear that the diving and snorkling from shore are amazing. We'll see.

JJ Jan 27th, 2002 03:19 PM

Roatan is the island of choice. I enjoy Ambergris Caye but Roatan has better water right off the shore for snorkeling. I had heard bad things about the sand fleas on Roatan but they were no problem when I was there in June.

jpn Jan 28th, 2002 01:38 AM

I agree with JJ that for snorkeling Roatan wins hands down. And the same goes for diving. We went to both and only place we had problems with sandflys or sandfleas was San Pedro on Ambergris. <BR>Katie what accommodation on Ambergris did you have in mind? Maybe we stayed there?

TC Jan 30th, 2002 03:15 PM

Roatan travelers, Did you have problems with TACA airlines and luggage? I've heard some horror stories about lost luggage going into Roatan. I'm getting a little paranoid about checking bags. Should we carry-on essentials for two or three days just in case? Thanks.

pRIVATE Feb 7th, 2002 11:16 AM

There are problems with TACA and luggage. In fact, mine has been lost 2 of 3 trips to Roatan. Take dive gear and essentials only. Further, I would take as much as possible in my carry-on luggage.


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