LvSun

Getting ready to leave for Roatan in a few days. Already have room booked and we're taking the pills to (hopefully) prevent maleria.

What should I take with me (besides my snorkel stuff)?
What type of bug spray for the no-seeum bugs?

Any advice on car rentals, what not to miss, crime, etc?

hopefulist

My packing list is #15 here:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...2&tstart=0

You might have to copy and paste if the hole URL isn't highlighted. We've had great luck with Sawyer's Controlled Release Deet formula for mosquitos. I've heard any kind of oil helps with the sand flies but (knock on wood!) we haven't ever had a problem with them. Pray for a breeze!

We had a blast around La Ceiba and splitting 3 weeks between Utila and Roatán in 2006; our photos and travelogue are linked below if you're interested. Happy trails!!

http://flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

hopefulist

Yeah, that should be WHOLE instead of HOLE - sorry!

shaytravels

I loved Roatan! Take a good bug spray with deet. Like you said, don't forget your snorkel gear, sun screen for sure, and have fun! I loved gumbalimba park. There is a section where you can interact with monkeys, Coxen's cave, which supposedly housed a pirate,and some nice snorkeling near by.

RumRita

Just came back from a great week of diving in Roatan at Cocoview, on the southside of the island. We did get out of the water for a while though, and can recommend Carambola botanical garden. We had a very educational and entertaining tour given by the garden's founder, Bill Brady - a Peace Corps volunteer from the 60's who stayed on in Roatan.

The bugs were not all that bad the week we were there - but we were very prepared anyway! From what we read, you're better off not renting a car, but taking taxis.

LvSun

Thank you for the replies.

Hopeful, great list. Thanks for sharing.

LvSun

RumRita,
What did you hear about the are rental?

All, Did you take taxi's? How was that?

RumRita

Take a look at this post from Scubaboard re: car rental in Roatan:

http://tinyurl.com/yt62pg


Also, remember there is a $33.19 departure tax due when you leave the airport.

hopefulist

LvSun - All we ask in exchange is a travelogue.

airwayvz

Just got back from a week on Roatan also...depending on where you are staying I wouldn't bother with renting a car. The island can be covered easily and cheaply in the public mini-buses, or a taxi if you feel like paying a lot more. I'd rent a scooter for a day for $20 and go that route.

The bugs weren't that bad last week, I'd think any bug spray would do fine...although we met some folks that were leaving and gave us their super DEET stuff...I just used it on my ankles really. Don't forget to get reef friendly sunscreen!

By the way, I plan to write a post of cheap places to eat on Roatan sometime today or tomorrow.

SusanInToronto

I'll be interested in your post of cheap restaurants. We're going to Roatan in mid-April for a week.

Bugs usually see me as a tasty treat, so I'm not looking forward to the sand fleas, but apart from that, we're both looking forward to the vacation!