Hi I am trying to plan a family vacation for Feb.09. The age range is 1-82. Roatan sounds so nice but I keep reading about the sand fleas, are they really bad that you don't want to go the beach? Are there beaches that are better. I have never been to Roatan but I really want to go so any info is greatly appreciated. Cheers, Connie

We were there for 5 days in March and didn't have any problems. We stayed in West End and mainly hit the beach there, although we did take a water taxi down to West Bay just to check it out...but the beach was mobbed by crowds from the cruise ships so we kinda steered clear of West Bay after that.

We love Roatan and have had different experiences with the bugs. I can use a light bug-repellent and not get bit at all, my sweet BF uses Deep-Woods OFF and still manages to get a few bites. It's never been bad enough to keep us off the beach, but take bug spray.

We stayed in West Bay and the bugs were horrible. I am one of those people who bugs are attracted to- I came home with almost 100 bites on my back. I used bug spray but did not do a good job covering my back. I was on a beach chair in the water's edge and when I got up , I realized I had all these bites.It was uncomfortable always going out with heavy bug spray on-I always felt clammy. I have been to many beaches but will not go back to Roatan because of the sand fleas.

We stayed at West Bay in April and didn't get a single bite spending 99% of our time at the beach. The beach is raked constantly to keep the bugs down and sprayed at night when it's empty. We did an evening trip to West End for dinner one night, it didn't appeal to us at all. More of a hippy atmosphere and the beach was no where near as nice.

Hi........
I too thinking of going to family vocation.......
Can anyone tell the good place to go and enjoy???...

http://www.fleameds4less.com

I have been to Roatan twice, this April and last Feb. We stayed at West Bay and have not had any problems with sand fleas. We do wear insect repellent. We also have been lucky with cruise ship crowds, no problems with them either. Something else to consider is malaria meds. It's suggested that you take them for that area. I know a lot of people don't but it's just something else for you to consider.

We just came back from 2 weeks on West Bay. We have a condo at Mayan Princess and love it there. We may be biased, but believe it to be a great place to stay. Authentic spanish style villas built around a beautiful pool with tropical vegetation. It is located in the middle of West Bay beach, so you can't beat the location.

As for the sand fleas (flies), we used repellent which works quite well. 98-100% DEET is the best. You can buy it in little pump sprayers. Several brands are available. Spray a few sprays on and rub it all over exposed areas. The aerosol sprays will help, but you will find the DEET percentage to be very low in them. So if bugs really like you, get the strong stuff. Also take something for itching if you do get bit. Even though the bugs can be annoying, we would never consider not going there because of the bugs. We have never worried about malaria, especially if you use repellent.

Cruise ship travelers do come to West Bay beach a couple days a week, but they only stay a few hours. Actually, my wife and I kind enjoy people watching them.

In regards to West End, we like it there. Lots of places to eat and bars to party if that is your style. It is very rustic with unpaved streets and typical tropical buildings. It gives you a real feeling of the local life. A water taxi from West Bay Beach to West End is $6 round trip pp.

Anyone know how the bugs are Thanksgiving week - November?
We are bringing plenty of repellant, but hate being eaten alive. We are stating at Ssea Vue Condos on the West Bay.
Also how's the weather at that time?
Thanks.