So Boom...When we stepped up on the deck to check into the Palmetto Bay Resort; framed by the wooden beams of the outdoor patio roof we were met with the most stunning scene. An outdoor pool directly in front of us, palm trees swaying in the wind and the ocean as its backdrop meeting the sky.
Gary the general manager told us to take a seat at the bar while we waited to check in, and the bar tender made us a heavy Rum punch. We all smiled with excitement and made a toast to the start of vacation. I knew, we knew, at that moment, this trip was about to be Lit!!
Blue skies, calm water, and kind people are some of the many attributes that make up the Caribbean island bay of Roatan, Honduras. Roatan is located on the western side of Honduras and is the largest bay among the islands; and offers one of the top diving places to visit due to its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the main reason we chose this location). Now this being a group trip and not my usual solo trip, here are a few of my takeaways and tips to enjoy this beautiful place:
Getting There
Half of our group flew from different locations (Washington D.C. , Columbus, OH, Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA) and our flights landed within an hour of each other at Roatan Juan Manuel Galvez Airport . I would recommend taking this route as it was the smoothest process.
The other half of the group flew into Aeropuerto Ramon Villeda Morales (SAP) in San Pedro Sula and caught a flight from there to Roatan. This is the budget friendly option, but has an extra step before arriving to Roatan.
Honduras Covid Travel Tips:
This is the most important piece of the puzzle. There is a strict process to gain entry to other countries during the pandemic. Take Notes!
Schedule your Covid test at least 72 hours in advance, before boarding to Honduras, you will show this checking in and boarding the flight.
If you are fully vaccinated, take your vaccination card with you, which will exempt you from needing a Covid test to get INTO Honduras.
Fill out your customs papers digitally in advance before your departure (link).These will need to be done before going through customs in Honduras
On the way back FROM Honduras you will need to schedule a Covid test to get back into the US 72 hours in advance of your departure. You may be able to schedule with your Airbnb and or hotel for this.
Transportation Tips:
We rented 2 vehicles, as there were 7 of us. According to many of the locals, insurance is not necessary as a lot of things can be settled with cash, but better safe than sorry in our opinion.
Tip 1: Make sure to double check that you have an automatic car vs manual, as manual shift is still popular and offered in Honduras
Tip 2: If you are driving or helping to drive, make sure you have your Drivers License, as there were police checks on the way to West Bay beach.
Tip 3: Download Google Translator in case you need to communicate with anyone on the island
One of our cars were stopped due to not wearing a seatbelt, and my friend was ticketed and had to give the officer his drivers license until the ticket was paid. Fortunately our airbnb host was able to get his license back in time for his departure from the island. Trust, we did not let that deter us from enjoying the trip... we went to the beach and enjoyed ourselves.
Accommodations:
Palmetto Bay Resort, Palmetto Bay: Tucked away only 15 minutes from the RJB airport, this a private resort with 24/7 security and a direct walk out to the ocean from each of the vacation homes for rent. Our home had 4 bedrooms and 6 beds, with a beautiful kitchen and plenty of balcony space.
Tips:
Tip 1: For groups think about booking through Airbnb.
Tip 2: Download Whatsapp to communicate with the staff on hand should there be any issues with the house.
Tip 3: Indulge in the local cuisine. Hire a private chef to cook dinner and/or breakfast during your stay.
Roatan Gems
DIVE! DIVE! DIVE! Roatan is the 2nd best place to Scuba Dive in the world; second to the Great Barrier Reef. Diving is a must while you are there. No problem if you are a first timer, some diving places will offer a "discovery" course that begins with pool instruction and then a few dives out in the calm waters of Roatan.
For more experienced divers, you are in luck. Even if you just want to snorkel the water is beautifully blue and clear.
The island is full of dive shops, but we had an amazing experience with Reef Gliders.
Check out the below places to book your expedition:
Palmetto Brewery: Palmetto Brewery nestled within a walking distance from the Airbnb's at the resort, it offered local beers, merchandise, and beautiful scenery to kick back and chill. You can enjoy playing a round of cornhole and volleyball too.
Gingers: located in West end is a restaurant bar that its back patio opens up to the ocean. Its great for a good stopping point and food after shopping or a dive. The pinacoladas were excellent and you can enjoy putting your feet in the warm water.
West End: This is a strip or town of shops, restaurants, bars and dive shops it’s a lively atmosphere with music playing from some of the local places, and people in the streets or along the shore at half moon bay.
West Bay: Known for its white sand and blue water, this strip of beach is a good time with most of the restaurants spilling their outdoor seating with a backyard view of the ocean, you can eat, enjoy, and swim. This is also where you will find a lot of your resorts and hotels.
Group Planning Trips:
Tip 1: Consider the group dynamics, having a few concrete excursions that the group can do together or that offer varying options for everyone to do at one time. But also leave enough time through the days for people to do what they want on their own
Tip 2: Designate one person to be in charge of the prepaid-money for the group necessities such as groceries, Covid test, and liquor so your not worried about divvying this up after the fact.
Tip 3: CASH is KING : Take what you feel comfortable taking with you, but the dollar is accepted over all the island. Make sure to get some small bills for tipping at the airport/ restaurants if you choose.
Note: If you have a credit card with NO foreign transaction fees - take that, otherwise check those fees before using the card. Also, although there are ATM's they are not always guaranteed to work or be close by if you wanted to get cash
Download Paypal: Quite a few businesses, if they didn't have credit cards on hand took Paypal
Tip 4: Download Google translate; most people on the island speak English, but the Policia did not (stay ready).
Only Con:
Sand Flies: These things deserve there own space on this page, they are no joke. They are small little almost invisible flies that will feast on your skin, leaving you with welts and bumps all over and a persistent itch. Its best to be preemptive with them versus trying to rid your body of them:
Tip 1: DEET bug spray is your best option in defense
Tip 2 : Long sleeve or netted pants/shirts especially in the morning if your sitting along the beach or in the evening
Tip 3: Baby oil – they will still come, but won't bite, but you could also fry your skin in the sun (take your pick).
If you do get bit: Aloe Vera, anti- itch creams, Benadryl, and calamine lotion will help to give you temporary relief at best.
Needless to say there is nothing like experiencing new places and activities with friends, and Honduras delivered on all the above, with a lot of memories I'm still laughing about. Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions. If your interested in planning your solo or group trip to Honduras be sure to check my travel planning services tab above.
Catch you on the next adventure!
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