Roatan on our own?

[Bonnibren]

Hello everyone! We will be heading on our first cruise in 23 days!!! Our first stop will be Roatan. At first we considered just staying on the ship, but I've been reading so much about how beautiful the island is and the beaches. So here's my question: As a family, if we decided to get off the ship and do Roatan on our own, what beach would you recommend. I've got a 6 yr. old and a 14 yr. old, the snorkel excursions are out of the question for the little one. So what would be a great beach. I really don't want to pay over $200 for the Tabayana Beach Break. There's got to be a less expensive way to do this! Any ideas would be appreciated. We're not too brave as far as venturing out on our own with this being our first cruise and our first time out of the States. But if it is pretty simple, I think we'd be up for it! LOL Thanks for your ideas! Also, where will the RCCL dock at in Roatan?

[macmom111]

oh my yes absolutely do it on your own. Roatan is a beautiful little island. It will be great for your children to see how life is not always like it is at home. Rent a taxi for the day. should cost about 50 bucks for the family, neg the price with the man arranging the taxis at the dock. they charge per person not per ride. it will be the same to use it all day as it would a trip to the beach. Tell the driver to show you his island. Your kids will see monkeys in the wild, macaws in the wild, and tell him you want to go to the beach toward the end of your tour... the driver will wait for you no matter what you do. when you head back to the ship that is when you pay the driver the amount you neg with the man at the taxi stand. dont forget to tip your driver, we also brough him a t shirt and baseball cap from the U S to give him. He will be your personal tour guide for the day. Enjoy!!!

[Jim C.]

macmom111 gave you a great response. Roatan is an Island and not mainland Honduras. It is very easy to do it on your own. I wouldn't anything in macmom111's post. I will add though that the "no-see-ums" are a problem (sand fleas) on the beaches there. Be sure to apply bug repellent before going to the beach. If you don't you will get bit (and never know you were bit) and get these red spots all over you. They go away fairly quickly but still...

[spoheat]

Heard a lot about these bites. People recommend bug spray with DEET.

[Dwayne]

I've read a lot about people going to Tabyana Beach without any problems. Roatan indeed has a different type of taxi system for sure. We negotiated for a small bus as we had 14 in our group plus scuba equipment. Our driver stayed with us the entire day, even going by boat with us to the dive resort. Bullfrog makes their Mosquito Coast sunscreen with built in insect repellent. You can solve two problems with one application. It is DEET free though. The worst thing about no-see-ums is you don't know you've been bit until later.

Dwayne