Roatan

[jeremiason]

When are getting ready to head north from Panama and are thinking about stopping in Roatan.

We have heard through the Coconut Telegraph that there are some safety concerns... Is Roatan safe and where shouldn't we go?

Thanks in advance!

[lorenzo b]

Totally safe, we spent the last two years cruising Guatemala, Honduras, the Columbian Islands, and Panama. Don't miss Providencia. If you like to snorkel or dive you will love the entire mesoamerican reef.

[SoManyBeaches]

Hey friends! We're in Roatan now (just arrived today). I'll let you know what we feel after then next 48 hours or so.

Also, I have to second Lorenzo's Providencia recommendation: by far my favorite stop in the last year.

fair winds!

Laurie
S/V Mother Jones

[jeremiason]

We must have just missed you Laurie... See you in Roatan!

[SoManyBeaches]

So, where are y'all? We're doing a schnell tour: staying in Roatan one more night, then onto Utila for the end of the week, leaving Saturday before the big blow for the Rio. Have y'all decided if you're going to go in or not?

[jeremiason]

Yes, we will be heading up to Roatan probably Wednesday of next week. Hopefully catch up to you guys in Belize.

Our concern about safety in Roatan stemed from a first person account from Chabassa Cross about being boarded be three armed men in the middle of the night, anchored off, I think it was the Fantasy Hotel in December.

Any recommendations on Marinas?

[SoManyBeaches]

I'll let you know what we hear and find over the next few days. We're anchored out by French Cay in front of French 44. Looking forward to stretching our legs today

Stop by "Manati" on Guanaja if you stop there.

Also, we were warned not to take our oars (in our dink) to shore in Guanaja because crack heads steal them for the $.02 of aluminium. Ours were definitely messed with (by a thief? good Samaritan?) at the fuel dock and our dinghy was used as a swim platform by some local boys at the government dock. I hate to be all "don't touch my things" but it was the attitude that bothered me the most . . .

On Guanaja, we met several (nice) crack heads as well as lots of great locals. We didn't have any problems, but the signs were there and we had to move on anyway . . .

[SoManyBeaches]

oh, and make sure you take bug spray to Manati's . . .

[SoManyBeaches]

And, pick up some Redd's beer in Providencia!

[lorenzo b]

Petty theft is a problem all along the coast from Columbia to Mexico, lots of really poor people and so many trinkets on your deck. We lost our new dinghy and motor in the Rio. Some have been robbed at gunpoint and assaulted viciously. Same everywhere. Not worth worrying about, just take sensible precautions.
Remember, you could be in Florida.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by jeremiason

...

Our concern about safety in Roatan stemed from a first person account from Chabassa Cross about being boarded be three armed men in the middle of the night, anchored off, I think it was the Fantasy Hotel in December.

...

This is the only event I know of involving a cruising boat on Roatan. I've spent lots of time anchored all around Roatan with no problems. There is of course always the possibility of problems so exercise reasonable caution, but I think your odds of trouble on Roatan are low.

However, the Honduran mainland has had a number of problems. I suggest sticking to the Bay Islands and giving the mainland a wide berth. This is especially true of Punta Sal where one boat was boarded and robbed while underway a few miles offshore of here last year (and lots of other security problems in this area in the past).

I suggest visiting all 3 of the Bay Islands. Each has their own unique character. Something I particularly like about Roatan is that you can go from relatively heavily developed with lots of tourists (West End, but still enjoyable) to remote and local at the eastern end of the island (Port Royal).

Enjoy!

[SoManyBeaches]

Can you update me as to whether it's possible to anchor in the West End? And, how is the holding? Thanks!

[lorenzo b]

The West End is closed, no mooring balls and no anchoring.

[SoManyBeaches]

Yet there were several S/V's anchored there yesterday, hmmmm . . .

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by SoManyBeaches

Yet there were several S/V's anchored there yesterday, hmmmm . . .

I exchanged a few emails with the marine park manager recently regarding this issue. The mooring balls and lines are removed, but the pins are still in the bottom. As you can see, boats are still anchoring there.

He hopes the political situation will get resolved and they can put the mooring filed back in place, but...who knows when and if that will happen.