March 2010
Roatan, Honduras
by Patricia Bannister
What is there to do in Roatan? From the cruise excursions, I would have told you that you can go zip lining or you can go see the monkeys. But, there is so much more to Roatan than that. Roatan has many beautiful resorts where you can send your clients. One of those is called Fantasy Island, which is a beach and dive resort, and that is what Roatan really is.
Roatan calls itself the newly discovered Garden of Eden, and I believe it. When we arrived in Roatan, three agents and I went ashore and met a wonderful guide who told us that for US$30 each, he would be our guide for the day. For that, we got a driver, a guide, and a day filled with more information than we could take in.
Our guide took us to the highest point on the island where we could see the beautiful sea on both sides. We could also see that the island was filled with trees and vegetation. This lush tropical island had many surprises in store for us. The language of Roatan is English, and Spanish is the second language. The Lempiras is their form of currency, but the U.S. dollar is taken everywhere. (Not so with your euros - not many places will take those.)
You can rent a car or a scooter to get around the island, but they also have buses, taxis and water taxis. If you think you are going to a primitive island when you go to Roatan, think again. They have electric energy service, cable TV, phone service, Internet access, and networks for most cell phones (along with the international airport with daily flights from the United States on Delta and Continental).
Roatan has a year-round tropical warm climate, with an average temperature of 80 to 85 degrees. We were there in December, which is their rainy season. The water temperature varies from 70 to 80 degrees, so it is perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling any time of the year.
We went to a private resort where anyone can purchase a two-bedroom condominium for around $300,000. When I said WOW, our guide told us that if we knew someone who lived in Roatan who could purchase it for us, it would cost us much less than that. Needless to say, we didn't want to leave.
The western end of the island is very populated and crowded. The streets are narrow and traffic can be slow. However, the lushness of the island and the friendliness of its people are what will bring you and your clients back over and over again. This island and its people will steal the hearts of those who explore it.
If you are a history buff as I am, this island is steeped in history. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502. He was searching for fresh water at the time and found it in Roatan's many fresh water springs.
Roatans say that "they are a paradise of blue skies and white sand, where fast sailboats and elegant cruises break through the waves to the rhythm of gracious dolphins." I couldn't say it any better. We were all sad to leave this beautiful island paradise.
Whether your clients are going to go to Roatan on a cruise ship, to stay in one of their beautiful resorts, or to dive, be sure that you tell them to tour the island and get to know the island and the people of Roatan. They will be so glad that they did, and they will thank you for recommending this beautiful, lush island and its friendly people.
Patricia Bannister is a Memphis-based travel agent who serves as OSSN's South Eastern Regional Manager and as the director of the OSSN Memphis Chapter. She may be reached via her listing (under "TN") in the OSSN chapter directors roster.
(Credits: Patricia Bannister, Adalberto Hernandez Vega, Chris Vaughan)
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