SuperTrooper00

I posted this on our cruise review, and thought I would re-post it here...

This was our favorite port of the cruise. I had read and read on this board about different ways to get to West Bay (which we had already decided was a must place for 2 beachgoers). We had finally decided to try the more adventurous and far cheaper mini-bus/water taxi route. If nothing else, I wanted to be able to come back on here and answer questions since so many seem to have questions about it.

All I can say is that if you are considering this option: DO it (with a few conditions).

We actually went to this website, which has been posted on here several times and printed out the info before we left (http://www.roatanisland.net/cruiseship.htm). This was crucial into helping make this easy for us.

We walked out of the tourism village, and down their main street. You do have to say "no" a lot to different taxi drivers, tour co's, shops, etc on your way, but it is harmless and easy. After the first little bit, it dies off. We had to ask a few different people where the Mercado is with the mini-buses, and people were very kind and helpful. Once we got to the MErcado (there are 2, so get to the correct one), we began to ask those around where the mini-bus was. The bus driver eventually walked over and helped walked us to his bus (mini van). We loved this trip. It was hot, humid, and very authentic. We were the only ones on the bus who spoke English, and the only ones who were not native. It was amazing how many people could cram into there. But, we sure loved it. We loved being with the people and attempt to ask them questions in our broken SPanish. We loved seeing the real island. We loved going in their neighborhoods on the way and seeing their life. It was harmless but adventurous. And it was cheap. It costs a tad over $1 a person US to get to West END (not Bay yet). I would have paid 10x that for the experience. Once in West End, its pretty easy. You walk down a sandy road (which is under construction). There are tons of shops, restaurants, and land tourists there. We found the water taxi with ease and jumped on board for the ride to West Bay. The water taxi ride itself was a blast. And it cost $3 a person. So, we spent $4 a person on an awesome adventure to get where it would have costs $17-$22 a person in a taxi. We would do it again in a heartbeat.

Once to the beach, we walked around for a while to find where we wanted to plop down. We had planned on just grabbing a spot on the beach for free, but once we saw the Infinity Bay Resort, we fell in love. We talked the guy down to $20 for a Day Pass, and we were set for the next several hours.

The beach is simply stunning. It is up there with Trunk Bay because of its gorgeous sand, clear water, and easy snorkeling. The snorkeling was very good (make sure and go out until it drops off. Awesome sight).

The chairs at Infinity Bay were empty, so we had that section of beach to ourselves. We brought bug spray with Deet and used it, but not a single bite. It was a tad windy, and that helps with bugs. I would only say this: some on here have said they didn't want to get off the boat because of the bugs. To me, that is crazy. I would easily do everything all over again if we had been eaten alive. It was completely worth it.

We spend the rest of the day in the Infinity pool, at the swim up bar, eating delicious food.

We had planned to take a taxi back just so we could maximize our time on the sand, but after enjoying the bus/water taxi so much, we decided to make it a round trip. After doing it the first time, it was very easy on the way back.

We would love to go back to Roatan on a land vacation and stay at Infinity Bay. They have a beautiful people there, an unbelievable beach, and great food.

The only conditions I would put on doing Roatan this way is that I think you would want to be in decent shape. I am certainly not trying to offend, but a heavier or out of shape person would have a very hard time doing some of those things. It is hot and sweaty in the bus, and very very tight. The walk to the MErcado is a good quarter mile, and the walk to the water taxi is a little rough because its under construction. If you are in fine shape, do it!

I would love to do a ship tour to there, but unfortunately I am not seeing that NCL does one.

What my wife and I do might cost a tad more in taxi costs, but we far prefer it over everything else in cities where the airport isn't too far from the cruise terminal (especially in FLL). We exit the ship with our luggage, go to the airport, and check in for our flight. That way our luggage is done and safe, we can possibly get exit row seats with our early check-in, and all we do is head straight to the gate later.

We then grab a taxi and head wherever we want to go for the day. We have tried several things, and this has worked best for us. A little more money, but far less headache.

2 questions:

1. Is the mini-bus from Coxen hole to West End safe?

2. How long would the trip take?

Ours was the Zuiderdam on Holland America in 2004. We are young and look forward to many more.

Ours was the Zuiderdam on Holland America in 2004. We are young and look forward to many more.