Fins an Flippers Island

[tgr2387]

This is kind of random but people say to spray everywhere to prevent bites from sand flees, but is it safe to spray on your face?

[sptrout]

This is kind of random but people say to spray everywhere to prevent bites from sand flees, but is it safe to spray on your face?

 

I mentioned this in a thread (this one or one of the other F&F threads); we took a few "Off" Packets with us. You can find them wherever Off is sold. Small foil packets each with one wipe containing Off. Just wipe the pad everywhere, including your face. Very easy and safe to pack (no worries about leaks). Takes about two wipes per person, per application.

 

BTW - - If you do use the spray type of Off, just spray some in your hands and then wipe it on your face. No problem, I do it here in Houston all summer long.

[VOLLEYBALLDUDE2000]

Can someone tell me how the water from the beach area is? I have heard "grassy"! Just wondering??:confused: I would like a nice sandy wading/swimming area! Will it be this way or no??? :rolleyes: Grassy sounds kind of gross!:eek:

 

Watch for urchins in the shallow part. Its not your white typical beach like Trunk Bay or Orient.

You have to go out on the snorkel pier and enter the water from there.

Remember this is a reef, so there cannot be a sandy beach.

If it is sand you are seeking this is not for you. If you want to see one of the most amazing underwater world (IMHO) this is the place to go.

[jacksmom09]

How long do you stay/what time do you go back? Is transportation back included??:confused:

[sher'ssis]

How long do you stay/what time do you go back? Is transportation back included??:confused:

We got there around 9:30 or so, and on the trip over Cindy will tell you how often their boat runs back to the dock. We took their last boat back to the dock with no worries whatsoever (maybe it was 4:15? Can't remember). In fact, when we were on all on board, she asked the boat driver to wait a minute for her to run and double check the beach to make sure everyone was on, how nice is that. Yes, transportation both ways is definitely included. We loved the place, the food, the gift shop (decent cheap stuff for the kids, and I wish I had bought myself something actually). We like to hang on the beach on vacation.

 

As for the sand, I have to disagree with the OP, there was sand for hanging out on the beach that me, hubby, and the kids (9 and 12) thoroughly enjoyed. Snorkeling off the pier was great too but be careful of the sharp coral! We went on 2/8 and I still have funny looking scars on my wrists from the cuts -- they are healed but look like bruises.

[VOLLEYBALLDUDE2000]

How long do you stay/what time do you go back? Is transportation back included??:confused:

 

We were only in port until 3 pm so we took the 1.30 pm boat back to the mainland, strolled quickly through the stores and back onto the ship.

Wish we could have stayed longer. Transportation is included, but there is a little tip jar, that you can drop in a buck or two.

[jacksmom09]

Thanks!;)

[qkslvr]

The boat leaves Fins every half hour, trip takes three minutes from pier to pier.

[CRUISERTN]

Has anyone snorkeled at both Fins & Flippers and Tabyana? We have been to Tabyana numerous times and love the snorkeling there. We are returning to Roatan in a few months and wondering whether we should try a different snorkel location. We love Tabyana and you know what they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" but also would love to snorkel at another good location. Wondering how Fins & Flippers compares to Tabyana? We are not interested in a beach; just good snorkeling in shallow water with good visibility and lots to see. Any comparisons of the two places would be appreciated!!

[Luvsnorkeling]

Yes, we too would appreciate a comparison between Tabyana and Fins & Flippers. Thanks for all replies.

[markpc17]

Since I found this place thanks to Cruise Critic I thought I should at least share our experience.

 

It's a great place and I'm glad I discovered it from others here on CC.

 

Better than expected, a piece of cake to walk off the NCL Pearl, be escorted to the dock and then whisked to the island. Beach was nice, plenty of chairs and SHADE. What a concept. Snorkeling was nice but like others have said -- do not swim out over the coral - you'll get scratched quite nicely. Swim around and you'll do fine -- lesson learned.

 

Food was good, very reasonable drinks, and the pool was a lot of fun in particular for kids. Just a really relaxing, well run facility.

 

Top marks from us.

[Perfect Stranger]

Thread is too long to read every post.

 

Does anyone know what time this place opens? And if so, please state whether that is local time or ship time.

[fkalish]

We were there the end of March, I loved having the shady areas to sit, take a walk around the property, several animal and bird enclosures as well as a cute fake mayan temple near the jaguar enclosure.

 

I have to say, we braved the waves and went snorkeling. It was really beautiful. One of the best reefs I have seen, not as much fish life but the variety of corals was amazing. You do need to be careful, the channel is narrow and it is easy to hit the coral.

 

I also picked up some really beautiful straw baskets in the gift shop that I did not find in town, about $12ea. made great gifts for me and the people taking care of the cats at home.

[Perfect Stranger]

Do you know what time it opened?

[Princess Pearl]

We were there last week and really loved it.

 

When we made the reservation online and said we'd be there at 9:00 am. We were and they met us just off the dock and escorted us straight to their dock and we were on the island by 9:15.

 

They also brought us directly back to the ship's pier at the end of the day which was nice.

[Perfect Stranger]

I e-mailed FNF and they responded promptly, stating that they are open the same hours the cruise ship is in port.

[LisiK&Rojo]

We went a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed ourselves. Staff was great, Shade was appreciated, Snorkeling was enjoyed and the staff member in the kayak was on the spot when my wife had a panic attack going over the reef and being suddenly confronted by the deep (he got a good tip). Didn't eat but the beer was cold. Others appeared to be having a good time in the pool. Was not crowded. We would definitely go back.

The gauntlet between the dock and their pier was nowhere near as bad as other posters have made it out to be, particularly when compared to Jamaica. Just say no and keep moving.

[steff01]

Just off the April 12th Legend and enjoyed our time at Fins and Flippers...Beautiful place! like paradise!! hardly anyone on the island and we enjoyed the food (very reasonable), animals (monkey, leopard, birds) and the snorkeling was great. I highly recommend F&F's:D

[KingofSomewhereHot]

Can anyone tell me if they offer Locker rentals of any kind?

 

I have Diabetes and rely on an insulin pump but it is not waterproof. Is there a safe dry place to leave things with little worry?

[LisiK&Rojo]

Do not know if they have lockers but we felt very comfortable leaving our stuff in a backpack by our loungers. There were others from the ship on the island (we did not know them until we met on the island) as well and we just looked out for each other.

John

[steff01]

Do not know if they have lockers but we felt very comfortable leaving our stuff in a backpack by our loungers. There were others from the ship on the island (we did not know them until we met on the island) as well and we just looked out for each other.

John

 

This is so true! we just left out stuff near the pool area (lots of shady trees and picnic tables there). Everyone was from our ship and we did look after each other...we felt very safe there. The staff is extemely friendly! there was only a handful of people from our ship...very peaceful.

 

Have a wonderful time!

[KingofSomewhereHot]

This is so true! we just left out stuff near the pool area (lots of shady trees and picnic tables there). Everyone was from our ship and we did look after each other...we felt very safe there. The staff is extemely friendly! there was only a handful of people from our ship...very peaceful.

 

Have a wonderful time!

 

 

If I just has a camera or a change of clothes it would be one thing bu I don't think I could trust ANYONE that I just met enough when it comes to a $7,000.00 piece of medical equipment that is pretty much necessary for my survival.:(

 

I'll e-mail them and ask if they have a safe place for things such as this.

[Ron_L]

If I just has a camera or a change of clothes it would be one thing bu I don't think I could trust ANYONE that I just met enough when it comes to a $7,000.00 piece of medical equipment that is pretty much necessary for my survival.:(

 

I'll e-mail them and ask if they have a safe place for things such as this.

 

I was going to suggest e-mailing Cindy. She will probably have a safe place for you.

 

One note... I had a problem receiving replies from Cindy with my AT&T Yahoo address. For some reason they never got to me (not in my spam folder or anywhere). If you haven't gotten a reply try it from a different e-mail address. After three tries with my account Cindy called me to confirm our reservation. She is very nice and i am sure that she will be able to help out. i hope so because we loved or time at F&F last week and i know that you will love it, too.

[Jeannie719]

I had some questions and emailed Fins n flippers. Prompt response back. Wanted to share with all of you. Us older folks with "unsure footing' have to worry about some things. The below are the answers I got back from Cindy, the Manager. Hope these answers help others looking at going to Fins n Flippers.

 

Here are the answers to your questions below.....

 

1. Our water taxi is a 48' Island Hopper flat bottom style boat. It

is very similar to a pontoon boat, but not.

Yes it does load on and off of two very nice piers and there is NO

climbing involved.

 

2. The stairs from our snorkeling pier is a very nice boat ladder with

rubber grips on each step. The ladder goes all the way down to the

sand. And there is a hand rail to hold onto.

 

3. We rent snorkel vest for $5 a day, and we do have a snorkel guide

as well with a kayak if you and or your husband needs assistance.

 

4. We take Cash, Travelers Checks, Visa, MC and AMEX as a form of payment.

 

5. We do not have lockers at this time. This is and has been a very

safe and theft free environment. If you wish, I could hold your

things in my office, but typically everyone just leave their things

with their beach chair and has had no problems.

 

I hope that I have answered all your questions, but if you have any

further ones, please let me know.

 

Hope to see you at Fins n Flippers

 

Thanks

Cindy Carter

F n F Manager

[bigdaddyvoges]

Booked 14 of us for June 17th!!!!