Fins an Flippers Island

[cruiserssandr]

Our stop in Roatan will only be from 3 till 8. Do you think this is still work it? Figure with any luck at all we will be off the ship by 3:30 but it will be dark my 5:30. I had planned on going here when our time was from 1 till 8 but now I just don't know

[mimi54]

We are just back from Fins and Flippers(New Years Cruise Voyager of the Seas)...absolutely the highlight of our cruise...you will love it.....it is so close to the ship..takes minutes to get there...you can see your ship while on the beach...it would be worth it to go, even if for a short time...you are so well taken care of by the staff, they will make sure you are back at the dock and on your ship....I would email Cindy from the Fins and Flippers website.....We throughly enjoyed visiting with her...If any questions or for pictures email me gkk361954@yahoo.com

[patehren]

There was no need to make a reservation. In fact, we tried to call on their 800 number (posted on their website) and were never able to get someone in the office. We just showed up and they were there at their dock with the sign that said "Fins n' Flippers". You can't imagine how easy it is and so close. They have a nice gift shop but I didn't really spend too much time in it. The port is very poor and hectic with people and cars. My mother-in-law fell on the sidewalk and got bruised badly. I wish we had taken her with us to the resort even though she didn't want to swim. She could have enjoyed just relaxing by the pool and watching the iguanas.

 

We were on Roatan a few years ago and we took a tour with Victor Bodden and went scuba diving at Bay Islands Resort. Although we enjoyed the dive, I would much prefer to go to Fin n' Flippers than take a tour of the island. I wasn't very impressed with what there was to see and it cost a good bit to get a driver and go around the island.

[houstoncruisers2001]

This picture was taken of "Fins & Flippers" island last year BEFORE it was Fins & Flippers. I was standing on the deck of the Grand Princess when I took the picture. It is very close to the cruise ship dock.

[familycruising4us]

Is the beach a "beach" or do you climb into the water from ladders or steps? THe pics on the website look like it has a wall?? Does anyone have pics?? TIA :)

[houstoncruisers2001]

 

Is Roatan very mountainous? If so, do you feel you should have taken a ship tour to the beach that is 1/2 hour away to see the sights of the island? (and the view on top of the mountain)

 

I have heard that the port area is very poor and you are supose to get away from the port area. Is fins and flippers far enough away from all of that?

 

 

I'd called Roatan, hilly, not mountainous. I've never been to Fins & Flippers, but I do know you have to walk a couple of blocks in town in order to get to the dock to catch the small boat that takes you there.

 

I'll be checking it out firsthand in a couple of weeks though and I will be happy to report back to you all when we return.

 

I was on Roatan last year and we went to Foster's. It was ok, then we walked up the beach and it was great.

[babydoll]

Just back from Fins and Flippers...We visited this lovely place on Jan 16th during our Voyager cruise. We could not have been happier in our choice. It felt like we had our own little island paradise. The beach is an actual beach...It is small but you walk straight into the water from the beach. I would be glad to answer any questions...It is a great way to spend the day in Roatan.

 

Sarah

[gordon fisherman]

hello Klct39lg, I'm a fellow Hoosier from Marion, just 3hrs. to the North of you!Our group will be floating out of NOLA (03/23/08) as well as you are, just a few weeks earlier, I think? Would you please post how your trip went to let us know what we should expect , being our priors? And would love to hear any advise you might have ! Do you know "Laurablue"? she is also from Bloomington ,cruising the same cruise we are on? Spirit 03/23/08

[wardmav1]

Are there any lockers available to put your stuff in while snorkeling?

[sheila77]

We were at Fins & Flippers last Tuesday. We arrived in Roatan around 3:30 so we did not have lots of time but we enjoyed our time at Fins & Flippers. We took the short boat ride over, paid at the reception desk, rented snorkel equipment and then walked out to the beach. You can probably leave your belongings at the pier - you actually just snorkel right off the pier. They have big new bathrooms to change but I don't remember if they have lockers. The people working there were all friendly. It actually rained while we were there but I would go back if I have the opportunity. Here is a couple of photos.

[chelsea2005]

Hi there,

 

I have a question. We've been to Roatan before, and from what I remember the port area is not very nice, a little scary to me! We will have our 2 little kids with us (2 and 4). My question is how far is the walk to the water taxi? Do you think we'll feel safe with our kids?!

 

My husband says he only wants to get off the ship in Cozumel, which I think is nuts, so I'm trying to find us some good options!

 

Thanks in advance!

[sheila77]

I would get off with my kids. You will have lots of people approaching you but I did not feel unsafe. If you are thinking about going- I would suggest that you contact fins and flippers and they will have someone waiting for you at the pier. Then you walk with them to the ferry. The resort is very safe and your kids would enjoy the pool/beach. Some people have compalined about sand fleas at the beach area but we did not spend time at the beach so I can not say if they have them...

 

The water is crystal clear and they could play by the shore.

 

The manager speaks english - she is american and she is very friendly. All the people at the resort speak english.

[chelsea2005]

Sounds great! Thanks for the response.

[physiocan]

I am on the Spirit leaving next Sunday (yeah!!) and had made a 'reservation' online with Fins and Flippers since I know we only have a very short time on Roatan with the late arrival. I requested an email confirmation but haven't received one. Anybody know if I should be concerned........or conversely if numbers going there will be an issue given the lack of ship organized excursions with the short port time?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

:confused:

[houstoncruisers2001]

I was also at Fins & Flippers last week on the Voyager. Once you leave the cruise terminal area turn right and walk about 3 minutes. Sure you pass a few people trying to sell stuff, but they aren't pushy. Believe me, it's worth it.

 

As for Fins & Flippers.....$20 with reservations, $25 without + tax. Cindy from Monroe, Michigan greets you at the dock once you arrive. The place is top-notch. The landscaping is beautiful, the pool area is beautiful and the beer is $2. We arrived around 11am and stayed until about 2pm. There were about 10 other cruisers there and we felt like we had the place to ourselves. The beach area IS small and the water reminded me more of a lake than a sea with plants & fish near the shoreline. The highlight, to me, was walking to the end of the pier. WOW!!!! The coral was amazing. If you want to jump in, bring water shoes. You can rent snorkeling stuff if you want or bring your own.

 

We feel that in the near future Fins & Flippers will explode with cruisers. It was nearly deserted when we were there. I almost hate to recommend it because we loved the peacefulness and serenity so much. It felt like paradise and we absolutely LOVED IT!!!!!

[SANDPEBBLES]

Those cruising the current NCL Spirit itinerary know that the Spirit docks in Roatan around 3:00 p.m. and departs at 8:00 p.m.

 

We've been to Roatan twice before and were pretty upset about the shortened stay. Then, our friend, Susan, discovered Fins and Flippers. We are SO glad she did.

 

We made reservations through the website but didn't receive confirmations. (That is the only thing Fins and Flippers needs to improve.)

 

Armed with copies of our e-mails requesting confirmations, we disembarked the Spirit, walked through the gate, turned right, and found a young lady, holding up a sign for Fins and Flippers. She was expecting us.

 

We were immediately escorted to a very nice, covered boat with plenty of seats and taken for a short ride to Fins and Flippers.

 

The resort is brand new and gorgeous. Everything is immaculate and inviting. The pool area is quite pretty with lounge chairs, etc.

 

I'm so glad we ordered drinks and food. Prices were very reasonable, and my meal tasted delicious.

 

We also spent time on the beach and swimming off the pier. Be prepared for very shallow water and make sure you wear water shoes. Evidently, I did not swim far enough out. One friend did and found where the drop off into deep water occurs.

 

I know Roatan has sand fleas so I sprayed down with Deep Woods Off (with Deet) before stepping off the boat. I had absolutely no bites at all. One of us who didn't spray down was bitten so bring that Deet!

 

As it turned out, the American manager had our reservations, and there was no problem at all. We were able to pay $20 + tax instead of $25 + tax.

 

All of us were amazed that we were the only people at the resort! It was fantastic to have it to ourselves, but we truly want Fins and Flippers to be a grand success. So . . . try it. You won't be sorry. I expect the next time I'm there, it will be jammed with cruisers.

 

As it began to get dark, the boat was summoned to take us back.

 

Guess what! The boat took us directly to the NCL Spirit! Passengers were lined up to return to the ship and must have thought we had hired a private boat to take us around. Little did they know we each spent $20 + tax and had the most amazing time.

 

Fins and Flippers will be at the top of my list when I visit Roatan again.

[physiocan]

Thanks so much for your positive words.......I am now ready to relax and enjoy Fins and Flippers......complete with the private escort back it seems. 3 days and counting!!

[houstoncruisers2001]

Thanks so much for your positive words.......I am now ready to relax and enjoy Fins and Flippers......complete with the private escort back it seems. 3 days and counting!!

 

Exactly, just relax and enjoy Fins & Flippers.

 

I wish I was going with you.

[kas37]

We are on the shortened Spirt Iten from 3-8, im thinking about dark, which must be about 6 you leave the island to head back to the ship? Is it worth it? We want to snorkel and was going to take Bodden to West bay beach? Anyone done both? which do you think is best? :confused:

thanks for any info!!! :)

[SANDPEBBLES]

Kas37, I've only done Fins and Flippers on the shortened Spirit itinerary. For us, it was more than worth it.

 

Please be ready for VERY shallow water when you first climb down from the pier's ladder into the water.

 

Unfortunately, I didn't swim far enough out to see the drop-off and the snorkeling possibilities at that point.

 

If anyone else has truly explored the snorkeling, please give Kas37 your thoughts.

 

Kas37, you could try contacting Fins and Flippers for a description of the snorkeling experience.

 

One of the many benefits to Fins and Flippers is its very short boat ride. You don't waste any time traveling. AND, as it grew dark, we had no worries about safety. The boat took us directly to the Spirit! The fast travel time was a real plus in view of our shortened stay.

 

The resort itself, as stated before, is new and pristine with very reasonable prices for drinks and food.

[FrannyK]

I'd also like to know more about the snorkeling there. On their website, it shows a square-shaped dock area and I don't know if you snorkel inside the square or what? Is it possible to snorkel right off the beach? Would it be safe for a weak swimmer/children?

 

FrannyK

 

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[susan bt]

Fins and Flippers offers a massage........... a 1/2 hour or 1 hour massage. Has anyone had a massage there? If so, what did you think of it? The price is very reasonable.....so I may book one if I hear good things about it.

[SANDPEBBLES]

 

I will try to answer the snorkeling question posed by FrannyK.

 

The square area you see in the picture is not where we went to swim. I'm not sure what the purpose of that area is.

 

If you look at the above picture, you will see a long pier. We walked to the end of that pier, climbed down the ladder, and entered the water.

 

It is VERY shallow and the sea floor has many rocks and plants. Make sure you have water shoes or flippers on your feet and swim carefully so as not to brush your hands against rock.

 

I did not personally swim out where it drops off and gets deep. This is supposed to be the best area for snorkeling.

 

You asked about entering the water from the shore. I did just that. However, you will find it to be very shallow with quite a bit of thick sea grass (don't know what else to call it) growing up from the bottom.

 

I quickly understood why it was necessary to walk to the end of the pier and enter the water from there.

 

If your child has proper shoes and will listen to you while swimming, he/she should be fine in the shallow water off the pier. Fins and Flippers has provided a ladder to make entry easy and safe. It would be a really bad idea to jump in the water because it's so shallow and rocky.

 

Hope this helps!

[FrannyK]

 

I will try to answer the snorkeling question posed by FrannyK.

 

The square area you see in the picture is not where we went to swim. I'm not sure what the purpose of that area is.

 

If you look at the above picture, you will see a long pier. We walked to the end of that pier, climbed down the ladder, and entered the water.

 

It is VERY shallow and the sea floor has many rocks and plants. Make sure you have water shoes or flippers on your feet and swim carefully so as not to brush your hands against rock.

 

I did not personally swim out where it drops off and gets deep. This is supposed to be the best area for snorkeling.

 

You asked about entering the water from the shore. I did just that. However, you will find it to be very shallow with quite a bit of thick sea grass (don't know what else to call it) growing up from the bottom.

 

I quickly understood why it was necessary to walk to the end of the pier and enter the water from there.

 

If your child has proper shoes and will listen to you while swimming, he/she should be fine in the shallow water off the pier. Fins and Flippers has provided a ladder to make entry easy and safe. It would be a really bad idea to jump in the water because it's so shallow and rocky.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks Sandpebbles, your info cleared things for me. Sounds like we will definitely need watershoes for a few of the ports this time. Tell me this, once you enter the shallow water at the end of the dock, how far out do you have to go to the drop off where snorkeling is good. Can you snorkel/do you see any fish in the shallow water? Thanks again.

[SANDPEBBLES]

I saw some fish but nothing of real note. The water is very shallow.

 

I would e-mail Fins and Flippers with your question about how far to swim. Only one of our party swam that far, and we were all by the Fins and Flippers pool when he did so.

 

I'd rather Fins and Flippers answered your question.