Roatan

[deejayjay]

Has anyone in this well travelled group been to Roatan. How does it compare to STJ. How is lodging, snorkeling, life in general? Thanks. Heard it had the 2nd largest reef in world.

[equineannie]

Roatan is lovely. The reef is great and the diving is some of the best in the Western Hemisphere. You can have as much or as little night life as you wish. People are very friendly, and it is rather easy to get to as well. I have lived on St Thomas and St John and have spent the last few years checking out other islands for a new home. This one is in the running and I think well worth exploring. Have fun!

[deejayjay]

How does it compare for safety. Online info I was reading made it sound unsafe.

[JJShaw]

I read this but cant comment about the Island as I've never been there..
http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2014/01/ar ... assengers/

[kas]

How does it compare for safety. Online info I was reading made it sound unsafe.

Having lived on St John for 3 years, owned 2 houses on Roatan and still own a beach lot there, I can say this:
They are very different places. Roatan is much more exotic and provides a very authentic island experience, where St. John has much nicer beaches and is much safer. However, if you stay on West Bay Beach, the West End or in a resort, Roatan can probably be just as safe. For safety reasons, I wouldn't suggest renting a lone villa on Roatan as you would on St John.

They are equally beautiful, but Roatan is much lusher with majestic views everywhere. The mountain spine runs down the center of the long narrow island. Roatan is a wet island and everything is green. No cactus! It is a very poor island and the poverty is visible. But both are cleaner than the average Caribbean island. If you're looking for a change of pace from St John, Roatan would be a good choice.

As for diving, St John can't compare to Roatan which may be the best in the world. Best to not to go to Roatan during the high rainy season (November-January).