Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the more frequently asked questions from guests and potential visitors.  If I don't answer your question here, please send them my way or give me a call. Most often questions get answered better via a telephone conversation. 

Is snorkeling available?

Yes, there is snorkeling directly off shore at both vacation rentals.  At West Bay Beach the reef comes right up to shore in shallow water with large coral heads further out but still within swimming distance and it is a perfect swimming beach.  Immediately in front of Villa Joya the coral is closer in and gets less traffic with some Turtle Grass in the shallow water. It is very good place for small children to learn the joys of snorkeling as the grass acts as a feeding ground for fish.  There are water taxis that go by but stay in a well defined corridor off the coral and shallow water.
     The coral reef at Palmetto Bay is further out so kayaks are provided. Overall the bay larger and more shallow. Turtle Grass has been  left with sandy bottom swimming areas, as well. The Turtle Grass is the feeding grounds for lots of marine life and provides great snorkeling opportunity to children. The dive center at Palmetto offers snorkel trips to a very old wreck just off shore in in very shallow water. The wreck acts as a fish hatchery and is surrounded with Elkhorn coral and lots of Star Fish in the sandy bottoms. 

Can I rent gear and kayaks?

You can rent snorkel gear from the on site dive operator at Palmetto Bay.  Guests have free use of kayaks at Palmetto Bay.  Snorkel gear can be rented from several different locations at West Bay, one of which is just about a 100 yards away.  Kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent along West Bay.
The critical factor to enjoying snorkeling is having a mask that does not leak which is achieved via a proper fit.  If snorkeling is something that really interests you and something that you want to spend a lot of time doing during your visit, I suggest that you go to a dive shop in your area and let them fit you with a mask. I use the same mask I bought 15 years ago and hope to use it another 15.

How about Fishing?

There are bone fish in both bays.  Palmetto offers more open flats and open areas from which to bone fish. We have had success using the small crabs Off the dock posts as bait. You can also fish from docks at both locations.  Deep sea fishing trips may be planned (I suggest you do so in advance) from either location.  At Palmetto Bay the dive operator, Subway Sports, may be contacted at Info@subwaywatersports.com  Or you can make arrangements with some of the boatman that come by the docks.
     At Villa Joya and West Bay a contact is the dive shop owner practically next door.  Mirta's, husband  Gary has a nice boat with two motors that he uses for fishing charters.  Mirta can be reached at Mirta@mirtamarozzi.com 

What about the biting insects?

Yes, we have biting insects on Roatan. The two that of he most concern are Sand Flies and malaria carrying mosquitoes. The sand flies seem to be due to lack of wave action, so active raking programs are being successful. The mosquitoes usually are not a problem except at sunset and during the rainy seasons. At both locations spraying is done for mosquitoes. 
     The use of a bug repellent is highly recommended ~ sand flies bite through clothes. If you have never been here before and do not know how you are going to react to our variety of sand fly, then I suggest conscientious spraying until you know. There are botanical alternatives to DEET made from ingredients recommended by the Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta.  One of which is a product I make and market here on Roatan ~ Linda Kay's Bodyguard.  The other natural and effective preventative is a good strong wind. 
Malaria: Yes, there are medications that can be taken to prevent getting malaria. Getting malaria now does not mean that you will have it the rest of your life. It is curable. One of the medications used to prevent getting it is also the medication used to eliminate it from the blood, but an additional medication has to be taken to remove it from the liver. 
No-see-ems (Sand Flies): They have wings and are basically flying teeth.  Their turf is not restricted to  the beach. It seems that the people who react the worse to them do not feel them biting ~ as was my experience.  Until you find out how you react to them, I recommend using a repellant. Repellents usually only work on the areas of the skin where they are applied.
     Products using DEET have been around a long time and the ones with a very strong concentration of DEET do work on our Sand Flies.  However, I understand not wanting to use it especially if you are pregnant or on young children.  It is a solvent (removes paint, nail polish and dissolves glue), which the skin absorbs 56% of it into your bloodstream.
     There are healthy alternatives using ingredients recommended by the CDC. Many of them are available in North America and one that is made and marketed on Roatan ~ Linda Kay's Bodyguard.
      During my first trip here I gotten eaten up by Sand Flies my first evening. The next trip I brought a case of popular 'juice' and ended up going back to the highly concentrated DEET products.  Since I was planning on moving here permanently, I developed a product that uses the oils of plants proven to repel biting insects. 

Pets:

Yes, you may bring pets to the island.  To do so requires an International Travel Certificate obtained at participating vet offices.  A fee will be charged at the airport upon arrival and then a trip to the local participating vet is required as soon as he is on the island (Wednesdays).  A similar document is required to exit with the pet and that would be obtained the Wednesday prior to departure. You must check with your air carrier regarding their restrictions in carrying pets ~ they vary widely from none to limited numbers.

Do we need to rent a car?

While you do not need to rent a car, doing so adds more options to your holiday enjoyment, especially if you want to make full use of the well equipped kitchens.  Villa Joya is located such that there several restaurants, shops and deli within walking distance.  There are small grocers in West End along with vegetable/fruit trucks and soon to be bakery and meat market.  If you do not rent a car then you can ask the taxi driver to stop at one on the way to the villa.
     While Villa Serena is closer to a well supplied grocery, bakery and meat market, it is still a 15 minute drive away or an expensive taxi ride due to it being off the well beaten track. There is one restaurant at Palmetto ~ a very good one with comparable prices to others in West End.