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I went to Roatan last year but stayed at Bay Islands Beach Resort, not AKR. I wanted to stay at AKR but it was not in my price range. BIBR was great, owned by a couple that bought it about 20 years ago after getting out of the banking business. They love what they do and they will do anything for you. We stayed in one of the cottages on the ocean, there was a hammock out front and it was very close to the restaurant and dive shop.
The owners picked us up at the airport and dropped us off when we left, she even bought us coffee while she sat with us waiting for the plane to leave. The staff is amazing at BIBR, within 12 hours all 20 or so of them knew our names. They had a bottle of champagne in our room and even though we didn't drink it until our last night there, they put it in fresh ice every day when they cleaned the room. They hold a pig roast on thursday nights that is amazing. They roast a pig and hold hermit crab races for those who want to participate, the proceeds go to buying books for the local elementary school.
I think the diving would be similar to AKR since they're right next door I'd assume they do many of the same sights. The only advantage of staying at BIBR is that shore diving is free and the spooky channel is right in front of BIBR. It's a pretty good dive, worth doing a few times.
We did the dolphin dive, it was pretty good. Although the water was murky so it was hard to see the dolphins if they strayed too far. Probably worth doing if you daughter likes dolphins, it is a unique experience where you get to learn about them and also play with and pet them under water. I didn't enjoy dealing with AKR for the dolphin dive though. We set up the dive and were told that it could be paid for through BIBR and added to our tab at the end of the week. When we got there they wanted us to pay up front and nobody had brought any money with them. They refused to drive us the 200 yards back to BIBR to get money so we walked there and back and when we got back they gave us a hard time and threatened not to do the dive because it was now 'too late in the day'.
From the things I've read and heard I'd say I'm definitely in the minority on this last point, most people seem to love AKR so I'm sure either would be a good choice. I just though I'd give my experience at BIBR since it is definitely a little easier on the wallet.
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