Is Roatan really safe? (freaking out a bit)

[setesh]

Almost forgot, the Noseeums and sand fleas in Roatan are really bad, as well as the malaria risk. Use a deet product like OFF. Cactus Juice works really well on the sand fleas, but not so well on mosquitoes.

[H20newbie]

Roatan IS in a malaria zone-all the Bay Islands are. We are heading there Feb 22 and have filled anti-malaria medication as prescribed by our travel health clinic. People may jump on me for this but..considering we have a friend that has recurring bouts of malaria caught in WW2, I don't even want to take the chance. Not a nice disease !

[cutter77]

When we were there, we never felt threatened or in danger. We used the same practices we use in traveling anywhere else....no obvious expensive jewelry, no flashing around a lot of cash, and staying alert to our surroundings.

[guggie]

Originally Posted by CamaroChick

My other vacation choices so far were Little Cayman or Belize - would I be better off at either of those places? Or maybe ever Bonaire or Curacao? I like to stay at very small secluded kinds of places and explore the mainland for a few days in addition to diving. Doing that in Roatan is seeming kinda scary.

So am I just being paranoid, or should I reconsider my choice?

Curacao would be my choice. You can explore, dive, and feel safe. How are you going to ever feel safe if you go exploring on Roatan? You'll always feel llike you need to watch your back, etc. You can't go "explore" at ease.

[comet24]

Remember you brain is your best protection. Watch where you travel after dark. Don't make yourself look like a victim. Travel in a group, don't get really drunk and then walk around at night. Don't worry to much just be smart and enjoy your trip.

[Itsjustme0770]

There isn't anywhere where you are completely safe. Not your home, not your school and not in the caribbean. Roatan is is a beautiful island that you should go see now before they finish that godawful cruise ship dock and the island gets 100,000 cruise ship passengers a year. But the fact that Carnival is building a cruise ship dock is useful to illustrate what Carnival thinks about Roatan. Do you think that Carnival would bring cruisers to a place they didn't think was reasonably safe?

Others have given good advice. There is crime everywhere, so think. Don't walk around with expensive (or any) jewelry on. Don't carry large amounts of cash, you don't need it, and don't wander around by yourself at 2 am. I wouldn't do it here in Dallas and wouldn't do it on Roatan or Utila . . . for the exact same reasons.

The state department's advisories are primarily directed at the mainland where there is a significant amount of violent crime (but I still love spending time on the mainland too, I just don't go certain places, just like I don't go certain places in Dallas). Is there crime on Roatan? Yep. Would I let it keep me from going there? Nope. Is the diving worth it? If you like little critters, there may not be a better place in the caribbean.

Belize has crime. I was married there. Its a phenomenal place, you should go there too. Curacao has crime. Its great too. Little Cayman? Although I am sure there is crime, that island is literally so small if you want to be completely insulated go to LCBR. The food buffet is straight out of Americana and the diving is great. I'd go back for the diving, but find someplace else to stay. But, that may be what you want.

Have fun whereever you decide to go.

[cutter77]

I wouldn't do it here in Dallas and wouldn't do it on Roatan or Utila . . . for the exact same reasons."
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Ditto

[CamaroChick]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm feeling much better about my decision to go to Roatan. I think I've found a great place to stay (Blue Bahia Resort) - the owner has been so nice in answering all of my emails and has given me tons of info about the island. I'm feeling so good about it that I decided to extend our stay to 10 days after finding a Thursday flight with Continental.
The countdown begins... 128 days!

[waterscience]

I think you should be more worried about the sandflies. Brings lots of DEET. We felt Roatan was very safe. I was there with my wife and 2 kids and had a wonderful time.

[Seniordiver]

Originally Posted by CamaroChick

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm feeling much better about my decision to go to Roatan. I think I've found a great place to stay (Blue Bahia Resort) - the owner has been so nice in answering all of my emails and has given me tons of info about the island. I'm feeling so good about it that I decided to extend our stay to 10 days after finding a Thursday flight with Continental.
The countdown begins... 128 days!

Sorry to be late in responding.

I was at Capt Morgan's last March and am headed back this Feb/Mar. wonderful, and friendly place with;

• a super dive operation (TGI) friendly knowagable staff
• a no crush dive boat
• beauteful big beach leading in one direction in 3-400 yds to the reef virtually coming right into the beach for snorkling, and a 45 min walk to West End (or a $2 water taxi) in the other
• Large clean rooms with wooden floors
• safe area. A young lady who works with me just returned and enjoyed every minute and never felt at risk-neither did I, but I'm a big old bear.
• friendly hotel staff
• can't miss diving vacation