First Roatan Trip - May Paradise Island

[H2O Hoover]

So excited. Our first trip to Roatan.
Recommendations on dive sites we shouldn't miss?
How about shots that should be updated before we go?
Also, any luck on a non chemical repellant for the mosquitoe? Always looking for an alternative to chemicals.
Thanks.

[obrules15]

Cactus Juice works pretty well, not perfect but pretty good. I could tell a difference when I wore it and didn't wear it.

CDC recommends Malaria Prophyaxis. I took the pills with me but didn't take.

Only shot that was recommended when I went was Hepatitis A. Series of two shots, six months apart.

[DevilDiver]

Check out the US Gov. website for updates on health issues, warnings, ect... You can even register with the embassy in case of accidents.

International Travel

[diversteve]

Here's both the CDC and a commercial websites recommendations.

Health Information for Honduras | CDC Travelers' Health
MD Travel Health - Honduras - vaccinations, malaria, safety, and other medical advice

Someone posted that Avon Skin So Soft keeps them away.

[obrules15]

I spent a month in Roatan, Skin-So-Soft doesn't work.

Make sure that when you are sifting through the website recommendations that you differentiate between all of Honduras and Roatan recommedations. In small letters they tell you well you only need this or that if you are going to certain communities. For instance Typhoid -- only need if going to rural off the beaten path places. Furthermore, it is a sucky vaccine and may not work anyway.

[Osprey]

take garlic and b6, b12. Mosquitoes don't like yucky tasting blood you know!

[Tronl]

Originally Posted by H2O Hoover

So excited. Our first trip to Roatan.
Recommendations on dive sites we shouldn't miss?
How about shots that should be updated before we go?
Also, any luck on a non chemical repellant for the mosquitoe? Always looking for an alternative to chemicals.
Thanks.

Hey Hoov- Hep A and B are recommended, in US and especially when traveling int'l. There's a whole list on CDC, but since it's gov't site it's not very friendly. We talked to our Dr. and he recommended a travel specialist- they'll go over the specific area and activities, make suggestions, then you can choose. If you go this route get ready- shots are pricey, $50-150 each! But most last for 3-5 years, so I think of it as another type of 'insurance.' Best tip is avoid contamination- wash hands, eat smart (clean water, well cooked foods at established places), and avoid bugs. Underwater is a pretty safe place to be!

[Tronl]

Originally Posted by H2O Hoover

So excited. Our first trip to Roatan.
Recommendations on dive sites we shouldn't miss?
How about shots that should be updated before we go?
Also, any luck on a non chemical repellant for the mosquitoe? Always looking for an alternative to chemicals.
Thanks.

One more thing on mosquitos. DEET is most effective, but you can pick a lower concentration and still be effective if you get timed-release. Sunscreen first, repellent last. And we're loading up on B vitamins and garlic!

[Athena2c]

We were in Roatan last May and didn't get any 'special' shots. I do recommend some DEET though!