Frequently Asked Questions & the answers
• How big is Roatan?
• What should we pack?
• What airlines fly direct from the US?
• Is there a ferry from the mainland?
• Are there restaurants nearby?
• Is there a dive shop nearby?
• What language is spoken on Roatan?
• What kind of money is used on the island?
• How do you get from the airport to the Casa Cervantes, Casita Cervantes & Condo Cervantes?
• What kind of transportation is available on the island?
• Where is the nearest market?
• What should I wear while visiting the island?

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• How big is Roatan?
Roatan is approximately 30 miles long and between 1-6 miles wide. There is 1 main paved road that stretches from the West End to Oak Ridge in the East. Beyond that, a dirt road continues on to Port Royal.
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• What should we pack?
Pack light and casual. The restaurants on the island are all very casual, and usually open-air. Make sure you bring your bathing suit, plenty of sunscreen, and dive gear if you're planning to scuba dive. All the shops have rental gear if you'd prefer to leave yours at home. Also, insect repellent is a good idea. There are several products that work well against our noseeums, including deet-based products. On island, you can purchase an all-natural repellent (which is also a sunscreen) called Cactus Juice. It contains no deet but still works well.
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• What airlines fly to Roatan from the US?
TACA and Continental both offer direct flights from the US to Roatan on the week-ends. Flights originate in either Houston or Miami. Check the airline websites (Continental Taca) for details. Any day of the week, Continental and American fly to San Pedro Sula direct from Houston and Miami respectively. You can then connect to the island via any one of several local airlines. TACA also flies daily out of Los Angeles into San Salvador. On Saturday, there is a non-stop connecting flight to Roatan; other days of the week you can connect through San Pedro Sula.
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• Is there a ferry from the mainland?
Yes, the Galaxy II, operated by Safeway Maritime, runs twice daily between Roatan and La Ceiba. Their current schedule is: Roatan-La Ceiba - 7AM and 1PM. La Ceiba-Roatan 10AM and 4PM. The trip takes approximately 2 hours each way.
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• Are there restaurants nearby?
There are several very good restaurants just a short distance from either the Casa/Casita or the Condo. At the Casa/Casita, you are very close to Rick's American Cafe, in Sandy Bay, or The Blue Parrot. West End is about 5 minute drive, and there are several restaurants there to choose from. Our favorites include the Argentinian Grill for steaks and Dian's Garden of Eatin' for Caribbean influenced Asian cuisine. From the Condo, you are very close to Las Rocas for good Italian food, and just up the beach from restaurants at the Mayan Princess, Henry Morgan and others.
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• Is there a dive shop nearby?
Both West Bay and West End have several dive shops to choose from. Bananarama on West Bay gets great reviews for their dive operation, as does Sueño del Mar on the West End.
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• What language is spoken on Roatan?
English and Spanish are both spoken on Roatan. For native islanders of all backgrounds, an island version of English is their first language, but the majority speak Spanish as well. Some black islanders, known as the Garifuna, also retain the Garifuna language in addition to English and Spanish. Mainland Hondurans who have relocated to the islands over the last few decades speak primarily Spanish.
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• What kind of money is used on the island?
The national currency of Honduras is called the lempira. The current exchange rate (as of September, 2005) is approximately 19 lempira to 1 US dollar. Check before you travel for the current exchange rate. Also, in most places on the islands, as well as many places on the Honduran mainland, US dollars are accepted. Cash is always preferred, however visa and master card are also accepted at selected locations.
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• How do you get from the airport to the Casa Cervantes, Casita Cervantes & Condo Cervantes?
If you are staying for 7 days or longer, transportation to and from the airport is included. For stays of less than 7 days, if you require transportation to and from our properties, we can provide it. The cost is $15 each way for Casa and Casita guests, and $20 each way for condo guests. If you will be making your own way to the properties, please let us know and we will provide you with directions.
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• What kind of transportation is available on the island?
On Roatan, there are a multitude of car rental businesses, and even more taxis for hire. It is always best to negotiate the taxi price before getting into the taxi. There is also a water taxi between West End and West Bay. For those more budget-minded travelers, there are collectivo busses that travel the length of the island.
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• Where is the nearest market?
There are 2 large (by island standards) grocery markets on Roatan. One is Warren's, in Coxen Hole. Take the main cut-off from the main road into Coxen Hole (it's called Thicket Mouth Road) and follow it until it T's. Make a left and look for Warren's parking lot on your right. Eldon's is located in French Harbour, and probably has the best variety of groceries available anywhere on the island. Follow the main road to the cutoff for French Harbour, make a right, and pull into Eldon's parking lot on your right just past the gas station. There is a smaller corner market in West End called Woody's. Follow the main road until the pavement ends. Make a right onto the dirt road; Woody's is down a bit on your right.
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• What should I wear while visiting the island?
Roatan is strictly casual. Shorts and T-shirts and bathing suits are the norm just about anywhere you go. The temperature is warm all year round; generally in the mid 80's Fahrenheit.
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