Excursion - Roatan

Where Belize has many options that are causing issues with making a decision, Roatan started out as a difficult excursion planning site due to what seemed like very little to do.  However, once  I began researching, I found that there are MANY interesting options:

Scuba/Snorkeling.  I have to be honest.  I am fairly certain that by day six of this cruise, we are going to be snorkeled out.  I anticipate having spent at least two other days in water (for at least part of the day).  Neither hubs nor I are serious water people, so we will probably have had enough by this point.  However, I provide it as an option, just for informational purposes.

Garifuna.  Now this, I could get into.  The Garifuna are the descendants of African slaves who populated the area in the 18th century.  Yubu provides a peek into daily life, ritual dances, culture, etc.  I am fairly confident that this will be one of our stops (hubs is from Kenya originally).  

Carambola Gardens:  Again, another viable option for us.  You can walk through both gardens and take a walk through a trail that leads to a scenic view of the island.  Again, more images from the lens leading to imaginative wanderings of my brain.  Hmmm....I really am beginning to feel the beginnings of a novel coming on at this point.

Mangrove Tour:  Away from the busy West End of the island lies Jonesville and the East End (obviously).  Apparently, this is a less developed area of the island.  There is the opportunity to take a 30 minute boat ride through channels cut centuries ago by Paya Indians.  Lazy ride on a river?  I might be able to go for that.

Hole in the Wall:  Okay, I will be the first to admit that there are two television stations that I could NOT live without.  They are the Travel Channel and Food Network.  On one of them (at this point I cannot remember which) did a special on HITW.  Apparently, they are well known for fantastic local food, as well as the opportunity to meet local people and just hang out.  As a side note: it is only accessible by boat. 

 

Animals: Specifically iguanas and monkeys.  Apparently you can go to some guy named Victor's house and visit with monkeys that he has.  They will climb on you and attempt to fish loose change out of pockets.  Additionally, there is a stop at an iguana farm.  While I like animals as much as the next person, this one will probably be vetoed.  Two reasons:  1.  I recently learned that hubs detests animals.  He lovingly endures zoos, aquariums, and pet stores to satisfy the amusement of both the boy and me.  It is purely out of love that he sets personal feelings aside.  2.  While I do like lizards, that picture of a swarm of them is enough to turn me off.  One or two?  Fine.  Hundreds?  Not so much.

Food:  As mentioned before, I will be eating locally.  If for some reason we don't make it to HITW, then the above is a good second choice.  

As for getting around, I have  also looked into getting an International Driver's Permit and renting a car.  The cost for our one day is $27, which is considerably less than even the lowest cost tour option.  Yes, I would have to drive myself.  However, we could then see what we want to see without having to be on some one else's agenda.  We'll see how that works out.  It is in direct opposition to the idea of relaxing and letting someone else do the work.

And thus concludes my grand excursion research.  I doubt this will be the end of my research.  After all, there is still plenty of time left before we leave for this journey...