General FAQ

1) What is your cancellation policy?
Notice of cancellation given prior to 30 days before your arrival will result in a full refund excluding a $50 service fee. Reservations cancelled within 30 days but prior to 7 days before your arrival will be credited to you for your use with a 1-year expiration limit (excluding a $50 service fee). This credit can be transferred to another party. If you cancel your reservation within 7 days of your arrival, we cannot refund or credit your payment.

2) What items do you recommend that I bring in addition to the basic vacation attire?
We recommend bug spray, itch cream, sunscreen, aloe, light rain jacket during Sept-Dec. and a flashlight.

3) What kind of currency can I use while on vacation in Roatan?
US dollars are widely accepted on the island. It is recommended that you bring small change as venders cannot always come up with correct change in US dollars. Don't bring bills larger than $20s and $50s as they are hard to change. The local exchange rate is around 19 lempira to 1 US dollar. Credit cards can be used in most established businesses. There is normally a 5-16% difference between using cash and the cc fees assessed each time you use your card. Your bank may also attach a fee to convert the charge from lempira to dollars. Travers Cheques can be used in most established businesses. Please be aware that if you signature is not an exact match on both lines, we are not able to accept them. The banks here are very particular about the criteria for accepting them. If they are ripped or badly bent, they will not be accepted either. We also recommend using American Express Travelers Cheques as they are the most widely accepted across the island.

4) Is there an ATM available for my use?
There are a few machines on the island though there is never a guarantee that they will be stocked with money. Mayan Princess has one a short walking distance from our resort. There are a few in West End that you can reach by water taxi and there is another few in Coxen Hole. Most charge a credit card fee of 5-8 % to withdraw money. Our recommendation is the use of American Express Travelers Cheques.

5) What if I need to check my email or use the internet?
There is wireless internet in all of the rooms for those who wish to bring a laptop computer. If you do not choose to bring a laptop, there is a computer in the office you can use to check your mail. The charge is $10 an hour.

6) What time is check in/out?
Check Checkout is 11:00am and check-in is at 2:00pm. IF you need to checkout late, it can be arranged through the office prior to the day you are checking out. Late checkout fee is $20. Late checkout is 1pm. If you check out after 1pm you will need to pay for an additional night stay.

7) Do you provide beach towels for my use while at the resort?
Beach towels are not provided at this time. There are some that can be purchased at the Snorkel Shop for $20 each.

8) Are there laundry facilities onsite?
Our maids are happy to wash your laundry for you. The cost is $10 a load. You can drop your laundry off at our reception in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon.

9) If I choose to tip the staff, should I tip them daily or at the end of my stay?
Both are acceptable. We have envelopes in the office that you can separate cash to provide different sections of the staff (dive shop, maid service, cooks, etc.) Usually, it is customary to tip the bar and restaurant employees daily, after your meals or drinks are finished.

10) Do you provide transfers to and from the airport/ferry?
Omar, our driver charges $20 for up to 4 people and an additional $5 for each extra person each way. He can meet you at the airport and help you with your luggage. On occasion, he has additional time and can take you by the grocery store on your way to the resort. Please request this service in advance to help us ensure prompt pickup for other guests who may be checking in on the same day as you.

11) What if I want to rent a car during my stay?
Because of the changing availability of rental cars, we recommend having our reception call to find you a car at the best rate. We have several companies that we use and who have proven themselves reliable.

12) Do you have a generator onsite?
We have an onsite generator that runs from about 7:00am until 10:30pm. We try to be courteous of the needs of our guests and acknowledge that it is a necessary noise to provide air-conditioning, lights and other amenities at our resort. The rooms closest to the generator are the beachside rooms at Bananarama. The garden rooms and the villas at Island Pearl are only slightly affected by the noise. Phone service and wireless service does not usually work when there is a power outage.

13) Can I charge things to my room during my stay?
When you check in, we ask for a credit card voucher. This voucher allows you to charge to your room during the week. You can charge diving, restaurant/bar items, snorkel shack, and all other necessities during your stay. When you check out, we will return the signed voucher back to you for your disposal. If you leave without paying your room charges, we are able to use this voucher to cover the expenses.

14) How does West Bay compare to West End?
West Bay is known for its beautiful white sandy beach and quiet nights. West Bay also offers excellent snorkeling surrounded by an easily accessible reef. It is a more upscale part of the island with very little crime or safety issues. West End typically offers cheaper accommodations, tourist shopping, a greater variety of restaurants and loud night life. West End does not have a typical beach, though there is a sandy area called Half Moon Bay. It is possible to take a short water taxi ride to either location for $2 each way per person. Please note that water taxis do not run when the ocean is rough and after dark.

15) Will I have problems with the language on Roatan?
English is the Island’s official language, although Spanish is also common. On West Bay you will be able to speak with most of the staff and order things in English. Most menus and prices are in English and with US dollar pricing.

16) Do I need a passport to come to Roatan?
You will need a passport to enter and exit the country. All guests traveling to Honduras will need to have a passport valid for at least 6 months past the date of travel and ALL guests require a passport to enter Honduras. Please check with your passport agency to make sure your passport info is in order before you leave for your vacation. We will not refund or credit your balance due to problems you encounter with your passport.

17) Is there an Exit Tax in Honduras?
Please be aware that there is a mandatory Honduran exit tax of $32-$34 that will need to be paid in cash at the airport when you leave. Also, the airline will provide you with a document that you will fill out on the airplane before you arrive in Roatan. Do not lose this paperwork. You will need it when leaving the country. Please plan accordingly.