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by Kim & Johnnie Rhodes
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The natural beauty of Roatan Honduras holds much promise, for both cruise visitors and the people who live there. One of Honduras' Bay Islands, this island of only around 30,000 people is beginning to host many times that many tourists a year. With scenic mountains, crystal clear water and coral reefs everywhere, it's easy to understand why the outside world is falling in love with Roatan.
And to that end, both Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines are making multi-million dollar investments in developing better facilities to accomodate cruise ships in Roatan. It's easy for them to understand the potential that this beatuiful place holds. And judging from the other developments around the island, others are following suit.
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Cruise line operators aren't the only ones investing big in Roatan.
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We have only made one visit to Roatan, Honduras so far, but we look forward to returning soon. On our visit, we took the Fantasy Island Resort excursion, already knowing about this resort from articles and ads in scuba publications.
Fantasy Island Resort is nothing new, and is known far and wide as a great scuba diving destination. Our excursion there included a snorkeling trip, including stops over a sunken boat, and a coral reef.
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Fantasy Island Resort also offers rooms with a view, for guests wishing to return for longer stays.
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| We found the reef to be particularly beautiful. It was easily accessible via a shaded pier, maybe 20 yards away. No boat needed for access here. |
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Above: this shaded pier provides easy access to the reef, just a few feet away.
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This reef is just a few yards from the pier, and is very healthy.
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After the snorkeling trip, the beach area proved to be a treat as well. It is a fairly small cove, protected on three sides by land. This, of course, makes for smooth water with almost no waves or current, so it's great for kids too. There are beach chairs with thatched 'umbrellas' offering a view that's right out of a TV commercial. Hammocks are also available, strung betwen trees near the water.
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If this isn't right out of a TV commercial, I don't know what is.
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When you're finished with your scheduled excursion, shopping is available through various vendors set up near the cruise terminal.
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Shopping is available a few steps away from the cruise terminal.
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Other excursions available at Roatan, Honduras include trips to Gumbalimba Park, where you can interact with monkeys, exotic birds, and other animals. Also available in Roatan are scuba diving trips, dolphin encounters, beach trips, and many others.
The island of Roatan, Honduras has came a long way in the last several years. And with the development taking place here, Roatan holds much promise for the future. But there's no need to wait until then -- Roatan is ready to please, here and now!
Article
Source: http://www.kimscruisetips.com/roatan
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