Jaunted

Give in to Temptation in Roatan

9/07/2006 at 9:40 AM
Tags: Roatan Diving (all tags)
Go To The Hotel's Web Site

Roatan, one of Honduras' English-speaking Bay Islands, is getting more accessible every year. Continental just announced seasonal non-stop service between its hub in Newark and RTB, complimenting existing year-round flights from Houston and Miami.

While the Cook Islands are the latest white sand paradise to suffer the reality television invasion (see: Survivor: Cook Islands), Roatan is not untainted itself. The Palmetto Bay Plantation there was the setting for Fox's high-concept Temptation Island 3. Some allure remains for the island, however, most abundantly in its snorkeling and diving opportunities. If you're itching to get SCUBA certified and, like us, would rather do so in the company of tropical sea life than the three-eyed Simpsons fish that no doubt inhabit your local lake, Roatan is a great place to do it.

Consider heading to Anthony's Key, a Roatan institution famous for its quality, economical dive instruction. Even the off-shore snorkeling is quite good here, and a laid-back diver culture means virtually everyone is willing to chat you up and offer encouragement. Just don't expect a jumbo beach a la Roatan's West Bay--where the cruise ship crowds roam free.