Safety in Roatan, Honduras What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
The FriendShips property has its own security system, it’s very safe on property.
When youlLeaving be alert in tourist areas for theft, don’t be fooled by signs saying to go down an alley for free international calling.
It’s better to have a male with you when traveling the island, and to not be out after dark frequently.
The island is very safe. We stayed in French Harbour. It is a specific neighborhood where our ministry was. Our host did not have a problem with us being out at night. have fun on your offdays! So much to do!
The island is very safe. They have special tourist police because
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Roatan, Honduras Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
We spent most of our days working with the current crew to maintain the property. This included machete cutting grass, cleaning fish ponds, weeding and planting in gardens, picking fruit, helping cook the day’s meals and other laborious projects.
Tuesday through Friday there were outreach ministries organized by Sheray for both WR and the crew to attend.
Most people were assigned to 1 outreach a week. They included Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministry, an orphanage; a group home for girls only; a church run feeding program; Punta Gorda church, only the guys went to do construction and painting.
We arrived in Roatan just in time for the first semester ever at the Kingdom Bilingual Education Center. Its an english school for preschool to 8th grade. There are honduran and american teachers.Some racers taught full time the month we were there. others like me taught a couple classes, did manual labor like building shelves, laying cement, and painting a house. Paul Dyar is an amazing host. Definitely trust him with any needs or types of ministry you’d like to participate in. He’s known all over the island and he has other ministries starting beyond the school only.
Lodging
Lodging in Roatan, Honduras Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
FriendShips property, free; bunk beds, all 5 girls in one room with bathroom, boys in own room with bathroom.
We stayed in the school building. We had great indoor showers and bathrooms. It was very hot at night inside. There are fans in all the classrooms though. He best thing to do is get to know a teacher and ask to borrow their fan after they leave for the day and have it back in there room before class starts the next day. There was only room at this ministry for one team when we were there. But knowing paul Dyar, the place will grow quickly.
There is a little hostel called Buena Onda, near the gas station in Sandy Bay. Its really cute and the staff was very nice.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Roatan, Honduras What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Made by and provided by FriendShips; they rely on donations brought in by their main office in the states.
There is also fresh fruit and veggies grown on the property.
At paul dyars ministry our team was budgeted 7 dollars a day for food. Our treasurer divided it up individually and gave us a weeks rations at a time. Worked out great for all of us. Eat baleadas at the gas station for breakfast, and get lunch at Eldons grocery store. Or ask the teachers about the restaraunt across from the school. You will eat meat for every meal and stay in budget if you stick to these places. Oh and the grocery store lunch is served from 11-12:30 only.
We cooked for ourselves and it was expensive. There are two big grocery store in Koxen Hole but plan on stretching your budget. Fruits and veggies aren’t cheap and they are hard to find in budget.
Transportation
Transportation in Roatan, Honduras What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
To get here we took a ferry ($30 per person), to travel on the island it’s normal to hitchhike.
There are also taxis, but it’s a tourist island so they assume white equals money, you should know how much to be charged before getting in.
To get to our outreach ministries pastors will pick us up or FriendShips will drive their only car (if it’s running).
Ok, getting there….. We landed in Guatemala City. And it was a fun travel process if you like to be on the move. Hedman alas bus from Guatemala City to la ceiba. Stayed the night at $10 hostel called banana hostel. Really good place with AC. Next morning, catch the ferry at 8 am to roatan. If you get motion sickness, you need live the that Dramamine life. And don’t take the afternoon ferry. Its a beat down. Paul will pick you up at the ferry. He loves taking people around when he can. Taxis charge by the person. Usually 20 lmps
Medical
Medical in Roatan, Honduras Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
The mercy clinic is owned and operated by paul Dyar. They will have what you need. And if they don’t marshall or paul can get you to an American doctor office on the other side of the island. Walk in cost is $6 at mercy clinic
Clinica Esperanza or Ms. Peggy’s clinic is free but you will have to wait a long time. $25 lets you cut the line.There is also a clinic at Anthony’s Key that is good.
Communication
Communication in Roatan, Honduras Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Claro cell minutes, great wifi at the school where we taught. Don’t let it own your down time!
Financial
Financial in Roatan, Honduras Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
If you like to spend, like me. Go find yourself a mirror and give your self a budget pep talk before you get to roatan. There is a lot of fun to be had here. I spent money and had fun but the most fun I had was stuff I didn’t spend a nickel for. Get to know the people of the church and the island and you won’t have to spend to have fun.Things we did for free included….. Private island day access with monkeys, sloths, a jaguar that all the girls petted and played with, us guys went deep sea fishing
Translators
Translators in Roatan, Honduras List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
No need for translators on roatan. They speak english, islander, and Spanish. Most speak 2 pout of 3 so you will make it just fine. Someone will usually be around when you run into a comms prob, even If it is a stranger.
Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Roatan, Honduras What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
Since it is a tourist island there is A LOT to do.
We spent off days at the beach, went on a dolphin encounter, and snorkeled.
Scuba diving, visiing natural preserves, deep sea fishing etc.
In order to get Internet we found a Sports Bar/Restaurant that had free WiFi and American sports, however this did mean usually buying a meal on our own.
Iguana farm, sailboats, dolphins, banana Rama beach club. West end, west bay, Herbies sports bar, bojangles fried chicken, snorkel for conks and lobsters. Keep your fun photos to a minimum on social media this month. The rest of your squad and the world could get the wrong idea, you will work hard 5 days out of the week for 6-8 hours but your off days are epic here.
The Ice Cream shop in West End has good wi-fi.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Roatan, Honduras Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
Comment
Tips
People’s Opinions
Get to know all the kids, staff, teachers, and preachers at the church and school. They really want to be friends but will be waiting for you to make the first move. When I say first move, I just mean, introduce yourself…they will do most of the work from there.
Additional Info
Additional Info in Roatan, Honduras Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?