The island of Roatan sits some 40 miles off the mainland of Honduras, it being the largest of the Bay Islands. Mahogany Bay, where the ship docked this morning, is a purpose built facility exclusively for passengers of Carnival cruises. We berthed at 9.00am and the temperature was well in the mid 20s as we left the ship. Ashore we were greeted by local drummers and dancers who kindly agreed to pose with us (for a small tip).
After yesterday’s hectic excursion today was going to consist of lying in the sun and relaxing on the beach; and the weather was perfect for it. Passing through the shopping area it was a short ten minute walk down to the sea. The vegetation was lush with some beautiful flowering plants.
Although it was a short walk, it was now getting very warm so I had a little rest on the way.
Roatan with all its small coves and hidden bays was historically a favourite base for the buccaneers and pirates. In fact Captain Morgan, he of rum fame, was once based here. It would appear that some of their descendants are still around when we saw the price demanded for beach chairs and umbrellas!! Luckily a little further along the sun beds were free so we could relax and take a paddle.
I had to check that there wasn’t a body floating behind Sylvia in this picture, it was a swimmer.
We settled down taking in the sun rays and listening to the water softly lapping against the shore. Every now and again a light plane passed overhead and I half expected the diminutive figure of Tattoo to appear shouting “Da plane! Da lane!”, but this was no Fantasy Island.
As you will be aware neither Sylvia or I are sun worshipers and so after about 2 hours of lounging on the sun beds it was time to make our way back to the ship.
Looking back at the resort from the ship gives a good impression of what a delightful port of call this was.
Tomorrow we arrive in Belize for a day of culture.