WEEK 4- Meeting of the Mayans
Roatan and Utila Honduras
Saturday February 15 - Friday February 22, 2025
Getting there…
You'll only need to book your round trip flight to Roatan (RTB)) Saturday to Saturday and we'll take care of the rest. All major US carriers fly here and most flights arrive within a few hours of each other. RTB is a small airport and easy to navigate. You'll be guided out to the lobby where our professional drivers will be there to greet you and deliver you to us in West End and your property of choice.
Continuing from week 3? Choose the continuing package and your one way hop flight from BZE to Roatan) is included in the package and includes one check bag and one carry on.. We will be traveling together on Friday and we’ll be there to guide you through to the shuttles that will be waiting to take us to the hotel to get started early on Friday night!
We have professional shuttles waiting to deliver you from the airport to West End where our properties are located. We’ll be on site to greet you and get you to your accommodations. We use these shuttles throughout the week to move around the island as needed. It’s about a thirty minute drive from the airport to the hotels and this is included in your package.
WEEK #4 HOST RESORT IN WEST END ROATAN (Sat-Wed)
You can’t get a better location! Our boutique host resort in the West End area of the island might not be the Ritz, but it couldn't be more convenient to everything you’ll want to do while you’re here. It is a “dive” resort but that’s because of the world class diving literally steps from your room. We are right in the heart of everything and directly across the street from all the fishing boats, restaurants and bars that make West End the best spot on the island to make camp for a few days.. There are a ton of restaurants, bars and shopping within walking distance including delicious dining and drink options right on property and you can book pretty much any excursion your heart desires. They have an on-site PADI dive operation and can book any snorkeling, diving or other excursions you need as well as world class fishing. Our standard rooms that come with your MOTM package are spacious, clean, have cold AC, a minimum of two double beds, in room mini fridge, hairdryer, private bathroom with shower, coffee every day in the lobby and more. It's the perfect home base for our fantastic week in paradise and the best part is with 21 rooms, we own the entire hotel!!
WEEK #4 RESORT ON UTILA (Wed-Fri)
On Thursday we hop the one hour ferry over to the neighboring island of Utila for two more days. These islands are somewhat distant cousins, both being part of the Bay Island chain , but that is where the similarity ends. Utila lies in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of her much more touristy neighbor Roatan. In fact, even though they are only about 40 miles apart, even the topography of Utila is completely different as it is a flatter, barrier island whereas Roatan is a mountain top sticking out of the sea. Life of Utila is much more slow paced and way less touristy. In fact it may even be too slow paced for some, but they do have a few bars and restaurants in “the tourist area” around the ferry landing…but for the most part, these two days will be spent in complete relaxation and vacation mode. Of course going with a group such as ours, we’re ready to create a party at a moment’s notice if that’s what the energy calls for. But for us, Utila is a perfect spot to leave it all behind and be transported to a Robinson Crusoe’esque land where the modern world feels a million miles away. Each of the private casitas for our group at Mango Inn Resort will be the perfect backdrop for just that- and a blissful two days to finish week four and we’ll return to Roatan Saturday morning to catch our flights home….or you may choose to continue from Utila (on your own) with a ferry to the mainland and subsequent cab ride to San Pedro Sula International Airport. From there, you can book your US return flight on COPA Airlines and add up to a five day “layover” in Panama City Panama to extend your adventure, or head out anywhere you’d like. Check out COPA air for more details.
WEEK 4 MOTM ITINERARY
Friday February 14- Early Bird Arrivals
Though week 4 doesn’t officially start until Saturday, we know many of you will be itching to get your vacation started early- plus we’ll be arriving Friday afternoon with any of our week 3 stowaways ready to hit the ground running. So we have the option to add an early bird day to your package and join us Friday night to see what pops up! After arriving on the island on either your direct flight from the US, or with our week three group from Belize, you will have a few hours to relax and get into vacation mode at the resort. Friday night we will most likely bar hop the West End area with whoever is there from the group and get the party started.
Saturday February 15- Official Arrival Day
Saturday is the official start of week 4 and for those already on island, you can spend the day relaxing at the pool or bouncing around West End while we wait for the rest of the group to arrive. If you’ll be joining us on Saturday, we’ll have professional drivers waiting for you at the airport to deliver you to the hotel (or your property of choice) where we’ll be waiting to greet you. After we get you checked in and up to speed, you’ll have a few hours to relax and get into vacation mode. Saturday night we waste no time getting the island party started with a Mike Nash show within stumbling distance of the host hotel, just down the path at Sundowner’s. This place fits the West End district like a glove and it’s a hot spot with the locals as well. After Mike’s show, most of the group will hit the bar hopping scene spread all around us and keep the party going long into the night!
Sunday February 16- Free Day and Local Street Fest
Sunday day is yours! For those of you who’ve just finished a week with us in Belize, you’ll probably hit the pool or sundeck and lounge the day away. If you’re just joining us then you’ll likely want to use up some of the juice in the tank with a fishing or diving trip which can be booked directly across the street the day before or through the resort. The edge of the reef is literally about two hundred yards from the dock and drops straight down to a thousand feet so you can fish big game within eye shot of the resort! If Watersports aren’t your thing, there are tons of other options for excursions on this tourist mecca of an island. You’ll be able to do this on site or plan ahead before the trip and line something up.
Sunday evening we’re going to take you for an experience you just have to emerse yourself in to fully grasp. Sunday night’s are “the big night” in town for most of the locals who only get one day a week off, and boy do they know how to throw a street party! …we happened to stumble into one of these spots on our last visit here, and immediately decided that it is a “must do” for our group who will love this! We’ll take cab rides to bar hop in the Punta Gorda district with food vendors, street dancing, and live Garafona music (the popular music of the locals) all evening. It is truly an original, “Indiana Jones” kind of experience you have to see to understand. A truly a cultural, soulfully moving and once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience!
Monday February 17- Free Day and Music Night
Monday is yours! For those of you who’ve just finished a week with us in Belize, you’ll probably hit the pool or sundeck and lounge the day away. If you’re just joining us then you’ll likely want to use up some of the juice in the tank with a fishing or diving trip which can be booked directly across the street the day before or through the resort. The edge of the reef is literally about two hundred yards from the dock and drops straight down to a thousand feet so you can fish big game within eye shot of the resort! If Watersports aren’t your thing, there are tons of other options for excursions on this tourist mecca of an island. You’ll be able to do this on site or plan ahead before the trip and line something up. afterward. Monday evening we will have a performance by Mike Nash at one of the bars on the strip and keep the party going into the night!
Tuesday February 18- Mike Nash Afternoon Show
We’ll load up the shuttle and head to the East end of the island where Mike will perform an afternoon show with his local friends. You’ll get to meet all our ex-pat and AmeriCanadian friends who call the island home…a fun day for sure and a great way to meet some of the characters who sold it all and moved to an island!
Tuesday night will be open on the schedule for whatever comes up.
Wednesday February 19- Moving Day: Roatan to Utila
Wednesday afternoon, we'll pack out of our Roatan home and board the ferry at 2pm for a one hour ride to the neighboring island of Utila. We found this little gem of the Caribbean by chance and couldn’t let an opportunity to bring our group here pass by. It isn’t a place most would want to stay more than a couple of days, but it’s such a cool laid back vibe as compared to the hustle and bustle of Roatan, we feel it’s the perfect change after a few nights of going hard. Great eateries, little hidden gems and dive bars abound and the best part? It’s cheap cheap cheap! We’ll get checked into the hotel and spend the late afternoon exploring wherever your heart leads you. The best way to get around on Utila is by tuk-tuk and it adds to the “a million miles from the modern world” feel and you’ll swear you’ve found a time machine that’s transported you to another world. We have a delicious and authentic Honduran group dinner planned together Wednesday night (included) prepared by mama herself and we’ll ease the evening away with drinks on the water or whatever comes up..
Thursday February 20- Moving to Utila
Thursday is all yours! There aren’t as many options for tours on Utila but honestly, that’s why you’ll love it. You really don’t need much more than a chair and an umbrella drink to lazily wisk the day away. Grab a kayak, rent some snorkel or dive gear, or just stroll around and find your adventure! There are lots of little hideaways you can feel free to explore at your leisure. Our groups usually have a way of teaming up and creating adventures together, so we know options will pop up if sitting around in the sun isn’t your cup of tea. We’re told the diving is better in Roatan, so if that’s your thing, you might want to do all your diving there and all your relaxing on Utila. Regardless of how you spend your day, it is the perfect place to recharge your soul and rest up for a day and night. We’ll most likely do a group dinner and figure things out as they go!
Friday February 21- leaving Utila to Roatan and returning home
Friday morning, for you, will all depend on what your vacation plans are (and how much longer you can convince your boss that you’re truly sick!). If you are returning home to the US with us, as most of the group will be, we will board the Roatan return shuttle in the morning at 10:30am and head back the one hour trip to Roatan where we will have shuttles waiting to take us to the airport. The good news is there is only one flight a day and it leaves at 2:30pm so we’ll have plenty of time. You also have the option to stay a few more days in Roatan on your own or with any of the group that wants to stay longer. We’ll work this out after we have a list of names and help you plan.
But if you are feeling really adventurous, you can catch the other ferry from Utila in the morning which continues 45 minutes to mainland Honduras and take a 30 minute cab ride to San Pedro Sula (SAP) International Airport. From here, you can book a flight to just about anywhere you’d like. You can actually book a US return flight on COPA airlines which flies from SAP to the US but connects in Panama City with up to a five night “free overnight” layover so you can check out Panama without the added expense of an extra flight. Check out COPA Airlines for more details. We personally will be returning to Roatan to catch our Saturday flight home, but that doesn’t mean you have to!
please email us at Sales@Tropications.com with any questions
ALL IN ONE PRICING: WEEK 4
This package will go on sale May 21st, 2024. Please check back!
CONTINUING FROM WEEK 3 PACKAGE
Choose this package if you will be continuing with us from week 3 in Belize. This package includes your extra night in Belize City (Thursday night) as well as hop flight from Belize to Roatan and early night (Friday) in Roatan. As with all of our trips, we like to package everything together to make your vacation planning a lot easier. This out the door price includes your hotel room in Roatan from Friday through Wednesday and Wednesday to Friday room in Utila. It also includes your airport transfers, transport for all planned group activities, round trip ferry from Roatan to Utila and group dinner on Wednesday night. Your expenses beyond this will be your US flights and all non-included meals, tips, drinks and shopping you do on your own. All taxes and fees are included. Please note that all of our pricing is in US dollars.
WEEK 4 ONLY PACKAGE (flying to Roatan on your own)
Choose this package if you are flying directly into Roatan to begin week 4 on SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15th This package includes your hotel room in Roatan from Saturday through Wednesday and Wednesday to Friday room in Utila. It also includes airport transfers, transport for all planned group activities, round trip ferry from Roatan to Utila, and reserved seating at shows. Your expenses beyond this will be your US flights and all non-included meals, tips, drinks and shopping you do on your own. All taxes and fees are included. Please note that all of our pricing is in US dollars.
WEEK 4 EARLY BIRD ADD-ON (for those not coming from Belize week 3)
If you are flying to Roatan from the States and would like to join us on Friday February 14th, please add this on to your “Week 4 Only” package at the bottom of your room (through the link above). This will add on Friday night to the full package and we will co-ordinate your arrival to join us on the Friday afternoon shuttle to the hotel.
All taxes and fees are included. Please note that all of our pricing is in US dollars.
THINGS TO BRING
PACK LIGHT: It's 85 degrees and sunny just about every day of the year in these destinations! You don't need to bring nearly as much as you think. We recommend packing as light as possible (a smaller suitcase is even better) not only for ease of carrying your luggage around (especially for the WEEK 3 folks as we are moving around quite a bit) but it will also leave room to take home souvenirs. There are cheap laundry services at every location as well if you have the need.
SNACKS: If you're like me and love your American snacks, I recommend packing them in your suitcase or carry on (yes you can bring food on to a plane, just not liquids). They have grocery stores in these countries(not exactly like a Wal Mart mind you) but most American things are tourist priced accordingly as the locals don't eat what we eat. Also I like to bring my own coffee just cause I'm a coffee snob like that....feel free to bring anything you think you can't live without for a week. There are plenty of food trucks, restaurants and grocery stores around with pretty much the same selection you'll find back home.
BUG SPRAY: It's expensive here for a reason. Bring it...you'll thank me on a breezeless day!
(by the way, it's better if it has deet in it)
SUNSCREEN: (see bug spray above..bring it!)
SLEEP: Eye blinders can be a big plus when traveling to these destinations. The sun goes down at 6pm and comes up at 6am every day of the year and some of the rooms don't have much in the way of black out drapes. You'll thank me!
LIQUOR: Duty Free on your way is is the cheapest place you'll find top shelf brands. We personally drink the local rum and vodka as well as beers and rum, and they are cheap. If you drink anything else you'll want to hit duty free on the way in and bring it as it can be pricey in town at these places.
BACKPACK COOLER OR SMALL COLLAPSIBLE COOLER YOU CAN FIT IN YOUR SUITCASE: This one pretty much explains itself!
MONEY: The exchange rate is pinned at 2 Belizean dollars for 1 US for cash and Costa Rica is around 550:1 (don't get too excited though, they price things accordingly). There isn't much need to exchange your US dollars as they are accepted right along side of the local currency everywhere we will go. They might give you change in the local currency, and of course they won't always be able to break a hundred, so I'd recommend bringing smaller bills if you're going the cash route. $20's and below are fine. US credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere (with the exception of street vendors and some souvenir shops) but keep in mind you'll want to bring cash for tips and things you cannot buy with credit card. You can usually add a tip to the credit card bill as well but it's always good to have a little cash on hand. Do check your bill before tipping though as many bars and restaurants will add a 10% gratuity automatically which is a fair amount for this trip. Don't forget to make sure you have "no foreign transaction fees" on the card you'll be using and call to let your cc company know you'll be traveling abroad. Credit cards in Belize actually run a bit less than 2:1 but it's not a big issue unless you're making a large purchase. Roatan and the other countries run concurrently with the daily exchange rate at the bank.
SNORKEL GEAR: If you've got room, feel free to bring it. You can of course rent it at the places we go, but if you have your own you can just jump in the water and swim out a bit to the reef...it's not that far from shore.
WATER SHOES/HIKING GEAR: You will want to bring comfortable walking shoes for our group excursions and Maya ruins exploring. Bring water shoes if you plan to zip-line and river raft. For the Costa Rica week, these are a must.
STAYING CONNECTED: The arrival airports do have free wi-fi (though it can be spotty) so you shouldn't need to turn your phone off of airplane mode the entire trip unless you just want to. Most US carriers will work in all of the countries we will visit (Verizon for $10, AT&T and T-mobile are free) but we've found we rarely need the actual phone and there's free high speed wi-fi everywhere so (as much as it sucks not to take off that electronic leash) you won't have to worry about being un-connected very often.