Yes, they rent snorkeling equipment at Tabyana as well as kayaks.  For some reason $15 comes to mind when I try to think about how much it cost.  The snorkeling stuff may have been cheaper, but I can't remember. 

rwilymz:

Why would this be a question?  Are boats skipping it?

Over the last several months there have been several instances of social unrest on the island, due primarily to rising energy prices. (I think). My understanding is that the port was closed by the government in Tegucigalpa, either to punish the protestors or to protect tourists, depending on who you ask. There were also a couple of major earthquakes in Honduras, but these do not seem to have affected Isla Roatan, at least not to the extent that the port was closed. Anyway, for several months, all ships rerouted, mostly I think to Costa Maya, and only began to go back to Roatan about six months ago. Then there was another week or so when social uprisings caused the stop to be cancelled again. This occurred just before I first posted here, and it seems that everyone has made the stop since then. I am keeping my fingers crossed for September. Thanks to everyone for sharing, and I hope Legend cruisers will keep us all informed.

leslieart:

Over the last several months there have been several instances of social unrest on the island

 

That was months ago ... October rings a bell. 

 

And yes, there was one American woman who was injured during the electric rate-hike confab in the streets.  She lived on Roatan, in Coxen Hole if I recall correctly, and was walking her child to school around the impromptu roadblock the protesters set up and she got knocked down during a shoving match between others.  She got an ouchie.  Two or three ships were sent away by port officials worried about unnecessary escalations in front of and involving tourists.

 

...I emailed a guy [American, as well] who lives there and runs a website promoting Roatan for tourists.  I'll look for what he sent me at work tomorrow if I can remember to.

 

But all that should have stopped long ago.  The earthquake didn't cause any port damage that the news mentioned.

 

I'm officially ceasing my concern as of ri-i-i-i-ight ... now

rwilymz:

But all that should have stopped long ago. 

Actually, there were problems as recently as early May of this year. That is why I am keeping an eye out for more problems. I wouldn't say I'm concerned... just watching.

Did you book this when you arrived or before hand? Is there a lot to see and do on this island? For snorkeing did you bring your own or do you have to rent it for a high price?Thanks!

When we visited Tabyana, we did book the excursion before we left.  We just used the Carnival excursion website.  People will say that it is overpriced, but I like the peace of mind that you get for the extra money.  I think we only paid about $36 and that included the round-trip transportation, and a full day at the beach--lounge chair included.  Also, Roatan is not overly developed.  I wouldn't want to just walk outside the gates and try to find a reputable vendor to take me to the beach.  The pier area itself is fenced off. 

 I personally didn't rent the snorkeling equipment but it seemed to me to be rather inexpensive--maybe between $5 and $10??  I am pretty sure the kayaks were $15 for an hour  I was on the Valor, and I also believe that the shore excusion desk was selling inexpensive snorkeling masks & snorkels.  I am not sure that all ships do this though. 

Now there is has been a military coup: CNN Coverage

Please let us know if your cruise skipped Roatan!

leslieart:

I am booked on the Legend on 9/20/09 and I am curious to hear how often this port is getting cancelled. If you have been on the Legend recently, let us all know if you got to see Isla Roatan. Thanks. I can't wait till September!

 

On my first cruise on the Legend Roatan was cancel because some civil war or Riots (dont remember exactly) but good call from Carnival. On my second time on the Legend we book excursion through Carnival (will not do it any other way) And Fall in love with Roatan .I have pictures on my space (boricuacaliente@msn.com ) and believe me Roatan was the most beautiful port I ever seen.

Wendyk71:

When we visited Tabyana, we did book the excursion before we left.  We just used the Carnival excursion website.  People will say that it is overpriced, but I like the peace of mind that you get for the extra money.  I think we only paid about $36 and that included the round-trip transportation, and a full day at the beach--lounge chair included.  Also, Roatan is not overly developed.  I wouldn't want to just walk outside the gates and try to find a reputable vendor to take me to the beach.  The pier area itself is fenced off. 

 I personally didn't rent the snorkeling equipment but it seemed to me to be rather inexpensive--maybe between $5 and $10??  I am pretty sure the kayaks were $15 for an hour  I was on the Valor, and I also believe that the shore excusion desk was selling inexpensive snorkeling masks & snorkels.  I am not sure that all ships do this though. 

Good thinking Wendy

leslieart:

Now there is has been a military coup: CNN Coverage

Please let us know if your cruise skipped Roatan!

That's not cool news, we were on the June 7th cruise on the Legend, the boat missed Roatan a couple of weeks before our cruise due to civil unrest (rioting) but then resumed visits, we loved Roatan amazing diving! I'm really sorry to hear about this current issue.

I would not be suprised to Carnival rethink their itinerary for safety reasons which I personally would not have a problem with

Pendragon:

I would not be suprised to Carnival rethink their itinerary for safety reasons which I personally would not have a problem with

I'm okay if they have to cancel for safety reasons, but I hope they make the call early and schedule another port. I would love to see Roatan, but there is no reason to put passengers at risk. There is also no reason to not reroute the cruise to Costa Maya or Key West. The ship capacity of Roatan is not that great, so it seems like Carnival should be able to accommodate this.

I am watching the Carnival Twitter feed to see if anything comes up. So far they say they are watching the situation closely, but have made no itinerary changes yet.

There is now a State Department Travel Advisory for Honduras.

 

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_honduras.html

 

 

And no new word from Carnival. From Twitter yesterday:

Local contacts on the island advise that there are currently no issues in Roatan. At this time we anticipate calling in Roatan as scheduled.

We're monitoring the situation and will let you know of any changes.

This just in from USA Today:

Carnival: Coup in Honduras won't affect cruise ship calls in Roatan

 We are booked for the Legend July 5th .. Roatan is our last stop..  I hope they would at least choose a different port if Roatan in canceled.  Crossing my fingers it all stays calm in Roatan.  So far so good.