fbpx
Popup

Roatan 2022: Travel Information

ROATAN 2022 Cover Photo

All Aboard! Next Stop......Roatan

  • Below, you will find the most current information available pertaining to your trip itinerary. (This link is sharable.)
  • This page will also be used to communicate the most recent and relevant information about your trip to you. (Updates/Changes will appear in RED.)
  • FAQ (Facts & Questions): (If you have a question, check here you will likely find an answer.)

Bus

PARKING AT OUR OLD LOCATION:       

476 North Colony ST. Wallingford, CT 06492

  • US Coach Transfer: MUST PRE-REGISTER 

Depart 4/09/22 – To HARTFORD

BUS LOAD: 2:30am

BUS LEAVE: 3:00am

Return 4/16/22 (+1) – From NEWARK

ESTIMATED BUS RETURN: Between 4:00-5:00am

Flight Info

Group Airfare Information: American Airlines

Depart 4/09/22 BDL

Return 4/16/22 (+1) EWR

  • DEPART- 04/09/2022
  • AA# 2729- 6:58a Hartford (BDL)9:45a Dallas (DFW)
  • AA# 1069- 10:40a Dallas (DFW)- 12:58p Roatan (RTB)

  • RETURN- 04/16/2022 (+1)
  • AA# 1788- 2:46p Roatan (RTB) 10:40a Dallas (DFW)
  • AA# 2814- 8:35p Dallas (DFW)- 1:03a +1 Newark (EWR)

Hotel

Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort

Address: West Bay Beach, 34101, Honduras

Phone: +504 2445-5050

Answers to your Questions (FAQ):

Into Honduras:

  • VACCINATED: No test needed for entry. (Must hand carry paper copy of proof of vaccination. Please see Proof of vaccination section for more details.) 
  • UNVACCINATED: A Negative rapid antigen, or PCR within 72hours of travel is required.
  • All travelers: Must complete the Honduran Precheck form within 48 hours of travel and hand carry paper copies. (Information about this form will be sent closer to the travel dates.)

To Return to the US: A VIRAL TEST WITHIN 24 HOURS  (Rapid Antigen or PCR) 

What You Need to Know:
  • If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.
  • If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).

A quote from the CDC website:

Last updated: 1/24/22 on the CDC website 

***  Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel.  Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.  Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

How to test before your return to the US:

  • There is a lab company that comes to the hotel and does rapid antigen testing for $30, then provides results on paper. Cash only.
  • There are also antigen test kits that you can purchase and perform yourself with a Wifi telehealth appointment, then the results are sent to you via email. You will need to read the directions and make an appointment with the company yourself. 
  • One popular one is called the Binax NOW test. It is FAA approved. I found some sites that you can purchase them on.  This Link 3-Pack $99, This link 6-pack $150.

Proof of recovery:

  • If you tested positive on or after 01/17/2022:  Alternatively accepted to the viral test within 24hrs of return to the US, is proof of recovery documentation.

Proof of recovery consists of:

  • An official positive Covid-19 test result within 90days prior to travel.
  • A letter from a licensed healthcare provider.
  • But what happens if the proof of recovery 3-months window runs out while you are away? I am looking into this because I can see it being an issue, but do not have a concrete answer yet for you yet. I think you need to get a test to return home still. See “Proof of recovery section below”. Please contact me directly if you are in this position. 

While traveling, you may need to show proof of recovery if you have already had Covid-19. 

  1. You will need an official copy of your positive Covid-19 test from no more that 90days prior to travel.
  2. A letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that you are in recovery.

*Although you may be no longer contagious, experts say you may show positive on a PCR test for months while your body expels the virus. These documents will be alternatively accepted to the viral test needed to return to the US.

If you have suffered recently from a Covid-19 infection, and were diagnosed by way of at home antigen (rapid) test, then there will be no way to prove your recovery without getting an official PCR test performed.

According to the CDC:

Last updated: 1/24/22 on the CDC website 

***  Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel.  Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.  Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Variables: As we know, the facts and rules of Covid-19, and the process of navigating covid-19 testing are ever changing. This page will be updated as need with changes to policy.  

Example: Tawney had Covid-19 this winter around January 1st, she found out using an at home rapid test and quarantined accordingly. However, she will be traveling to a foreign destination that requires a PCR test to enter the boarder in the Spring. Lets use our travel dates April 9-16, 2022 for this example.

Tawney Should:

  1.  Schedule a PRC now to have an official documentation of positive infection with date stamp.
  2. Call her licensed healthcare provider to obtain a proof of recovery statement.
  3. This proof of recovery will be valid for 90days from positive test date, and will waive the need for additional testing for travel.
  4. If your proof of recovery expires while traveling, ask your healthcare provider how to proceed. (Positive test from before 1/17/22 are NOT valid as proof of recovery.)

A Few Things to Consider:

  • I am unable to find an official “Form” to use for “Proof of Recovery”. If I do, I will attach it to the documents section. From what I have deduced, a licensed healthcare providers note is sufficient. 
  • If Tawney had Covid-19 (Jan 1, 2022- Jan 17, 2022 or prior). The proof of recovery will expire after 90days (3-months would be April 1-17, 2022) While traveling.
  • A PCR 3-4weeks prior to departure from US for travel is wise. This test will tell you if Covid-19 is out of your system. If your Proof of recovery expires while traveling, then you will need a negative viral test to return to the US. 
  • If the PCR 3-4 weeks prior to travel is still positive. Please contact your healthcare provider for an updated proof of recovery notice.
According to the Your Health section on the CDC website: (Vaccination status does not waive the need for a viral test for entry to the United States at this time. You will still need to test before entry to the US unless a proof of recovery period can be proven as an alternative.)
 
Are You Fully Vaccinated for Travel to the United States?

You are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose vaccine
  • 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series
  • 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial
  • 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart*

If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT considered fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

If you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system or are taking medication that weakens your immune system, you might NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.

* CDC has not recommended the use of mix-and-match COVID-19 vaccine primary series. However, such strategies are increasingly common in many countries outside of the United States. Therefore, for the purpose of interpreting vaccination records for travel to the United States, CDC will accept combinations of accepted COVID-19 vaccines.

Dive Accident Insurance:

Thankfully I have never had to use it, but have met many who have.

Dive Travel Insurance:

If you are choosing to purchase private travel insurance, I have purchased several in the past 2 years since Covid-19 started. There are more out there as well, these are just ones I have experience with or have heard positive things about:

Get a DAN TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE. Single Trip Quote/Annual Quote.

                                                            Please list New England Dive #2782626 as your referring dive center. 

  • Dive Assure Travel Insurance This quote will also ask about a referral source, please choose New England Dive as your Dive/Travel operator.  
  • Travelsafe was a Cadillac insurance based on age and cost of trip. Pricey but I purchased this in March 2021 before the vax rollout. It made me feel better about financially sustaining if I got stuck out of the country. Coverage applies to medical, trip interruption, and property coverage. Get a quote.
  • GeoBlue is by Blue Cross Blue Shield, I felt it was more of a catastrophe insurance, but cheap enough why not. It was comforting to have international medical coverage. Get a quote.

 If you have specific questions about what’s included please call the insurance company direct to make sure you know what you are buying.

We do not require travel insurance for the trip. But do remind people that if you test positive upon returning to the US, you will need to be able to physically and financially sustain a 10-day quarantine &  any medical fees (if needed) on site.

Diver PACKAGE INCLUDES:
 
*7 Nights Accommodation (1- Bedroom Villa based on Double OCC. or 2- Bedroom Villa based on Quad Occupancy). Efficiency style based on single occupancy.
*Breakfast, lunch, dinner, ALL- drinks (includes premium liquor)
*15  Boat dives, 1 Night Dive (includes tank, weights & belt)
*All taxes (19% Honduran tourism tax)
*Pool, Paddle board, & Kayak.
*Night time entertainment (including live music and cultural shows)
*Lounge chairs and towels at pool and beach
*Free WiFi
*Airfare if pre-purchased
*US coach bus transfers from Wallingford to corresponding airports if pre-registered
*On-island transfers from airport to the hotel

Non-Diver PACKAGE INCLUDES:

*All of the above except diving.

15 Boat Dive Package

  • 2-AM BOAT DIVES
  • (Lunch/surface interval at hotel )
  • 1- PM BOAT DIVE 2:00p
  • 1- NIGHT DIVE (Likely WED or THURS)

This dive schedule is included, but not mandatory. If you would like to sit out, then please let someone know so the boat does not wonder & wait. 

If you would like to continue your skills with additional training please contact the crew at New England Dive to hear about opportunities available during your trip. (additional fees may apply.)

Oh my, sooo much! 

Non- motor powered water sports (like kayaks & paddleboards) are included with your stay. The resort is centrally located on West Bay Beach. All beaches are public here. Not only is there a little shopping mall right next to the hotel, there are many local eateries and beach vendors. The first few feet of beach (and the chairs) are reserved for hotel guests. Locals walk up and down the beach with trinkets, knickknacks, and T-shirts.  And I got one hell of a shoulder massage from the sweetest lady. 

There is also a water taxi if you would like to visit West End from West Bay. 

There are jungle tours, and REALLY good ziplining in Roatan as well. 

  • THERE ARE NO PAPER AIRPPLANE TICKETS, when we get closer to our travel date an email with an E-ticket will be sent to you. 
  • At the bottom of the ticket there is an itty bitty individual reservation number. This is the number you will need to link your reservation to your American Airlines app and receive notifications about your flight. 
  • There is no on-board entertainment on American Airlines. The American Airlines App is also how you will receive WiFi on the plane to use your own devices for entertainment. 
  • You are allowed 1-personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. (i.e. a purse or bookbag.) and 1-overhead carry on bag at no charge.
  • American Airlines Baggage Policies:

**An update to complete this information at the correct timestamp will be emailed to you in the future.**

Within 30 days of our return date (Around March 16, 2022-April 1, 2022)

  • Please use this link________ to use Docusign and complete the New England Dive waiver.
  • There may also be a Hotel Waiver, Hotel pre-checkin, Dive Waivers.
  • There is also an entry process for the Honduran Government. Its a trip. I will supply that to you in a separate email with a tutorial on how to complete it within 48 hours of travel. 
  • PRINT ALL COPIES OF IMMIGRATION and COVID RESULTS/ VACCINATION RECORDS and hand carry them on paper.
  • THERE ARE NO PAPER AIRPPLANE TICKETS, when we get closer to our travel date an email with an E-ticket will be sent to you. 
  • PRINT ALL COPIES OF IMMIGRATION and COVID RESULTS/ VACCINATION RECORDS and hand carry them on paper.
  • Notify banking and credit cards of international travel, so they do not freezer your funds thinking you were hacked when used abroad.
  • PRINT AND HAND CARRY copies of any special insurances you may have purchased. (Just in case.) I DO NOT NEED COPIES OF THESE. They are yours. If you are a single traveler and need help, I gotch-you. Just let me know what pocket of the suitcase and I’ll ride with you as long as I can and/or notify your contacts for you. But none of us will need these, just nice to have them.
  • Please keep a copy of your important Documents in paper form, and/or an email incase they get lost. 

What you need to know before we go:

This section contains many helpful tips for travel and will help clarify what happens up arrival to the island.  

Waivers:

You will receive an email from New England Dive via DocuSign. Complete accordingly following the prompts, then choose a witness to do the same. Please complete at your earliest convenience at least 2-weeks before travel. 

Prechequo:

You will receive an email from New England Dive via DocuSign. Complete accordingly following the prompts, then choose a witness to do the same. Please complete at your earliest convenience at least 2-weeks before travel. 

Upon Arrival:

-Once the plane has landed- collect your baggage- and Clear Customs.

-You will exit through customs door. Immediately after exiting the door, look for the sign that says Mayan Princess. There will be a bus waiting for Mayan guests right outside the door as well. It is about a 20-minute drive to resort. The bus may be making a few trips, and it will take some time for everyone to clear customs.

Return testing to US is available at the resort:

-You will make your appointment for required covid test needed for return to the US during check in. The lab comes to resort to do the testing and they charge $30 cash.

-Results will be given to front desk for you to pick up the following day.

Mayan Divers:

On-Site Mayan Divers Dive Shop:-Please fill out this online registration form for the dive shop at your earliest convenience and preferably 2-weeks before travel. https://www.mayanprincess.com/registration-waiver/

A/:  15+ 1 Package is 5 days; the schedule is:

2 dives 8:30 am coming back around 12:30 pm –

1 dive 2:00 pm coming back around 3:45 pm

1 Night dive at 5:45 pm (check with the dive master the day)

A/: for dive packages the schedule is made to fit the group, changes on schedule may add extra cost.

A/: Dive packages are individual not exchangeable or transferrable.

A/: yes, you can add extra dives for extra cost. NIGHT dives need a minimum of 4 divers. Sign-up and payments for extras will be through Mayan Divers.

A/: your dive package starts the day after your arrival, if you wish to do a dive before you can do it,  for and extra cost and depending on your arrival time, last boat departure is 2:00 pm, latest check in at the dive shop is 1:00 pm.

A/: Rental gear is not included; we recommend make reservation before your arrival day.  $10 per dive plus 15% tax or $125 per week plus 15% tax

INCLUDES: Mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, BCD, wetsuit (Shorty long sleeve) everything up to XXL also individuals price also available.

Flashlight $8 per night plus taxes.

A/: Aluminum (no steal tanks for rent).

A/: just YOKE valves, please bring your own DIN adaptor.

Yes, make sure you make reservation for rental gear prior your arrival.

A/: 80% of the regulator, yes the other 20% just regular deep and air gauge, if your will like to rent with a Computer make sure you specified on your reservation.

A/: Yes, by request only, make sure you specified if you need it with NITROX or AIR

A/: $10 CASH ONLY, is good for a year you receive a TAG with a different color every year to indicate proof of payment. (Payment mandatory for all divers)

A/: From September to January is between 78F to 80F/ from March to August is 80F and 84F.

A/: We recommend wetsuit because you are diving more than one dive a day, 3mm is good enough.

A/: Yes, every time, ratio of 12 divers per certified dive master.

A/: Yes, you can pay CASH DOLLARS AND LEMPIRAS, CREDICARD, no difference on the price, PAYPAL add a 10% fee.

A/: NO if you are certified diver, YES if you are doing dive course

A/: No, Mary’s place is outside of the dive sites range, but it can be made for extra cost.