Roatan

Antoine's view

I had heard about this small archipelago known as the « Bay Islands » from long distance sailors who had sailed along the western shores of the Caribbean sea, from the USA to Panama. I was planning to visit them when I received an e-mail from two Italian friends, who had seen my films on Italian television, RAI, and who wished to introduce me to their island, Roatan. Those are for me the ideal conditions to discover and film a country, as those who have fallen in love with it to the point they have settled there (these two friends have created a small hotel) are the best guides to lead you to love the country as much as they do.

For three days, I have been guided to the island's most picturesque spots, I have seen the most endearing animals, toucan and iguana, sailed through an impressive tunnel cut through the mangrove, I have dived among dolphin, admired extraordinary beaches... and been a privileged guest to Roatan's whole Italian colony, savouring delicious Italian specialties - on top of the unforgettable King crab- prepared, of course, by an Italian chef !
The archipelago is a wonderful destination, the sun shines there most of the year; yet there is a risk of a hurricane from June to October; one can dive in the archipelago at very reasonable prices, and spend wonderful hours on splendid beaches ; I have heard that the islands suffer of the presence of « sand flies », elsewhere known as no-nos, yen-yens or chitras) ; I, for one have not suffered from them..
Sheltered anchorages, remains from the time of pirates, hotels and guest-houses, dive centres, restaurants (some Italian, but also of all other denominations !) and beaches, everything is within reach, specially in the region of West Beach.
And the best remembrance I have kept of my visit to the islands, apart from the warm welcome I have received, was the softness of Samantha's skin - Samantha - The sweet female dolphin I swam with in Roatan.