Travel Tips

Packing Considerations

Carry-On:

Space is limited on the inter-island planes as there are NO overhead compartments to stow luggage that normally qualifies as a carry-on by your international airline. Carry-on can either be held on your lap or checked plane side before boarding. Pack one change of clothes, flip-flops, and a bathing suit in your carry-on, just in case luggage is delayed. Other “trip essentials” to carry with you should include your diving C-Card, DAN or other dive insurance card, medicine, sunglasses, or anything you consider necessary to begin enjoying your stay the moment you arrive.

Pack for a Purpose:

Should you find when packing for your trip, that you have a few pounds/kilos of space in your suitcase, please consider bringing a contribution for the Pack for a Purpose project we support. In doing so, you’ll make a priceless impact on the lives of our local children and families. For more information on how you can help and a list of supplies needed, please visit Pack for a Purpose.

Clothing:

Dress at the resort is very casual, so pack whatever makes you most comfortable; shorts, t-shirts, lightweight tops, pants, skirts, or dresses. No reason to overpack as the resort offers complimentary laundry service! Water shoes are good to have, with light hiking boots a consideration for those who might wish to explore the island. A windbreaker or rain slicker should also be considered.

Toiletries & Sundries:

We provide shampoo, conditioner, body soap and hair dryers in the bathrooms. Towels (including beach towels) and all linens are provided.

Gadgets:

The electric plugs in your room are the standard US 110 V plugs. European visitors will need to bring their own adapters. Don’t forget a camera! Binoculars and a flashlight are always a good idea.

Bug Spray:

Due to our island, we are generally not bothered by mosquitoes and sand fleas to the extent mainland locations are. However, you will likely want to visit mainland Guanaja or other cays during your stay, so we still recommend you pack insect repellent such as OFF or Cutter. Also, consider packing Hydrocortisone cream or other anti-itch cream and Benadryl Tablets.

Sun Protection:

Be sure to pack a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. Sun shirts are nice to have as well. We also request that you pack only reef-safe, biodegradable SPF sunscreen.

Batteries:

Your devices and dive equipment might require special batteries. Some batteries are difficult to obtain on Guanaja. Please bring your own spare batteries with you.

Reminder:

The airlines require that all spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries be in carry-on baggage only. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at plane side, all spare lithium batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.

Packing When Exiting Guanaja:

A new TSA ruling requires that US-bound passengers store granular items as flour, sugar, ground coffee, spices, powdered milk (such as baby formula), protein powders and cosmetics in a receptacle no larger than 12 ounces, about the size of a soda can. No plastic bag required. Objects placed in bigger vessels may be subjected to additional screening at the checkpoint. If security officials cannot identify the substance, the passenger can place the material in his or her checked luggage or toss it, but may not board the plane with it.

Arriving In Honduras

Contacting Clark’s Cay: 

If you need to call Clark’s Cay once you are in Honduras, or wish to leave a contact number with family, the best number to use is the Front desk of our sister property, Villa on Dunbar Rock, at 011 (504) 2408 2958. This number is monitored 6:00 am – 8:00 pm.  For urgent matters/emergencies only, you can reach the General Manager at 011 (504) 9915 8586. For International flight delays or cancellations, please contact your Airline.

 Arriving in the Roatan: 

When arriving at the airport in Roatan, you will go through customs and collect your luggage.  If several flights have arrived at the same time, there may be a special expedited line open for in-transit passengers. Inform one of the greeters/airport volunteers you see when first entering the terminal that you are flying on to Guanaja.  They may be able to assist with expediting your process.

Once through customs, you should seek out the assistance of a yellow or blue-shirted baggage handler who can help you with your luggage and get you checked in to your onward flight.  Having assistance is especially important if you are flying Aero Caribe, as they do not have a ticket counter.  Guests can feel comfortable utilizing their trustworthy services, and tipping them is greatly appreciated.

The airlines will weigh your luggage. You are allowed 40 lbs of baggage for free. Any checked baggage over that may be charged $.50 – $1.00 per lb. You will also need to pay a local security fee of approximately $3.00. Once checked in, you can then proceed through security to the departure terminal to await your flight to Guanaja. Note: If the line to security is extremely long, walk to the front of the line and see if there is a separate queue for Domestic flights. The lines are sometimes combined but may be separated when there are long lines of visitors departing on international flights. There is a small snack shop inside the terminal in Roatan (generally open) that sells excellent sandwiches and drinks.

Arriving at Guanaja Airport: 

You will be greeted by Clark’s Cay representatives who will collect your luggage and lead you to the boat dock and transfer boat. (There are no roads on Guanaja. All transportation is via boat.) Once all luggage is accounted for you will depart for the 15-minute ride to the Cay.

Arriving at Clark’s Cay: 

Your luggage will be delivered to your Cabaña for you.  You will be asked to meet in the reception area inside La Casita shortly after arrival to complete your registration followed by a short orientation and a Managers Welcome Party with snacks.

To register, you will need

  • A Visa or MasterCard credit card (American Express and Discover are not)
  • $10.00 in cash for the Environmental Fund
  • Your C-Card if applicable
  • DAN or other insurance card if applicable.

Be sure you have contacted your credit card company in advance and advised you will be in Honduras, to avoid charges being declined. 

The Visa or MasterCard credit card will be needed for a US$200.00 per room (or US$100.00 per person) authorization taken as a deposit against incidental charges incurred during the stay. If a guest does not have a credit card, then a US$200.00 per room (or US$100.00 per person) cash deposit will be required. No personal checks will be accepted on the island.

$10.00 is needed for the annual payment to the Environmental Fund for the Protection of Guanaja Island. Proceeds go toward the preservation of reefs, mangroves, and general ecosystem and fund environmental education programs for Guanaja residents. Your C-Card can be presented at the same time you complete your diver liability statement.  All resort purchases, including tips and gift shop items, can be charged to your room.

Enjoying Your Stay:

At all hotels and resorts, things can occasionally go wrong. If at any point you feel something is not right, please let us know right away. This gives us an opportunity to correct the situation and enhance your enjoyment of your stay.

Meals & Pool Bar:  

Breakfast begins at 7:30 for divers or later for those who plan to sleep in.  Lunch is served whenever the dive boats get back for divers, and dinner generally around 6:30 – 7:00. Staff is available to serve you at the bar as well.

Drinking-Water: 

There is a fresh water spring on mainland Guanaja from which the Resort obtains and purifies the tap water. Upon checking in, you will be provided with a complimentary, reusable sports bottle.  Drinking water is available to you free of charge from the water cooler in the lobby/dining area and on the dive boats.  You are encouraged to utilize the drinking water as some guests may be sensitive to the local tap water. Bottled water is also available at the bar for purchase.  Be sure to remain well hydrated while on holiday! There is ice available in the pool bar area.

Internet Service: 

We have free internet service available property-wide via Wi-Fi. However, as in many remote locations, service may be affected by weather conditions and the number of concurrent users. Your Wi-Fi password will be located on a sign in the reception area of La Casita.

Phone Service: 

Cellular service is available in most areas of Guanaja.  However, be advised text, voice, and data usage can be VERY expensive.  Please check with your service provider to understand your options.  You may need to turn cellular data and roaming off.  In many cases, your phone will connect on property via Wi-Fi.

Housekeeping Service:

Housekeeping service is provided daily.  There is a laundry basket inside your closet.  Should you wish to have your laundry done (complimentary) please place your laundry in the basket.

Smoking Policy: 

The fire danger with our wooden structures, associated with the prevailing winds, could cause a fire to be catastrophic. Therefore, all our cabañas are non-smoking, including patios, walkways, and surrounding areas. Smoking is only allowed in the covered, designated smoking area on the north side of the bar/restaurant, adjacent to the beach. A US$50.00 per incident fee will be charged for smoking in any non-smoking area.

Currency: 

US Dollars and Lempiras are widely accepted everywhere.  There is no need to exchange Dollars for Lempiras.  Small bills are encouraged, as generally, you will receive change in Lempiras.

Tax: 

15% sales tax is paid on purchases and services on the island and 18% tax on alcohol.

Language:  

English is the first language of all native Guanaja islanders and Spanish is spoken second. On mainland Honduras, Spanish is the first language.

Weather/Time: 

Prevailing ocean breezes keep the temperature comfortable year round. The temperature is generally in the low 80s, only occasionally getting into the high 80s during August and September. The average rainfall is 100 inches a year which helps keep the island lush and green. Guanaja’s rainy season usually begins around October and lasts until December or January. The island operates on Atlantic Standard Time, not on daylight savings time.

Legal Drinking Age:

Must be 18 years old.

Security: 

There is a security guard on duty from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am. There is also an emergency phone located in the reception area inside La Casita.

Medical Emergencies: 

The owner of Clark’s Cay & Dunbar Rock and other generous donors built a state-of-the-art hyperbaric recompression chamber which is housed next to the Guanaja Airport. For other medical emergencies, guests can be transported to the hospital in Roatan.

Tips/Gratuities: 

Clark’s Cay did not include a service charge in your package rate. Tipping for good service is customary and encouraged. 10% is standard. We utilize a tip pool to ensure housekeepers, restaurant servers, bartenders, cooks, dive staff, tour guides, or anyone else who provides good service, participates in an equitable manner. It is best for you to present tips directly to Lee, the Resort Manager, the manager on duty, or they can be charged to your room. If you feel someone did an outstanding job, please be sure to mention that to the General Manager as positive feedback can increase an individuals’ overall compensation. By the same token, we also need to know about anything or anyone whose service fell short.

Other tips to consider would be:

– $1.00 – $2.00 per bag for the Roatan baggage handlers
– 10% for the masseur (approximately $5.00) if opting for a 1-hour massage ($50.00)
– 10% for any optional tours or excursions provided by outside operators.

Exit Requirements: 

Travelers must pay a $2.00 security fee at the Guanaja Airport before departing for Roatan. Travelers must also clear Honduran Immigration to depart the country and may be asked to complete an exit document before clearing security.

Packing When Exiting Guanaja:

A new TSA ruling requires that US-bound passengers store granular items like flour, sugar, ground coffee, spices, powdered milk (such as baby formula), protein powders, and cosmetics in a receptacle no larger than 12 ounces, about the size of a soda can. No plastic bag is required. Objects placed in bigger vessels may be subjected to additional screening at the checkpoint. If security officials cannot identify the substance, the passenger can place the material in his or her checked luggage or toss it, but may not board the plane with it.

For Divers

Dive Registration: You will register for diving in the Club House the afternoon you arrive.

Getting Your Gear to the Boat:

When heading to breakfast on your first morning, just leave your gear outside your Cabaña door and the staff will transport it to the dive dock for you and get it set up for your morning dive.

Tank Sizes:

80 and 63 cft tanks are available for Air and Nitrox. There are also a small number of 50 cft air tanks available. Nitrox tanks are $10.00 per tank or $120.00 for the week. Please advise us in advance if you will be diving Nitrox or wish to be diving with a smaller tank on the guest questionnaire.

Boat Schedule:

Boats generally depart on regular schedule at 8:30 am for the morning 2-tank dive, returning for lunch with the afternoon boat leaving a reasonable time after lunch has concluded. If we are diving the north shore of Guanaja, we will stay out for a 3-tank dive and lunch will be prepared during a break between the second and third dive.

Skill Assessment:

For your safety, you may be asked to drop down in shallow water (10-12 ft) and do mask clearing and regulator recovery/clearing on your first dive with us.

On Board:

Beach towels are provided for you in your cabaña. Feel free to bring it to the boat with you. Replacement towels will be put back in your room. The boats have a water cooler, so please remember to bring you sports bottle. Fresh fruit or snacks will be provided between dives. There is also a fresh water shower.

Night Dive:

One night dive is included with any seven-night package and is generally conducted on Tuesday evening. There is no afternoon boat dive on this day. Additional night dives may be scheduled at an additional cost with a minimum of 6 divers.

Concierge Dive Service:

Our dive staff change your gear over between dives, and rinse and store it at the end of the day. Your only assignment while on board is to do a check to make sure you have all your gear before we depart, then sit back and enjoy the ride.

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