Okay, I get you. This is most commonly referred to as East End, South Shore.
Why all the confusion? Any map of Roatan has it sitting there, running East-West. This gives rise to such phrases as SouthEast, Northwest, etc.
In reality, Roatan runs SW-NE, an actual diagonal! That's a waste of paper on a map, so the cock it 45 degrees. Confusion ensues! You have to look closely to see that "N" is at the 10 o'clock position.
Fishing is said to be superb in that area. He will have easy access to the flats (shallows) East of Roatan on the way to Helena and Barbaretta.
Your diving will also be unique. The only large AI that ever gets that far is CoCoView.
You have some interesting options. Reef House will provide, but know also there is a new small property called Calabash that runs what appears to be a good dive op. The real plus here is that
either resort has the access to the channel cut North-South thru the island that will allow you access to the North Shore as well.
They will certainly be your best guides, but right near you, "Hole in the Wall" is a favorite. I like snorkeling around Cow & Calf and fantasize about the kind of house I would build upon this rocky outpost. It's pictured on their website.
The website
http://www.mangocreeklodge.com/index.cfm?fa=page.display&page_id=22 also shows rates for fisherman, dbl occupancy rates of... well, I can't begin to figure it out, but even if I were to take the low end possibilities, you might likely do better staying at the local dive resorts instead, let him charter the fishing seperately. Look at
http://www.reefhouseresort.com/the_diving.html (with pix from all over the island) and the new one I mentioned,
http://www.bayislandtropicalbeachresort.com/
The diving towards Helena and Barbaretta are excellent, but it depends upon the motivation of the dive staff and the preparadness of the boats!
The walls are more sloping here than they are at most known Roatan locations. This is not generally an area known for little critters, and unfortunately due to fishing, the larger critters might be spotty. Go with your well seasoned DM. If they aren't producing or seem unsure, move on.
Take lots of Deet repellant.
Two small flashlights would do you well. I like the UK4C, they're cheap and universal. Might make a nice gift to your DM along with a tip upon departure. The magnifier should be of single element (one lens) and glass... with a tether. If you aint brought it, you can't get it. You are about an hour + from what passes as a grocery store in French Harbor. (This grocery is closed on Saturday, so the only one open if you arrive on Saturday will be in Coxen Hole)
As you leave the airport, Coxen Hole and the West End will be behind you. You will see two wrecks along the road- very imposing- and rolling countryside. You will come to Barrio Fuerte (a squatters town) and RECO (The Electric Plant) and the fishing industry buildings. The last bit of commercial civilization you will see is the street to French Harbor (with that Grocery which is closed on Saturdays). From there, you will see Fantasy Island, then CoCoView, then.... not a lot!
You will be in the last frontier of Roatan- pretty well the end of the line! Enjoy the adventure and post your report!
