There are many reasons to like this anchorage.

First and foremost is the lack of bugs arriving from shore, even in very calm conditions. Especially bugs that like to bite, sting or otherwise cause me harm. We’re still getting rid of the last ones - namely spiders - that came along with us out of the Rio Dulce. They’re not finding much food now, and that’s a good thing. The largest and mid-sized geckos took my advise and left Vida Dulce at Cayo Quemado (El Golfete / Rio Dulce) however the smallest one didn’t. Each evening we hear it calling for others while foraging for what little bugs are around. I feel a bit bad; if it wasn’t so skittish & quick we’d trap it to take it to ashore where there are plenty of bugs in the foliage. I read you can trap geckos using sticky-strips also used to capture roaches alive (why would one what to trap roaches alive? kill them I say!). While that may work, we’d likely not see the stuck gecko for many hours and then we need to get it ashore (cooking oil releases it from sticky strip) which means several hours of angst for it, and that doesn’t seem right either.. It’ll either hide in the dinghy and when we go to shore, free itself or perish due to lack of bugs. Despite this one small creature’s misfortune, I’m loving the lack of bugs.

The anchorage is good sized & can accommodate more boats than are usually here at one time. There are only 4 or 5 moorings available these days however safe anchoring spots well away from them are plentiful. Unfortunately many new comers arrive in “cluster mode”, anchoring too close to moored boats as if we’re all lonely. Thankfully they move along after a day or two or three.

Easy access to most supplies. Lots of restaurants, mini-markets, fresh stands within dinghy and walking distance. Local bus (or taxi if preferred) to larger markets (Eldon’s, Bulk Gourmet) and hardware stores (Ace is the best here). The propane truck makes its rounds regularly and charges only what is necessary to top off the tank(s). Gasoline is available via jerry jugging from the gas station a bit away. You can’t find everything everyday everywhere however this is not the Land of Plenty, only a much better stocked land than the Rio Dulce.

Clean, clear water. Water so clear you can see the bottom and whatever fish are swimming by. In fact, a bit scary…, a giant barracuda took up residence below Vida Dulce when we arrived. Yikes! Rain, when it does fall, helps to clean the decks rather than depositing gunk & dirt.

A fairly long beach walk is a short dinghy ride away. We tie up at one of the private docks (after asking permission) and beach-walk to the end of the island. Past small and large resorts with their respective crowds enjoying the sun, surf & vacation acrivities. 45 minutes later we’re back at the dinghy dripping with sweat yet energized by the exercise. Barefoot beach walking is great for feet, ankles & legs.

So these are my top reasons (today) I’m loving being out of the Rio Dulce and in West End, Roatan.