Gumbalina - arriving via Princess how far via cab?

[cpayne]

Arriving in Roatan via Princess Cruise Lines. Would prefer to go to Gumbalina on our own by catching a cab as opposed to booking through the ship. Any idea how far it is to the park via cab and approx cost of cab fare?

 

Any idea what cost of admission to the park is along with the various activities such as zip lining and snuba? Haven't been able to find pricing on their web site.

 

Thanks.

[PacificMountain2012]

Half hour drive or so, can depend on traffic. Cab fare is negotiable, there are plenty of discussions here about it, but will probably be $20-30 for the day. in October the entrance fee was $30, don't know the add-on charges. Honestly you are better off booking with a freestyle or design your own tour with Rony or Bodden's Tours.

[crewsweeper]

Due note that Princess ships dock up in Mahogany Bay so taxi fares and distances are further than from Coxen Hole. There was a recent post on this board stating the fare from Coxen Hole to West End/West Bay, where Gumbalinda is located, was about $25 one way. It'll be more than that from MBCC.

 

Again to back Pacific Mountain's comments, look at booking a tour via Victor Bodden or Rony's Tours. Both will be cheaper overall than individual taxis and other fees.

[cpayne]

I contacted Victor Bodden and he said he cannot do a tour to Gumbalina if we are on a cruise ship. :(

[crewsweeper]

I have heard that Gumbalinda will sometimes not accept cruisers unless booked via the cruise ship excursion. Back in the 00's you could finagle your way through via mentioning you were staying at a hotel in West Bay, but they started "billing" it to your hotel room which meant you needed a room number and the hotel to confirm your stay. I have also heard reports that if they accept you as a "walk-in" they will contact the cruise ship and bill your stateroom/cabin at the same rate as the ship excursion.

 

It's not clear on their out dated website, but there is a note at the bottom on the Park Tours link that says cruise passengers need to book via their cruise ship.

 

Not sure how the longer term staying expats go there, if they go at all.

[cpayne]

These types of "practices" anger me so much. Almost enough to want to boycott giving them my business! It's the cruise ships strong arming them in to creating a "monopoly" and screwing the tourist. Just my opinion.....

[wadethegringo]

I was there last month on a non cruise ship day. Had time to talk to the guide. You must have a guide for the tour until you get to the pool and beach at the end." If you did go on your own" on a cruise day, you would still be put with a group of cruisers. the taxi will be $25 us each way.