Families visiting Roatan’s West End looking for safe, active fun in the water should consider adding iSoar Roatan to their list. Anchored in the calm, shallow waters of Half Moon Bay, this retrofitted sailboat has become a favorite among both locals and tourists—especially families traveling with kids who love to swim, snorkel, and explore.
Check out our ranked family travel lists for Roatan:
- Best Things to Do in Roatan with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in Roatan (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Roatan (Ranked)
What Is iSoar?
iSoar is a moored sailboat that’s been creatively repurposed into a floating ocean playground. Built by the same team behind the Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration (RIDE), the sailboat now features rope swings, dive platforms, and even rock climbing footholds.
The boat is anchored in about 20 feet of water with a mostly seagrass bottom. Kids can safely swim around or snorkel to and from the boat while keeping an eye out for marine life like starfish, conch, octopus, and even eagle rays. The nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is just a short swim away for families with older kids and confident swimmers.
Why the Name?
The story behind the name “iSoar” adds some island humor. When the boat first appeared, a local business owner reportedly called it an “eyesore.” In response, its creator renamed it “iSoar”—a clever twist that stuck. Since then, iSoar has become a beloved part of the West End landscape, offering free, active fun for everyone who visits.
Getting There
Families can access the boat by swimming from a few convenient points around Half Moon Bay. The shortest route is from the dock of the Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration (RIDE), located on the northeast side of the bay. It’s also accessible from The Beach House, another popular family-friendly spot in the area.
This is a swim-at-your-own-risk activity, and adult supervision is strongly recommended for kids. Families should bring swim gear, flotation devices for younger children, and reef-safe sunscreen.
What to Expect
At iSoar, kids and parents can climb, jump, and swing into the warm Caribbean Sea. The structure is solid but small, so it’s best suited for short visits or active play between snorkeling sessions. Visitors often take turns climbing the mast for a big swing into the bay—locals are happy to help newcomers get the timing right.
The surrounding area is also a great snorkeling spot. Encourage kids to look closely at the seagrass while swimming out to iSoar. The variety of sea life offers a great mini-lesson in marine biology and a chance to spot creatures like moray eels and octopuses in their natural habitat.
Related Activity: Stanley Submarine
For families with older kids or teens looking for something unique, the same company behind iSoar also operates the Stanley Submarine—a one-of-a-kind deep-sea submersible that descends into the nearby Cayman Trench. Though not suited for young children, it’s an exciting, rare experience for adventurous families.
Tips for Families Visiting iSoar Roatan
- Bring your own snorkel gear – You’ll want it for the swim and exploring near the reef.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen – Protects your kids and Roatan’s fragile marine life.
- Swim with a buddy – Never let kids swim to iSoar alone.
- Wear water shoes – Helpful for climbing the boat and exploring nearby reefs.
- Plan around weather and tides – Calm mornings are best for families with younger children.
iSoar Roatan is a rare find: a completely free, unsupervised activity that still offers fun, physical play in a beautiful and safe natural environment. It’s perfect for families staying in West End who want an easy, memorable experience right off the beach.
Planning your Roatan family trip? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the island:
- Best Snorkeling in Roatan for Families
- Best Family Restaurants in Roatan
- Best Roatan Regions for Families
- Jump off the iSoar in Roatan
Check out our ranked family travel lists for Roatan:
- Best Things to Do in Roatan with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in Roatan (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Roatan (Ranked)
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on Roatan.
