Snorkeling Starfish Alley Roatan with kids is one of the best snorkeling options for families. Located between West Bay and West End in Roatán, it is known for its abundance of Caribbean cushion sea stars. This area is ideal for kids and beginners thanks to its shallow depth, generally calm waters, and easy beach access.
Why Families Like Starfish Alley
The water here is rarely more than 2 to 4 feet (0.5 to 1 meter) deep, making it a great choice for younger kids or anyone new to snorkeling. The sea stars are visible just a few yards from shore, especially in the seagrass beds, and their vibrant colors—ranging from orange and red to green and yellow—make for a memorable snorkeling experience.
The site is located just north of West Bay, near the Las Rocas Resort and Dive Center, and can be accessed by walking along the beach or arriving by water taxi from West End. The beach has free public access, making it a budget-friendly activity for families.
How to Get There
- From West Bay: Families staying in West Bay can walk north along the beach. Follow the shoreline until reaching the area near “Bite on the Beach” restaurant. The snorkeling zone starts around 150 yards east of this restaurant, where a series of white buoys marks the safe swimming area.
- From West End: Water taxis are available and frequently leave from the landing near Splash Inn Dive Resort. Taxis typically know Starfish Alley well—just ask to be dropped off there.
Amenities and What to Expect
While Starfish Alley does not have developed public facilities, there are restaurants nearby and gear rentals available from vendors or hotels in West Bay.
- Entrance Fee: None (free public beach access)
- Restrooms/Showers: Not available on-site
- Lifeguards: Not present—parents should supervise children closely
- Nearby Restaurants: Yes, including “Bite on the Beach” and others in West Bay
- Gear Rentals: Available in nearby West Bay for snorkels, fins, and floatation devices
Snorkeling Conditions and Safety
The seagrass beds begin close to the shore and are home to the sea stars. Visitors are encouraged to float over rather than walk on the seagrass to avoid damaging marine life or accidentally stepping on hidden sea urchins.
Families may choose to bring or rent snorkel vests or swim buoys to improve visibility in the water and make floating easier for kids. These are especially helpful if venturing beyond the initial sea star area toward the reef.
A boat lane runs between the seagrass zone and the reef and is marked by two larger buoys. It is safe to cross with caution, but families should avoid lingering there and always watch for boat traffic.
The reef area is located farther out and offers the chance to spot other marine life like butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and bluehead wrasse. However, the highlight for families remains the colorful cushion stars in the shallow areas, which are plentiful and easy to observe up close.
Video of Snorkeling at Starfish Alley
Tips for Families Visiting Starfish Alley
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and snorkel gear suited for children.
- Use a snorkel vest or floatation aid for less confident swimmers.
- Keep a respectful distance from marine life—do not touch or pick up the sea stars.
- Watch for sea urchins hiding in the grass and avoid stepping on the seabed.
- Stay within the buoy-marked area and avoid the boat lane except when crossing quickly.
Final Thoughts
Starfish Alley is one of the easiest and most enjoyable snorkeling sites for families visiting Roatán. Its easy access, shallow depth, and unique sea star habitat make it a perfect destination for families with children looking to explore the underwater world in a safe, calm environment. With no entrance fee and amenities nearby in West Bay, it’s an affordable and worthwhile stop for a beach day with kids.
