The calm waters around St. Thomas create perfect conditions for kayaking and canoeing adventures. The protected mangrove lagoon offers easy paddling for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture into open waters. Outstanding guided tours include the nighttime bioluminescent excursion, where the water glows with every paddle stroke, and the sea turtle snorkeling combination trips.
I especially love the small-group mangrove tours – they’re intimate, informative, and let you get close to local wildlife without disturbing the ecosystem. The LED night kayaking stands out for its unique perspective of the island after dark.
Check out these carefully selected tours that showcase the best of St. Thomas’s paddling experiences.
Key Points
- Guided kayak and snorkel tours in St. Thomas offer diverse marine life encounters, including sea turtles, rays, and vibrant coral reefs, with high customer satisfaction.
- Night kayak experiences in St. Thomas provide a unique ambiance with LED-illuminated kayaks, encounters with marine life, and opportunities to witness bioluminescent waters.
- Self-guided and scenic kayaking options in the Mangrove Lagoon allow for independent exploration, with the option of a guided tour for beginners.
- Tour operators in St. Thomas emphasize small group sizes to enhance the overall experience, with mixed feedback on communication and kayak comfort.
- St. Thomas kayak and snorkel tours offer flexible cancellation policies and adhere to COVID-19 safety measures, ensuring customer convenience and safety.
Sunset Kayak Tour in the Mangrove Lagoon, St Thomas
Travelers can embark on a captivating Sunset Kayak Tour in the Mangrove Lagoon of St Thomas. This 98% traveler-recommended tour boasts a Badge of Excellence and receives glowing reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides, beautiful views, and enjoyable group dynamics.
Priced from $59 per person, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and includes a local guide, use of kayaks and paddles, life jackets, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Reviewers praise specific guides like Lenny, Slim, Zack, D, and Yoshe for their expertise in educating guests about the local flora and fauna.
With additional COVID-19 safety measures and flexible cancellation policies, this sunset kayak experience promises a relaxing and memorable adventure.
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Night Kayak Tour St. Thomas – Westin Frenchmans Reef
For those seeking a unique nighttime adventure in St. Thomas, the Night Kayak Tour at the Westin Frenchmans Reef offers an enchanting experience.
With a 98% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour takes participants on a guided journey through the serene waters, where they may encounter tarpon, stingrays, and turtles.
Equipped with glowing headbands, travelers can enjoy the captivating atmosphere as knowledgeable guides share insights into the local marine life and history.
While some guests have reported issues with cancellations and customer service, the majority praise the tour’s ambiance, friendly guides, and the opportunity to witness the island’s wildlife under the night sky.
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Illuminated Night Kayak From Marriott Frenchmans Cove Dock, US Virgin Islands
The Illuminated Night Kayak tour from the Marriott Frenchmans Cove Dock in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world at night.
With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 372 reviews, this beginner-friendly tour provides kayaks equipped with LED lights, allowing guests to observe marine life like turtles, fish, and stingrays.
The tour includes safety gear, a knowledgeable local guide, and scenic views of Charlotte Amalie Harbour. Guests must arrive 30 minutes early and can expect a relaxing atmosphere, though some reviews note equipment quality and organizational issues.
Health and safety protocols are in place, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
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St Thomas Sea Turtle Snorkel Kayak Adventure Tour
St Thomas’ Sea Turtle Snorkel Kayak Adventure Tour provides an immersive experience in the island’s picturesque waters.
With a 5.0 rating and 100% recommendation from travelers, this tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter sea turtles, rays, and vibrant marine life.
Equipped with snorkel gear and guided by knowledgeable professionals, participants can explore the underwater world and capture the beauty through provided photos.
The tour includes a delightful spread of refreshments and personalized experiences, making it an excellent choice for adventurous visitors seeking to connect with the island’s natural wonders.
Whether a seasoned snorkeler or a first-time kayaker, this tour caters to a range of skill levels, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling experience.
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On Your Own: Kayak in the Mangrove Lagoon
Adventurous travelers seeking a self-guided kayaking experience can explore the enchanting Mangrove Lagoon in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
With a 97% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this 2-hour activity offers a chance to paddle through the serene mangrove waterways and spot diverse wildlife like hermit crabs, stingrays, and barracudas.
While the snorkeling element has received mixed feedback, the kayaking and hiking are highly praised. Priced at $69 per person, the tour provides all necessary equipment and COVID-19 safety measures.
Beginners may benefit from the guided tour option, but self-guided renters can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere.
Read our full review: On Your Own: Kayak in the Mangrove Lagoon Review
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St Thomas Kayak and Sea Turtle Snorkel Excursion
Embarking on a captivating journey, this St. Thomas Kayak and Sea Turtle Snorkel Excursion promises an unforgettable adventure. Priced from $139 per person, this 97% recommended tour invites up to 9 travelers to explore the stunning coastline and encounter sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Highlights include a guided kayaking lesson, snorkeling in pristine seagrass beds, and a provided lunch. With a maximum of 9 participants, the experience offers a personalized, safety-focused approach led by knowledgeable guides.
Boasting a 5-star rating and a Badge of Excellence, this excursion showcases the best of St. Thomas’s natural wonders through its kayaking and snorkeling activities.
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Cas Cay – Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure
Building on the captivating St Thomas Kayak and Sea Turtle Snorkel Excursion, the Cas Cay – Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure offers another unique experience in the US Virgin Islands.
Rated 4.9/5 with 97% traveler recommendation, this 8-hour tour takes guests on a leisurely kayak paddle, a moderate hike, and an immersive snorkel session.
Highlights include observing marine life like hermit crabs and stingrays while learning about the local ecology from knowledgeable guides.
With included equipment and a family-friendly atmosphere, this adventure is suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels aged 2 and up.
The convenient meeting point, cancelation policy, and consistently positive reviews make this tour an excellent choice for discovering the natural wonders of St. Thomas.
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St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands
The St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the serene and ecologically diverse Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Preserve on the southern coast of the island.
During this 2.5-hour adventure, participants can explore the area by kayak, paddle through serpentine channels, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters to observe the rich marine life.
Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the mangrove ecosystem and assist with the snorkeling experience.
The tour is highly rated, with 95% of 586 reviews recommending it.
Travelers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including stingrays, brown pelicans, and diverse marine creatures.
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St Thomas Night Kayak Tour
For those seeking a unique and enchanting adventure in the US Virgin Islands, the St Thomas Night Kayak Tour offers a mesmerizing opportunity to explore the Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Reserve under the cloak of night.
This highly-rated tour, with a 94% recommendation from travelers, takes guests on a serene paddle through the serene lagoon. Along the way, a professional guide shares stories about local history and pirate legends, while participants have the chance to spot nocturnal marine life like stingrays and tarpon.
With all necessary equipment provided and a maximum group size of 36, this tour is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels.
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St Thomas Shore Excursion: Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour
Nestled within the Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Preserve, the St Thomas Shore Excursion: Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the US Virgin Islands.
With a 5-star rating and a 96% recommendation, this shore excursion takes participants on a kayaking and snorkeling adventure, exploring the lagoon’s coral-fringed mangrove roots and spotting marine life like spotted rays.
The tour includes pickup, all necessary gear, and a guided hike to the nearby Cas Cay. Travelers can expect an engaging, informative experience from the knowledgeable guides, though some past guests have noted communication and kayak comfort issues.
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Illuminated Night Kayaking at the Elysian Resort
Illuminated night kayaking at the Elysian Resort in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, is an enchanting experience. Guided by local experts, this activity takes place in small groups of up to 8 participants.
Starting at 6:15 PM, the excursion features stunning sunset views and bioluminescent waters. Adventurers are provided with illuminated kayaks and can enjoy alcoholic beverages after the trip.
While not wheelchair accessible, the activity is suitable for most travelers. With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 31 reviews, the experience is praised for its warm waters and knowledgeable guides, though some older customers have mentioned the need for better kayak support.
Cancellations may affect refunds, so it’s essential to review the policies before booking.
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Reef and Turtle Adventure – Kayak and Snorkel Tour
The Reef and Turtle Adventure – Kayak and Snorkel Tour in St Thomas offers a unique way to explore the island’s marine life.
Rated 5.0 with 100% recommendation, this tour includes guided kayaking, snorkeling, and the chance to spot diverse marine creatures like fish, squids, starfish, and turtles.
Participants will enjoy a cooler with sandwiches, cookies, and bottled water, and all necessary equipment is provided.
While the calm bay is perfect for spotting turtles, the tour also includes more challenging locations for experienced kayakers.
With a minimum age of 5 and a maximum weight of 225 pounds per person, this tour caters to a wide range of guests.
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Kayak and Sea Turtle Snorkel With Beach Break
After meeting at the Emerald Beach Resort, you will prepare for an adventure-filled day exploring the tranquil waters and marine life of St Thomas.
The “Kayak and Sea Turtle Snorkel With Beach Break” tour offers a chance to paddle through the bay and snorkel with sea turtles. Equipped with kayaks, snorkel gear, and a cooler with refreshments, the group will embark on a guided journey to witness the island’s natural beauty.
With a maximum of 9 travelers, the small-group experience ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides.
After the water activities, guests can enjoy a relaxing beach break.
Suitable for moderate fitness levels, this tour is an excellent way to take in the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems of the US Virgin Islands.
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Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour
Embark on an all-day adventure exploring the vibrant coral reefs and encountering sea turtles in the waters surrounding St Thomas.
This small-group tour, recommended by 100% of travelers, offers a chance to kayak and snorkel while discovering the island’s diverse marine life.
No prior experience is necessary, and the knowledgeable guide, Sven, provides personalized instruction.
Enjoy a delicious lunch, and capture the experience with photos available for purchase.
With free cancellation and flexible rescheduling, this tour is perfect for those seeking an intimate and unforgettable encounter with the stunning underwater world of the US Virgin Islands.
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Kayak and Coral Reef Tour
Kayakers can explore the vibrant coral reefs and encounter sea turtles in the waters surrounding St. Thomas on the Kayak and Coral Reef Tour.
The 3-hour guided eco-tour is suitable for beginners and families, with no prior experience required. Participants will receive a kayaking lesson and explore the shoreline, observing marine life.
After, they’ll snorkel the coral reef, with equipment provided. The tour includes round-trip transportation, a cooler with light refreshments, and optional photo package.
Participants must be able to swim, navigate uneven surfaces, and adhere to weight limits. The tour departs from St. Thomas Adventure Tours, with pickup available from the Emerald Beach Resort.
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Coral Reef and Turtle Kayak Excursion
The Coral Reef and Turtle Kayak Excursion in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a captivating 5-hour adventure.
Participants can explore a secluded coral reef and observe sea turtles while snorkeling and kayaking. The tour includes use of tandem kayaks and snorkeling gear, as well as a picnic lunch.
With a maximum group size of 9, the experience provides an intimate and personalized encounter with the island’s marine life. Participants must be able to swim and meet certain physical requirements.
Pickup from the Emerald Beach Resort is available, and photos can be purchased.
The tour is priced at $159 per person, with a 15-20% gratuity recommended.
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St. Thomas/St. John Private 90 Yacht Charter: JetSki, Snorkel, Paddle Board
Exploring the waters around St. Thomas and St. John aboard a private 90-foot yacht is a thrilling way to experience the Caribbean.
This charter offers a range of exciting activities, including jet skiing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. With a rating of 5.0 based on 2 reviews, it’s clear this is a top-notch excursion.
The charter includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, soda, lunch, and access to water toys like a swim mat and floaties.
The meeting point is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the airport, and the charter runs daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, with extended hours on Fridays.
This private tour ensures your group can fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Read our full review: St. Thomas/St. John Private 90 Yacht Charter: JetSki, Snorkel, Paddle Board Review
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LED Illuminated Kayak After Dark at Marriott Frenchmans Cove STT
Adventurers can discover the enchanting waters of St. Thomas with an LED Illuminated Kayak After Dark tour at the Marriott Frenchmans Cove. This unique nighttime activity allows participants to paddle through the calm, luminous waters with the aid of LED-equipped kayaks.
The tour includes a local guide, personal flotation devices, and all necessary equipment. With a weight limit of 450 lbs per kayak, the experience can accommodate up to 14-18 travelers.
However, guests should note the lack of wildlife sightings and mixed reviews regarding the tour’s value and guide performance.
Advance reservations are required, and travelers should arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.
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Recap
St. Thomas offers an array of captivating canoe and kayak experiences. From serene sunset tours in the mangrove lagoon to thrilling illuminated night adventures, visitors can enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring coral reefs, and private yacht charters further enhance the aquatic escapades. Whether seeking tranquility or excitement, St. Thomas provides a diverse range of unforgettable paddling experiences.