Nestled on the picturesque East End of St. Thomas lies a series of protected areas, each offering a unique glimpse into the island's rich biodiversity.
1. Compass Point Pond: A Birdwatcher's Paradise
Compass Point Pond is a sanctuary for various shorebirds. Here, visitors can spot the graceful snowy egrets and the striking little blue herons as they wade through the shallow waters, hunting for their next meal. The pond's tranquil setting makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching and photography.
2. The Wonders of Mangrove Lagoon and Cas Cay
The lagoon is a complex series of small islands fringed with red mangroves. The mangroves’ branches provide nesting sites for birds; and their complex elevated roots provide a valuable nursery for juvenile fish. It is a beautiful area covering 680 acres. Cas Cay is a small island with a coral rubble shoreline; a trail allows for exploring the island and visiting Red Point Blow Hole! Exploring Cas Cay: My Memorable Kayaking Journey in St. Thomas.
3. St. James Marine Reserve: Protecting Marine Ecosystems
This sanctuary is home to diverse marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to myriad fish species. By preserving this area, the reserve ensures the ecological balance of the region, offering visitors a glimpse into the untouched beauty of marine habitats.
Tour the Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve
Guided kayak tours within the Mangrove Lagoon are available from St. Thomas.
VI Ecotours: Mangrove Lagoon Self-Guided Kayak Tour
Explore St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Reserve on your own, by kayak. Paddle at your own pace, on a self-guided tour through the serene and narrow waterways and enjoy the beauty of the area. Discover secluded cays and visit a geological blowhole. Bring a picnic lunch, and sense of exploration. Safety briefing and a map of the mangrove lagoon are provided. Half Day (4 hours) and Full Day (8 hours) options available. Costs: Full Day Adults (13+) $59. Children (7-12) $29. Half Day Adults (13+) $49. Children (7-12) $20.
VI Ecotours: Mangrove Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Get your kayaking and snorkeling in on this fun and educational tour in St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve. Paddle out in the mangrove, past mangrove-ridged cays and coastlines, and through serene waterways. Enjoy the peacefulness while keeping a watch for sea birds above and tarpon and stingrays below. Beach your kayak on the shore of Cas Cay, then jump in the water to enjoy a 45-minute snorkel. Tour includes mask and snorkel, kayak & paddle, life jacket, beverages, and a guide. Costs: Adults (13+): $99. Children (7-12) $69. Youths (2-6) Free.
Length: 2.5 Hours - Guided Tour
VI Ecotours: Mangrove Kayak, Hike & Snorkel Tour
This award-winning tour takes you through St. Thomas’ beautiful Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve. Paddle the sanctuary’s peaceful waterways. Keep an eye out for sea birds and marine life. Visit Cas Cay where you will take a shoreline walk along a coral beach to impressive volcanic cliffs, tidal pools, and the famous Red Cliffs Blow Hole. Enjoy a swim, and a 45-minute snorkel in shallow mangrove habitat. Tour includes mask & snorkel, kayak & paddle, life jacket, beverages, picnic, and guide. Costs: Adults: $169. Children (7-12) $109. Youths (2-6) $35.
Length: 5 Hours - Small Groups
VI Ecotours: Cas Cay Kayak, Hike & Snorkel Tour
On this tour, you will kayak through St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve, out to Cas Cay, a 50-acre island inhabited solely by nature. Beach your kayak, then walk along a shoreline trail out to tidal pools, volcanic cliffs, and a geological blowhole. After the short hike, cool off with a swim and a guided snorkel tour. You’ll enjoy viewing marine life in the clear, protected waters of the lagoon. The tour includes a mask and snorkel, kayak & paddle, life jacket, beverages, and a guide. Costs: Adults (13+): $109. Children (7-12) $79. Youths (2-6) Free.
Length: 3 Hours
GUIDED TOURVI Ecotours: Night Kayak in the Mangrove Lagoon
Looking for a unique adventure? Paddle through the shallow waters of St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve. Wind your way through the beautiful and serene waterways while the sun dips toward the horizon. Your guide will point out wildlife, including birds flocking to their nests. As the sun continues to set, look up and see the star-filled skies. This night kayak tour is an enchanting experience not to be missed. Includes kayak & paddle, life jacket, and a guide. Costs: Adults (13+): $59. Children (7-12) $39.
Length: 1.5 Hours - Night Tour
VI Ecotours: Mangrove Lagoon Self-Guided SUP Tour
Explore St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Reserve on your own, on a stand-up paddle board. Paddle at your own pace, on a self-guided tour through the serene and narrow waterways and enjoy the beauty of the area. Discover secluded cays and visit a geological blowhole. Bring a picnic lunch, and sense of exploration. Safety briefing and a map of the mangrove lagoon are provided. Half Day (4 hours) and Full Day (8 hours) options available. Costs: Full Day Adults (13+) $59. Half Day Adults (13+) $40.
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