Explore protected areas on and around St. Thomas by kayak, on an eco-tour, or on your own. The Mangrove Lagoon Preserve is the most popular area that you can explore on a guided eco-tour. The preserve has a complex series of small islands fringed with red mangroves. It is also home to Cas Cay, a small island where you can swim, snorkel, and take a coastal walk along a trail to Red Point Blow Hole. You can explore this area on your own too, by renting a kayak.
Some watersports shacks on beaches in St. Thomas offer kayak rentals. You can use them to paddle within the bay. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a night kayak in St. Thomas. Night kayaking is a cool experience. Kayak in the evening for a chance to see nocturnal marine animals. Guides accompany you when night kayaking and point out interesting sights. Some kayaking outfits use clear-bottom kayaks with LED light systems to make the night kayak experience possible. Here are some of the fun kayaking and ecotour options available in St. Thomas, USVI.
Coral World Ocean Park
Spend the day at Coral World Ocean Park and get up close and personal with the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. Learn about life on a coral reef from the unique Undersea Observatory and about local conservation efforts in one of our interactive presentations. View sharks, stingrays, dolphins, turtles, tropical fish and colorful rainbow lorikeets! There are several gift shops, cafes, lockers and shower facilities. Exciting activities include Dolphin Swim, Sea Lion Swim, Shark Encounter, Sea Trek and SNUBA. Visit our website or FB page for more information.
LED Illuminated Kayak After Dark
Have you ever wanted to explore the underwater world AT NIGHT without going underwater? You can with this exciting LED Illuminated Kayak After Dark experience. Your kayak, the ‘Caribe’ is half sit-on-top kayak, half-canoe. The crystal-clear hull of the Caribe provides a window to the underwater world. The kayaks are retrofitted with powerful LED lights, allowing you to view the underwater nocturnal residents in their natural habitat. Paddle into a world of wonder and book your illuminated kayak tour in St. Thomas today!
Water activityVI Ecotours: Sunset Kayak Tour in Mangrove Lagoon
Enjoy an unforgettable evening paddling quietly through St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve. Paddle near an egret and pelican rookery at Bird Island and through a winding maze of beautiful mangrove cays and forests. Experience the stunning sunset and the birds flying to their evening roost. Your guide will lead you through this dynamic area while sharing information about the scenery and animal life. This sunset tour includes kayak & paddle, life jacket, and a guide. Costs: Adults (13+): $69. Children (7-12) $59.
Length: 1.5 Hours -
Water activityVI 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. The 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 - Small Groups
Water activityVI 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 - Small Groups
Water activityVI 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. The tour includes mask & snorkel, kayak & paddle, life jacket, beverages, a picnic, and a guide. Costs: Adults: $169. Children (7-12) $109. Youths (2-6) $35.
Length: 5 Hours Trip
Water activityIlluminated Night Kayaking at Elysian Resort
Get an alternative view of St. Thomas and its waters with this nighttime kayaking adventure aboard an illuminated kayak. You and a small group of other kayakers will set out to sea with your local guide, where you will be able to see the sunset and the magic of the waters below you as they become illuminated by the light from your kayaks after dark. The starry sky and the background of the coast of St. Thomas add to the perfect scenery. $65 per person.
Duration: 1.15 hours - Small Groups
Water activityVI 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.
Water activityVI 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. Length: 1.5 Hours. Costs: Adults (13+): $59. Children (7-12) $39.
Water activityVI 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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