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 help 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. Additional activities include Dolphin Swim or Moment, Dolphin Trek and Dolphin Kayak, Sea Lion Swim or Encounter, Shark Encounter, Sea Trek and SNUBA. Located next to Coki Beach. Variable schedule due to COVID; visit our website or FB page for latest schedule.
VI Ecotours: Mangrove Adventure Kayak & Snorkel Tour (2.5 Hours)
Paddle into the Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Reserve’s beautiful waterways. Keep watch for sea birds and marine life including tarpon and stingrays. Upon reaching Cas Cay, enjoy a 45-minute snorkel in a shallow mangrove lagoon habitat. Included in this tour are mask and snorkel, kayak & paddle, life jacket, beverages, and kayaking/paddling & snorkeling instruction. A great tour for all ages.
VI Ecotours: Kayak, Hike & Snorkel Tour in Mangrove Lagoon (5 Hours)
This award-winning tour takes guests of all ages and experience levels kayaking in the Mangrove Lagoon. Paddle through the sanctuary’s peaceful waterways. Keep watch for sea birds and marine life including tarpon and stingrays. Upon reaching Cas Cay, enjoy a 45-minute snorkel in a shallow mangrove lagoon habitat. On Cas Cay you can visit the hermit crabs. A short walk along a coral beach brings you to impressive volcanic cliffs, tidal pools, and the famous Red Cliffs Blow Hole! Included in this tour are mask and snorkel, kayak & paddle, life jacket, beverages, and kayaking/paddling & snorkeling instruction. A great tour for all ages, for individuals, couples, families, and corporate events.
Illuminated Night Kayaking at Elysian Resort
Get an alternative view of St. Thomas and its waters with this nighttime kayaking adventure aboard an illuminated kayak. Your local guide will take you and a small group of fellow kayakers out to sea, where you’ll get to experience both the sunset and the magic of the waters below you after dark, illuminated by the light of your kayaks. The starry sky and the background of the coast of St. Thomas add to the perfect scenery. $65 per person. Duration: 1.15 hours.
VI Ecotours: Night Kayak in the Mangrove Lagoon
Looking for a unique adventure? This tour begins when you board your two-person kayak and paddle through the shallow waters of the Mangrove Lagoon. Wind your way through the tunneled 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. Peer into the waters below your kayak and learn about the marine life that is supported by this vital mangrove ecosystem. This night kayak tour is an enchanting experience not to be missed.
VI Ecotours: Sunset Kayak Tour in Mangrove Lagoon
Enjoy an unforgettable evening paddling quietly through the St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon. Paddle near an egret and pelican rookery at Bird Island and through a winding maze of 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.
VI Ecotours: Cas Cay Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure Tour (3 Hours)
Explore Cas Cay, a pristine and deserted island! Kayak through the narrow mangrove waterways, while making your way to Cas Cay. Hike around Cas Cay exploring the tidal pools, volcanic cliffs, and a geological blowhole. A guided snorkel tour introduces you to marine life in the clear, protected waters. A great tour for all ages.
