Kayak Rental at Mangrove Lagoon, St. Thomas
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling stamina is helpful but beginners are welcome
Overview
Paddle through St. Thomas’ serene Mangrove Lagoon at your own pace with a private kayak rental from Virgin Island Eco Tours. Explore hidden cays and spot unique wildlife in a beautiful marine sanctuary.
Kayak Rental - explore on your own - Mangrove Lagoon - St. Thomas
Explore the mangrove lagoon on your own • Ages 2+ • 4 or 8 hours
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable self-guided kayak adventure through the stunning mangrove lagoon of St. Thomas. Paddle at your own pace, explore secluded cays, and encounter diverse wildlife. With a safety briefing and all necessary gear provided, you can create your perfect day of discovery in this serene marine sanctuary.
Paddle through the beautiful mangroves -renting a kayak and explore on your own
Round trip Transportation can be coordinated for you. Select the round trip option, an additional $20pp and tell let us where you would like to be picked up during the booking process.
Duration
Full Day - up to 8 Hours - Adults from $59 Half Day - up to 4 Hours - Adults from $49
About
Upon arrival at Virgin Islands Ecotours, you will receive a safety briefing and a map of the mangrove lagoon. You will be outfitted with a 2-person kayak (if there is an extra person in the group, they will use a single kayak), life jackets (which are required to be worn while paddling and snorkeling), snorkel gear (mask & snorkel-no fins due to sanctuary requirements). Please return by 4:30.
Explore and discover the Mangrove Lagoon in St. Thomas on your own with a self-guided kayak tour. Paddle through the serene and narrow waterways, discover secluded cays, a rare geological blowhole, and encounter a wide variety of wildlife in this beautiful area. We'll give you paddling tips and directions of sites to see, or you can head out on the water and discover for yourself.
Our self-guided tour is available all day long, so you set your own start time, duration, and pace. That means you can buy a picnic and a cooler with cold drinks from our home base snack bar and pack it with you, and leave no stone unturned in exploring the shallow, protected waters of the mangrove lagoon and snorkel the waters in this beautiful marine sanctuary, it's all up to you.
The best kayaking parts of the sanctuary’s kayaking area is one mile square, so every point suggested on the map is within 20 minutes of paddling in safe and protected waters with meandering alleyways of mangrove forests and clear shallow waters.
What to Bring
- Sun Protection: hats, sunscreen, sun shirt, sunglasses
- Swim clothing
- Medicines, if necessary
- Shoes that can get wet
Included in this tour
We provide a single or double kayak, life jackets, and paddles. If requested, we can offer paddling tips and techniques, and directions or suggestions of sites to see to help you get acquainted with the area.
For sale in our gift shop
- Cell phone dry bags are for sale for $20
- Microfiber towels for sale $20 each
- Swim shirts $30
- Swim leggings $45
- Hats $20+
- Swim/hike shoes $30
- Sunglasses $20
- Reef safe sunscreen $20-$30
Adventure Tips
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the fragile marine environment by choosing reef-safe sunscreens.
Bring a waterproof phone case
Keep your phone dry and safe while capturing stunning photos from your kayak.
Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water to stay refreshed during your time on the lagoon.
Watch for changing tides
Be mindful of tidal changes which can affect water depth and navigation in narrow channels.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mangrove snapper
- Brown pelican
History
The Mangrove Lagoon area was historically used by indigenous peoples and later by local fishermen who depended on its rich marine resources.
Conservation
Virgin Island Eco Tours actively supports mangrove preservation efforts to protect nursery habitats vital for fish and coastal health.
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Adventure Hotspots in Charlotte Amalie
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Life jacket
Provided with rental and crucial for safety on the water.
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps your valuables and electronics dry during your kayak trip.
Lightweight sun hat
Protects your face and neck from strong UV rays in the sunny Caribbean climate.
summer specific
Water shoes
Provide good grip and protect your feet when launching or exploring shorelines.