Explore St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon on a Stand-Up Paddleboard
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; light to moderate upper body strength and balance recommended.
Overview
Experience the freedom of stand-up paddleboarding through St. Thomas’s stunning Mangrove Lagoon. Explore hidden cays and diverse wildlife at your own pace with all gear included.
SUP Rental - explore on your own - Mangrove Lagoon - St. Thomas
Explore the mangrove lagoon on your own SUP • Ages 2+ • full day or afternoons
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a self-guided stand-up paddleboarding adventure through the stunning mangrove lagoon of St. Thomas. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden cays, and encounter diverse wildlife. With flexible pickup options and all necessary gear provided, this unique experience promises unforgettable moments in a 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, and tell let us where you would like to be picked up during the booking process. The pickup time is flexible so let us know what time is best for you to be picked up. We will text you the night before to confirm pickup time and location.
Duration
4 or 8 hours (options available)
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 your SUP, 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 SUP 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 SUP parts of the sanctuary’s SUP 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 SUP, 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
- Microfiber towels
- Swim shirts
- Hats
- Swim/hike shoes
- Sunglasses
- Reef safe sunscreen
Adventure Tips
Start Early for Cooler Temperatures
Begin your paddle in the morning to avoid midday heat and enjoy calmer waters.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect both your skin and the fragile marine environment by choosing reef-safe sunscreen.
Bring a Dry Bag
Keep your belongings safe and dry by storing them in a waterproof dry bag.
Watch for Changing Tides
Check tide schedules to avoid paddling in strong currents or low water areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelicans
- Juvenile reef fish species
History
Mangroves have long been crucial to St. Thomas’s coastal communities, protecting shorelines and supporting fishing traditions.
Conservation
Virgin Island Eco Tours supports sustainable practices to preserve the delicate mangrove ecosystem and minimize human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Charlotte Amalie
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Stand-Up Paddleboard and Paddle
High-quality SUP gear is provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Wearing a PFD is mandatory for safety while navigating waterways.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months and longer paddle sessions.
summer specific
Lightweight, Breathable Clothing
Wear moisture-wicking clothing that dries quickly to stay comfortable under the sun.
summer specific