Clear Kayak Aruba: Sea Glass Island Adventure

You see straight through the kayak to the seafloor below.

Clear kayak paddling in Aruba's shallow waters to Sea Glass Island, a secluded shoreline covered in colorful sea glass. You paddle for roughly 2.5 hours in the warm afternoon, guided by an experienced kayaker who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Dutch. The kayak is transparent, so marine life and the sandy bottom stay visible the entire time. Pickup is included in most group sizes; water shoes are recommended for walking on the island.

The Experience

If you have a free afternoon in Aruba, this fills it with paddling instead of sitting still. You start in the water in a clear kayak—the kind where the hull is see-through—so the moment you push off, the seafloor and whatever lives in it are right there below you. Tropical fish move through the shallows, starfish sit on the sand, and the water is clear enough that you're not guessing at what's down there. The paddle out to Sea Glass Island takes you through Aruba's warmest afternoon hours, and the guide stays with the group the whole way.

Sea Glass Island is the destination, and it's not a resort stop—it's a shoreline where the sand is mostly covered in pieces of sea glass, worn smooth and colored by years in the water. You land the kayak and walk the beach collecting the pieces, which is why sea glass collectors book this one. The island itself is secluded, so you're not sharing the shoreline with crowds. The whole outing runs about 2.5 hours from start to finish, which is long enough to paddle out, spend time on the island, and paddle back without the day dissolving into logistics.

You choose your group size at checkout—options range from solo paddling to groups of thirteen—and most sizes include hotel pickup. A guide paddles with you and speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Dutch. You get a dry bag for personal items, a life jacket, fresh water, and the kayak and paddle. Bring a swimsuit and quick-dry clothes; water shoes help on the island, though they're not required. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are essentials you'll want to pack yourself.

What’s included

• Clear kayak and paddle.
• life jacket.
• dry bag for personal items.
• fresh water.
• experienced guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Dutch.
• hotel pickup on most group-size options.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Come & Enjoy Watersport

Is this one for you?Book a group size with pickup included if you're staying in a hotel and don't have a rental car—the guide meets you and handles the logistics. Choose solo paddling if you want to paddle at your own pace without coordinating with others, though you'll need to get yourself to the launch point.

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Top questions

What does it feel like paddling in a clear kayak?

The transparent hull lets you see straight down to the seafloor and the marine life moving across it—tropical fish, starfish, and the sandy bottom are all visible without stopping or leaning over. It's the main reason people book this kayak instead of a regular one.

What is Sea Glass Island like when you get there?

Sea Glass Island is a secluded shoreline where the sand is mostly covered in smooth, colored pieces of sea glass worn by years in the water. You land the kayak and walk the beach collecting pieces; it's a working beach, not a resort, so it stays quiet and uncrowded.

How long does the whole thing take?

The paddling and island time together run about 2.5 hours. That includes the paddle out, time on the island to collect sea glass, and the paddle back to the start.

Can I book this alone, or do I have to join a group?

You can paddle solo or join a group—options range from one person to thirteen paddlers. Most group sizes include hotel pickup; solo paddling does not, so you'd arrange your own way to the launch point.

What marine life will I see from the kayak?

Tropical fish and starfish are the main sightings in the shallow water around Sea Glass Island. The clear hull makes them visible without you having to stop paddling or lean over the side.

Do I need to bring my own swimsuit and sunscreen?

Yes—the kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bag are provided, but you bring your own swimsuit, quick-dry clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. Water shoes are recommended for walking on the island but not required.