Aruba Glass Bottom Kayak Tour: Mangrove & Isla di Oro

Paddle above coral reefs, land on a mangrove island most tourists miss

You’ll glide in a glass-bottom kayak along Aruba’s coast, spotting sea life beneath you as your guide shares stories in English, Spanish or Dutch. Drift past mangrove forests, pause for quiet moments on Isla di Oro’s sandy shore, then snack on fresh fruit at Mangel Halto Beach before heading back with salty skin and new stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glass bottom kayak tour and beach stops

• Kayak 2 miles along shore
• Stop at Isla di Oro beach
• Explore largest mangrove trees
• Continue to Mangel Halto Beach
• Relax and enjoy fresh fruits

The experience

Paddling felt weird at first. The glass bottom made it seem like we were floating right over the coral, not in a boat at all. Our guide, Michael, kept pointing out flashes of color below us: parrotfish darting around, a stingray (I almost missed it), and these little clouds of silver fish that scattered if our paddles got too close. The water was so clear you could see every ripple on the sand. At one point I tried to pronounce “Isla di Oro” properly. Michael grinned and said I sounded like his cousin from Rotterdam trying Papiamento for the first time. Fair enough.

The mangroves themselves felt almost secretive: thick roots twisting into the water, everything kind of hushed except for some birds fussing overhead. We couldn’t go through the old tunnels anymore (something about protecting the ecosystem), but drifting along the edge was still peaceful. There was this moment where the sun hit the leaves just right and everything went this wild green color. I remember thinking it smelled half like saltwater, half like something leafy after rain. We stopped on Isla di Oro for a bit. Sand stuck to my ankles and there was nobody else around except us and a couple of pelicans eyeing our snack bag.

By the time we reached Mangel Halto Beach my arms were tired in that good way, not sore, just used. The guide handed out slices of watermelon and cold water while we sat under some shade trees. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after two miles of kayaking (I’m not exactly sporty), but honestly? I still think about that view through the kayak floor, all those colors shifting underneath us as we drifted back toward shore.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a tandem glass-bottom kayak with all equipment provided, two miles of guided kayaking along Aruba’s coast with live commentary in several languages, stops at Isla di Oro and Mangel Halto Beach if sea conditions allow, plus fresh fruit snacks and bottled water before heading back to town together.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (12 to 65 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Clear Kayak Aruba

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the Aruba glass bottom kayak tour?

The tour covers about 2 miles (3.2 km) of kayaking along Aruba’s shore.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, but travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness to participate.

Are children allowed on the mangrove kayak tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

You’ll get fresh fruit and water included during your day trip.

Can pregnant travelers join this Aruba kayak tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s special about Mangel Halto Beach?

Mangel Halto is a secluded beach known for its large mangrove trees and coral reefs.

Will we go inside mangrove tunnels?

No, natural mangrove tunnels are no longer accessible to protect the ecosystem, but you’ll paddle through mangrove-rich areas nearby.