Kayaking Sea Glass Island, Aruba: Search for Treasures

Paddle to a hidden island and hunt for sea glass with your own hands

Kayak from a beach near San Nicolas on Aruba's south coast to Sea Glass Island, where you search for sea glass treasures in shallow waters. The trip takes around two to two and a half hours and includes a kayak with paddles, life jacket, water, fruit, and an experienced guide who speaks English or Spanish. You choose between a 9 AM or 1 PM departure. Towels are available on one option. Transport from your hotel is optional on the other.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak to Sea Glass Island

• Arrive at beach near Flying Fishbone
• Receive kayak instruction
• Kayak 10-15 minutes to Sea Glass Island
• Search for sea glass on island
• Kayak back to departure beach

The experience

You launch from a beach next to the Flying Fishbone restaurant and paddle for ten to fifteen minutes across clear water to reach Sea Glass Island. The guide leads you through the search, teaching you what to look for and where the sea glass collects. The island itself is the draw (a spot most visitors to Aruba never find), and the kayak gets you there without a motor, so the water stays quiet and the experience stays low-impact.

The paddle back takes you to the same departure point. The whole outing runs two to two and a half hours from start to finish. You get a bottle of water and a piece of fruit during the trip, and the guide handles safety and instruction throughout. If you book the option with transfer, a pickup from your hotel is included. If you book the kayak-only option, you arrange your own way to the beach near San Nicolas.

What’s included

• Kayak with paddles.
• life jacket.
• water and fruit during the trip.
• experienced guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel transfer on the option that includes it.
• towels on the option that includes them.

Options for this experience

2 options

Kayak tour, without transferGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30 and 13:00

Kayak tour with transferGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30 and 13:00Private vehicle transfer, includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Aruba Nature Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the 9 AM departure if you want the calmest water and the least crowded search. The 1 PM slot works better if you prefer a later start. Book the transfer option if your hotel is far from the beach near San Nicolas, or the kayak-only option if you have your own transport and want to save.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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 24 h before the start.

What is Sea Glass Island and what will I actually do there?

Sea Glass Island is a shallow-water spot on Aruba's south coast where sea glass (smoothed fragments of discarded glass worn by the ocean) collects on the bottom and shore. You search for these pieces by hand while wading and kayaking in the shallows, guided by someone who knows where to look and what counts as a find.

How long does the whole kayaking trip take?

The trip runs two to two and a half hours from the moment you leave the beach until you return. That includes the paddle out, time on the island to search, and the paddle back.

What times can I book, and do I need to arrange my own way to the beach?

Departures run at 9 AM and 1 PM. You can book kayak only and arrange transport yourself, or add a hotel transfer to your booking. The transfer option includes pickup and return to your hotel.

What's included in the kayaking trip?

The kayak with paddles, life jacket, a bottle of water, a piece of fruit, and a guide in English or Spanish are all included. One booking option also includes towels. The other does not.

What's the minimum age, and do I need experience?

Children are welcome from age six. You don't need kayaking experience (the guide gives instruction before you start), but you should be comfortable in the water and have at least moderate fitness.