St Maarten: Kayak Lagoon Tour & Mega Yacht Sights

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.88 (94 reviews) 94% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellation

1/4

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 24

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Kayak past mega yachts on St Maarten’s wide lagoon with local stories and a salty breeze

You’ll paddle from Kim Sha Beach across St Maarten’s big saltwater lagoon with a local guide leading the way. Spot mega yachts up close, pause at the imaginary border between Dutch and French sides, learn quirky bits of island history, then cool off with a swim and complimentary drink before heading back salty and smiling.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayak tour on lagoon

Receive kayaking lesson and safety orientation
Paddle across largest saltwater lagoon
View mega yachts and island sights
Stop to rest and learn history
Paddle back to Kim Sha Beach
Enjoy ocean dip and complimentary beverage

The Experience

We slid our kayaks into the water at Kim Sha Beach, legs wobbling a bit as I tried to remember the paddle lesson our guide just gave us. The morning sun was already warm but not sharp yet, and you could smell salt and sunscreen in the air. Our group set out behind the guide, who wore this faded cap and kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed—like how some of those mega yachts docked nearby are bigger than my entire apartment building back home. Seriously, it’s wild.

Paddling across St Maarten’s lagoon felt easier than I expected—maybe because we went slow, or maybe because there was always something to look at. At one point, our guide stopped us right where he said the “invisible border” runs between the Dutch and French sides. He grinned and asked if we could feel any difference in the water (we couldn’t), but it made me laugh anyway. There was a moment where all you could hear were paddles dipping, a pelican flapping off somewhere, and someone behind me quietly cursing at their steering skills. That salty air sticks to your skin in a way that feels good after a while.

We took a break halfway through—my arms were grateful—to float for a bit while our guide talked about how the lagoon is its own little world. Something about mangroves cleaning the water and old stories from both sides of the island. I didn’t catch every detail (I was busy trying not to tip over), but I liked hearing him talk about growing up here. On the way back to Kim Sha Beach, I started racing my friend just for fun—she won—and then we jumped straight into the ocean before grabbing that free drink they promised. My hair smelled like salt for hours after. Still does, honestly.

What’s included

Your day includes use of sit-on-top kayak with paddle and life jacket, guidance from a local expert throughout your paddle across St Maarten’s lagoon, plus a complimentary beverage when you return to Kim Sha Beach—all wrapped up with time for an ocean swim if you want it.

Good to know

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

Operated by Tri-Sport