Cruz Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Sea Turtles

You paddle to the turtles instead of waiting to spot them from a boat.

A 3-hour guided kayak and snorkel trip on St. John's north shore in Virgin Islands National Park, launching from Cruz Bay and paddling to Scott's Beach. You'll paddle across the harbor, snorkel over coral reef and seagrass beds where sea turtles, Caribbean fish and stingrays live, then paddle back. The company holds the only permit to operate at this location. Equipment, guide and a small chocolate bar and bottled water are included.

The Experience

What does it take to paddle out to where sea turtles actually are? You meet your guide at Mongoose Junction, then head to the beach in Cruz Bay to launch the kayaks. From there you paddle across the turquoise harbor and into Virgin Islands National Park, passing scenic coastline and beaches on the way to Scott's Beach. The paddle out takes about 45 minutes each direction, and you're moving through the water the whole time—this is not a tour where you sit and watch.

Once at Scott's Beach, you snorkel over a coral reef, seagrass beds and turtle habitats. Sea turtles, Caribbean fish and stingrays move through these waters in their natural environment, and the shallow reef means you're looking at them at close range. After time in the water and on the beach, you paddle back to Cruz Bay. The guide handles the route and timing; all gear—kayak, snorkel, mask, fins—comes with you.

The operator holds the only permit to run trips at this location in the national park, which means the access itself is something you cannot arrange on your own. You need to be comfortable paddling 45 minutes in each direction and have a high level of physical fitness. Morning and afternoon departures are available; transportation to Mongoose Junction is not included, so plan your own way there.

What’s included

• All kayaking and snorkeling equipment.
• a professional guide leading the trip.
• bottled water.
• a small chocolate bar.

Good to know

Demanding physical level

Operated by Virgin Islands Ecotours

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want to paddle and snorkel before the afternoon heat builds, or the afternoon slot if you prefer a later start. Either way, you're paddling yourself to the reef instead of watching from a tour boat—the effort is what puts you in the water with the turtles.

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Top questions

What's the paddle distance and how long does it take to get to Scott's Beach?

The paddle to Scott's Beach takes about 45 minutes each direction across the harbor. You'll pass scenic coastline and beaches on the way, and the full trip is 3 hours from start to finish.

Will I actually see sea turtles, or is spotting them just a possibility?

Sea turtles, Caribbean fish and stingrays live in the seagrass beds and coral reef where you snorkel, so you're in their habitat. The operator describes them as likely to spot, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

All kayaking and snorkeling gear, a professional guide, bottled water and a small chocolate bar are included. You'll want to bring sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes; transportation to the meeting point at Mongoose Junction is not included.

Is this trip suitable for beginners or families with kids?

The trip is not recommended for beginning kayakers or people over 72 years old. Participants need to be capable of paddling 45 minutes in each direction and have a high level of physical fitness. The operator does list families among those the trip suits, so check your group's paddling ability before booking.

Can I choose between morning and afternoon departures?

Yes, you can book either the 9AM morning departure or the 2PM afternoon departure at checkout. Both follow the same route and include the same guide, gear and snorkeling time.