St John: Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Turtles Permit-Only Beach

Summary

Kayak across Cruz Bay then snorkel with turtles at a quiet St John beach

You’ll paddle from Cruz Bay to a permit-only beach in St John’s national park, guided by a local who knows every cove. Snorkel above seagrass beds with sea turtles drifting nearby, spot colorful fish and stingrays, then relax on soft sand before heading back—salty, sandy, happy.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re half-awake and suddenly realize you’re somewhere completely different? That’s how it hit me standing in Mongoose Junction, clutching my water bottle and sunscreen, waiting for our guide (her name was Tasha — she had this easy laugh). We walked down to Cruz Bay together, kayaks lined up on the sand like bright candies. The sun was already warm but not sharp yet; I could smell salt and sunscreen and something sweet from a bakery nearby. Pushing off into the bay, I kept zig-zagging at first — Tasha called out some tips (“keep your arms loose!”) while pelicans skimmed right past us.

Crossing over into Virgin Islands National Park felt quieter somehow, like someone turned down the noise. The coast stretched out all green and tangled, with little coves I wanted to swim into just because they looked secret. We paddled maybe 30 minutes (I lost track), passing other beaches before landing at Scott’s Beach — apparently only this company can bring you here. The sand squeaked underfoot. I fumbled with my mask straps (always do), but then slipped into the water and everything changed: seagrass waving below, sunlight flickering on coral, and then — there it was — a sea turtle just kind of hovering mid-water. My heart did that weird fluttery thing. I tried not to squeal through my snorkel.

Tasha pointed out stingrays gliding along the bottom and some tiny electric-blue fish darting around my hands. She knew every patch of reef by heart; said she grew up swimming here after school. After floating around for what felt like ages (but probably wasn’t), we sat on the sand eating chocolate bars from her backpack, legs still dripping saltwater. There was this moment where nobody talked — just waves and wind in the trees behind us — and I still think about that silence sometimes.

Paddling back toward Cruz Bay felt slower but lighter somehow. Maybe it was tired arms or maybe just not wanting it to end yet. If you’re thinking about a kayak & snorkel tour in St John, don’t stress about being an expert swimmer or anything — Tasha made sure everyone felt safe (and honestly, half of us were awkward getting in and out of kayaks anyway). It’s the kind of day that sticks with you for reasons you don’t totally expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak and snorkel at St. John

• Meet guide at Mongoose Junction
• Launch kayaks from Cruz Bay beach
• Paddle across turquoise harbor
• Enter Virgin Islands National Park waters
• Pass scenic coastline and beaches
• Arrive at serene Scott’s Beach
• Snorkel over coral reef and seagrass beds
• Spot sea turtles, fish, and stingrays
• Relax on the beach
• Paddle back to Cruz Bay

Top questions

How long is the kayak & snorkel tour in St John?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

Where does the tour start in St John?

You meet your guide at Mongoose Junction near Cruz Bay.

Is all equipment provided for kayaking and snorkeling?

Yes, all gear and equipment are included in the tour price.

Do you need to be very fit for this kayak & snorkel trip?

The tour requires a high level of physical fitness due to paddling distance.

Will we see sea turtles during the snorkel?

You’re likely to spot sea turtles as well as Caribbean fish and stingrays.

Is lunch included on this St John kayak tour?

No full lunch is provided but bottled water and a small chocolate bar are included.

Can families or solo travelers join this kayak & snorkel tour?

The trip is suitable for nature lovers including families, solo travelers, couples or groups.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water, a small chocolate bar for snacking after snorkeling at Scott’s Beach, all kayaking and snorkeling equipment provided by your local guide—plus plenty of tips along the way before returning to Cruz Bay together.