St. John: Night Kayak GLOW Tour with Clear Kayaks & Guide

Summary

Glowing night paddles in St. John’s cove with laughter, stories, and tarpon shadows

You’ll step into glowing clear kayaks at St. John’s Westin Resort, get painted up with neon colors (badly or brilliantly), then paddle out under stars with local guides pointing out tarpons or sting rays below you. There’s laughter, salty air, maybe some nerves in the dark patches — but mostly it’s that feeling of being part of something secret for just one night.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — frogs, everywhere, like a weird chorus you don’t expect by the water at night. We’d just finished smearing neon paint on our faces (my attempt looked more like a toddler’s art project than anything cool), and the guides at the Westin Resort just grinned and handed us our paddles. The kayaks really do glow — not in a cheesy way, but this soft blue-green that makes the water look deeper somehow. I remember dipping my hand in and feeling how warm it still was from the day.

Paddling out, you see these flashes under your clear-bottom kayak — sometimes just your own paddle making ripples, but sometimes something bigger gliding below. Our guide, Marcus, pointed out tarpons cruising around like ancient submarines. He told us they’ve been here forever; I believed him because he said it so offhandedly while steering with one hand and laughing at someone’s joke about “ghost fish.” The air smelled salty but also kind of sweet from flowers somewhere onshore — hard to pin down.

I’ll admit I got nervous when we hit a murkier patch near the shoreline. You can’t see much except your own reflection and whatever is glowing beneath you (sometimes nothing). It felt spooky in a fun way — I think everyone went quiet for a minute there. Then someone tried to say “bioluminescence” in Spanish and messed it up completely; even Marcus cracked up. The whole night kayak tour in St. John felt less like an excursion and more like sneaking out after dark with friends when you’re a kid.

We only spent about 50 minutes on the water but it felt longer — maybe because of the way time stretches when you’re doing something new under stars instead of sun. I keep thinking about those frogs and that moment when all you could hear was paddles dripping and someone whispering about stingrays below us… Not sure why that sticks with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Night kayak tour at Westin Resort

• Arrive at Westin Resort
• Apply glow paint and take photos
• Board clear-bottom kayaks
• Paddle under the stars
• Observe marine life in clear water
• Experience spooky shoreline paddling
• Return from nocturnal kayak adventure

Top questions

How long does the St. John night kayak tour last?

The tour includes about 50 minutes on the water plus 15 minutes on land for check-in, glow paint, and photos.

Are kids allowed on the night kayak tour?

Yes, children as young as 4 years old can join if accompanied by an adult; kids pay the same price as adults.

What is the weight limit for each kayak?

The maximum combined weight per two-person kayak is 400 lbs; no individual over 285 lbs can participate.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; tours start at the Westin Resort in St. John where check-in takes place.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

No, all necessary equipment including life jackets is provided as part of your booking.

Can I bring my phone for photos during the tour?

You can bring your phone at your own risk for photos before or during kayaking; waterproof cases are recommended but not provided.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Will we see bioluminescence during this night kayak tour?

You may spot some glowing marine life depending on conditions, but sightings aren’t guaranteed every night.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of glowing clear-bottom kayaks for about 50 minutes on the water, all necessary equipment like paddles and life jackets provided by friendly local guides, plus glow paint time and photo opportunities before heading out from St. John’s Westin Resort.