St Thomas: Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike & Snorkel with Lunch

Summary

Kayak mangroves hike Cas Cay and snorkel coral reefs in St Thomas

You’ll paddle through tangled mangroves in St Thomas’ lagoon, hike Cas Cay’s volcanic cliffs to see the blowhole spray, snorkel among bright reef fish (maybe even stingrays), and share a picnic lunch with your group—all guided by someone who knows every twist of these waterways. There’s something honest about how salt clings to your skin here.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a paddle with a grin and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll go slow.” I think she could tell I was nervous—kayaks always look tippier than they are. The water in the Mangrove Lagoon was glassy, greenish-brown under the trees, and there was this earthy smell I couldn’t place. We followed her through these tight little channels between the roots. At one point, a crab scuttled right over my paddle and I almost dropped it—Li just laughed and said that’s normal here. It felt like we were sneaking into some secret part of St Thomas nobody else saw.

After maybe half an hour (I lost track), we landed on Cas Cay. The sun came out strong then—my shirt stuck to my back—and Li pointed out these weird black rocks. She called them volcanic cliffs, which I didn’t expect on an island like this. We hiked up to a spot where the sea crashed against the rocks and sprayed up through a blowhole. Everyone got quiet for a second just watching it—there was something kind of hypnotic about it. Lunch was simple but honestly tasted better after all that paddling: sandwiches, fruit, cold water. I remember sitting on the rocks with my shoes off, toes in the sand.

The snorkeling part made me nervous at first (I’m not great with masks), but Li showed us how to fit everything so it didn’t leak. The water was cooler than I thought—it woke me up quick—and there were these little blue fish everywhere under the surface. Someone spotted a stingray gliding by; I mostly just floated and watched light flicker across the coral. You know when you’re underwater and everything gets really quiet except your own breathing? That’s what stuck with me most from this day trip to Mangrove Lagoon and Cas Cay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak, hike, and snorkel adventure

• Start at meeting point
• Explore Cas Cay island
• Kayak through mangrove lagoon
• Hike to volcanic cliffs and blowhole
• Snorkel among coral reefs
• Observe marine life and wildlife

Top questions

How long is the kayak hike snorkel tour in St Thomas?

The duration isn’t specified exactly but includes kayaking, hiking on Cas Cay, snorkeling, and lunch—plan for several hours total.

Is lunch included on the Mangrove Lagoon tour?

Yes, picnic lunch is included during the day trip to Mangrove Lagoon and Cas Cay.

Do I need prior kayaking or snorkeling experience?

No experience needed; guides provide equipment and instructions for kayaking and snorkeling.

What wildlife might I see during this St Thomas day trip?

You may see crabs in mangroves, reef fish while snorkeling, possibly stingrays around Cas Cay.

Are hotel pickups included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; bottled water, equipment use, guide services, and lunch are included.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?

Children must be accompanied by adults; moderate fitness required; not recommended for those with recent injuries or surgeries.

Where does the tour start in St Thomas?

The starting point is near Mangrove Lagoon; exact details provided after booking.

What’s included

Your day includes use of kayaks and snorkel gear (no need to bring your own), bottled water throughout, guidance from an experienced local who knows these waters well, plus a picnic-style lunch shared out on Cas Cay before heading back across the lagoon together.