Snorkeling in St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon: Kayak and wildlife

Stingrays and parrot fish live in the channels you paddle through.

Kayak and snorkel through St. Thomas' Mangrove Lagoon, an unspoiled region of mangrove forests and winding channels in the US Virgin Islands, paddling past islands and spotting stingrays, parrot fish and endangered brown pelicans. The 2.5-hour adventure includes all snorkel and kayak gear, a professional guide, changing rooms and parking. You choose between a 10:00am or 2:00pm departure from Mangrove Lagoon Marina. Transportation to the marina is not included, though a taxi stand is nearby for visitors arriving by ship.

The experience

Two and a half hours means you spend most of the time in the water or moving through it. You'll paddle a kayak through the mangrove forests and narrow channels that make up the lagoon, then stop to snorkel in the clear water where the wildlife actually is: stingrays glide past, parrot fish dart between rocks, and if you're watching the sky, you might see the brown pelican, an endangered species that hunts here. The guide handles the route and points out what to look for. You handle the paddle and the snorkel gear, which is all provided and fitted to your size before you start.

The lagoon itself is the draw. It's unspoiled, which means no resort development crowding the edges and no tour boats queuing up at a single spot. The mangrove forests create a maze of channels that open into clearer water, and the whole system is shallow enough that you see the bottom and the animals moving across it. Stingrays are common. They're not aggressive, but they're close enough that you're not reading about them in a book afterward.

Departures run at 10:00am or 2:00pm from Mangrove Lagoon Marina on St. Thomas. If you're arriving by ship, a taxi stand is a short ride away: about 12 minutes from Havensite or 20 minutes from Crown Bay. Changing rooms and restrooms are at the marina, and parking is free. Bring a valid ID. Children are welcome from age 2. The guide speaks English and leads the whole group through the same route, so you're not navigating on your own.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the group through the mangrove channels and snorkel sites.
• all snorkel gear and kayaking equipment fitted to your size.
• changing rooms and restroom facilities.
• free parking at the marina.
• water and a candy snack during the activity.

Options for this experience

2 options

Kayak and snorkel tour at 10:00amGuide in English · 10:00A kayak and snorkel tour on the Mangrove Lagoon in the morning. Departure is at 10:00am.

Kayak and snorkel tour at 2:00pmGuide in English · 14:00An afternoon kayak and snorkel tour on the Mangrove Lagoon. Departure is at 2:00pm.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 35

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Virgin Islands Ecotours

Is this one for you?Pick the 10:00am departure if you want to snorkel before the afternoon heat, or the 2:00pm slot if you're coordinating with a ship arrival or a later start to your day. Either way, you're paddling and snorkeling the whole time rather than watching from a boat, so this works best if you're comfortable in the water and want to move under your own power.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of wildlife will I actually see while snorkeling in Mangrove Lagoon?

Stingrays, colorful parrot fish and brown pelicans are common in the lagoon's clear waters. The shallow channels and mangrove forests create habitat where these animals feed and rest, so sightings are frequent rather than rare.

Do I need snorkeling or kayaking experience to book this?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the guide leads the group through the entire 2.5 hours. All snorkel and kayak gear is provided and fitted to your size before you start.

What time should I choose, 10:00am or 2:00pm?

Both departures follow the same route and duration. The 10:00am slot is earlier in the day. The 2:00pm works better if you're sleeping in or arriving later. Pick whichever fits your ship schedule or hotel plans.

Is transportation from my hotel or the cruise ship included?

No, transportation to Mangrove Lagoon Marina is not included. If you're arriving by ship, a taxi stand is nearby: about 12 minutes from Havensite or 20 minutes from Crown Bay. Free parking is available at the marina if you're driving.

What's included in the price besides the kayak and snorkel gear?

The professional guide, all snorkel and kayak equipment, changing rooms, restroom facilities, free parking, water and a candy snack are all included. You'll also have access to a retail store at the marina.