St Thomas: Mangrove Lagoon Kayak & Snorkel Eco Tour

Summary

Kayak winding mangrove channels then snorkel with rays near St Thomas

You’ll paddle through hidden mangrove channels in St Thomas, spot wildlife with your guide, then snorkel over clear waters full of colorful fish. All equipment is provided — even snacks and lockers — so you can just focus on paddling, swimming, and soaking up that salty island air.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — that soft slap of paddles in the water as we set off from the Mangrove Lagoon Marina in St Thomas. Our guide, Alex, had this way of pointing out little things I’d never have noticed: a brown pelican perched like a grumpy old man on a branch, tiny crabs skittering sideways over tangled roots. The air smelled briny and green at the same time, if that makes sense — sort of like wet leaves after rain but mixed with salt. I kept drifting off course because I was staring up at the twisting trees instead of watching where my kayak was going.

We stopped at this spot where the water suddenly went clear turquoise, and Alex handed out snorkel gear (I always get nervous about those masks but these actually fit). The first dip under felt cold on my back but then it was just quiet except for my own bubbles. There were parrot fish flashing blue and yellow right below us, and someone in our group swore they saw a sting ray glide by — I missed it because I was too busy trying to follow a school of tiny silver fish. At one point I came up for air and just floated there, sun on my face, listening to someone laugh about how awkward they looked getting back into their kayak.

I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything — it’s only about twenty minutes from downtown St Thomas but it feels like another world out there in the mangroves. Alex told us how important these forests are for the island’s wildlife (and tried to teach us the name for “mangrove” in Spanish — I forgot it already). There was this moment when everyone got quiet and you could just hear birds calling across the water. That sticks with me more than any postcard view ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak and snorkel Mangrove Lagoon

• Depart from Mangrove Lagoon Marina
• Kayak through mangrove forests
• Snorkel in clear waters
• Observe sting rays and parrot fish

Top questions

How long does the St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon kayak tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but most similar tours last around 2-3 hours including kayaking and snorkeling time.

Is snorkeling gear included on this tour?

Yes, all kayak and snorkel equipment is provided as part of your tour.

Where does the kayak & snorkel tour start?

The tour departs from Mangrove Lagoon Marina on St Thomas.

Are there lockers available during the tour?

Yes, use of lockers is included so you can store your belongings safely while you’re out on the water.

Do I need previous kayaking or snorkeling experience?

No experience is required; suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the organizers.

What kind of wildlife might we see?

You might see sting rays, colorful parrot fish, crabs, and endangered brown pelicans among other local species.

Is water provided during the trip?

Yes, bottled water is included along with a candy snack for each participant.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayak and snorkel gear plus use of lockers at the marina. A professional guide leads you through St Thomas’ mangrove lagoon channels before a stop for snorkeling in clear waters—water bottles and a candy snack are also provided along the way.