Mangrove Lagoon Snorkeling: Kayak & Wildlife from Cruz Bay
Paddle through mangroves, then drop into clear shallow water where the wildlife is.
Mangrove Lagoon snorkeling near Cruz Bay combines kayaking through a mangrove forest with snorkeling in a shallow lagoon habitat, all timed to get you back to your ship. A professional guide leads the outing, which runs about two and a half hours and includes taxi transport from the cruise port, all gear, and a water and snack break. The operator guarantees your return with enough time to board, or arranges transport to the next port if your ship departs early.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Mangrove kayak and snorkel excursion
- Taxi ride to marina
- Kayak through mangroves
- Spot sea birds and marine life
- Snorkel in mangrove lagoon
- Return to St. Thomas port
What’s included
- Professional guide leading the kayak and snorkel.
- all gear and equipment (kayak, snorkel mask, fins).
- taxi pickup and drop-off from the cruise port.
- water and a snack break.
- use of lockers for personal items.
Times
- Every day 08:45 10:00 12:45 14:00
Before you book
Operated by Virgin Islands Ecotours
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
The day starts with a taxi ride from the cruise port to Mangrove Lagoon marina. Once there, you get a kayak, snorkel gear and a guide who knows where the sea birds and marine life congregate. The mangrove paddle comes first: the shallow water and dense trees mean you're moving slowly enough to spot what's actually there, not just paddling past it.
After the kayak stretch, you move into the snorkel portion in a shallow lagoon habitat where the visibility stays good and the depth stays manageable. The guide stays with the group, and the whole outing (paddle, snorkel, the break for water and a snack) fits inside two and a half hours. The timing is built around cruise ship schedules, so the taxi brings you back to the port with a buffer before departure.
You choose between a 9am or 1pm departure. Both include the kayak, snorkel gear, guide, pickup and drop-off. Lockers are available for anything you're not bringing into the water. The operator notes that a moderate level of physical fitness helps, since you're paddling and moving in and out of the kayak.
Is this one for you?Pick the 9am departure to paddle through mangroves before afternoon heat. Choose 1pm if your ship docks late or you prefer a later start.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).
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 wildlife do you actually see on the mangrove kayak part?
Sea birds and marine life are what the guide watches for during the paddle through the mangroves. The shallow water and dense trees make spotting easier than open-water paddling would.
How deep is the snorkel lagoon?
The snorkel happens in a shallow mangrove lagoon habitat, which keeps the depth manageable and the visibility good for spotting what's below.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
All gear and equipment are included: kayak, snorkel mask, fins and anything else you need for the water. Lockers are available if you want to leave personal items behind.
What time do I need to be back at the ship?
The excursion is timed so you return to the cruise port with ample time before your ship departs. If your ship leaves early, the operator arranges transportation to the next port-of-call.
Can I choose between morning and afternoon?
You pick either the 9am or 1pm departure when you book. Both follow the same route and include the same guide, gear and transport from the port.
Is the taxi ride included in the price?
Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included, so the taxi to Mangrove Lagoon marina and back to the cruise port are part of the booking.
Mangrove Lagoon Snorkeling: Kayak & Wildlife from Cruz Bay
3h 30m · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 79 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.