St Thomas: Night Kayak Tour with Clear Kayaks & LED Lights

Summary

Glide over glowing waters in St Thomas spotting nocturnal sea life

You’ll paddle clear kayaks lit by custom LEDs across the calm bay at Frenchman’s Reef, guided by locals who know every flicker below the surface. Watch for tarpon and rays gliding beneath you while your guide shares island stories. Includes all gear — just bring your sense of curiosity (and maybe don’t go too wild with the glow paint).

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost chickened out when I saw those clear kayaks lined up at the Westin Frenchman’s Reef dock. Something about paddling over dark water at night, with just those wild LED lights under us, made my stomach do a little flip. But then our guide, Marcus, handed me some glow paint (which I definitely overdid on my cheekbones), and suddenly it felt more like a party than anything scary.

We pushed off just after sunset. The water was warm against my paddle, and the bay was quieter than I expected — just the soft clink of paddles and someone laughing behind us when a fish darted by. Marcus kept pointing out shapes below: tarpon gliding like old ghosts, a flash that might’ve been a ray (I’m still not sure). He told us how these fish hunt at night, slipping through the light patches from our kayaks. It’s weirdly beautiful — you’re floating in this bubble of color and everything else is just black water and stars above. My friend tried to say “good evening” in the local dialect; Marcus grinned but didn’t let her off easy.

I kept thinking I’d feel nervous but mostly it was just peaceful, except for when I nearly dropped my paddle after spotting something big moving under us (probably just another tarpon). The tour only lasted about an hour but time got strange out there — sometimes you forget you’re even in St Thomas until you look back at the hotel lights on shore. We drifted back in silence for a bit, everyone kind of lost in their own thoughts or maybe just watching the water swirl with light under our boats.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Night kayak tour at Westin Frenchman's Reef

• Arrive at Westin Frenchman's Reef dock
• Apply glow paint
• Board 100% clear kayaks
• Kayak around the bay
• View nocturnal marine life
• Listen to guides' island facts

Top questions

How long does the night kayak tour last?

The tour lasts about one hour from departure to return.

Where does the tour start?

The night kayak tour departs from the dock at Westin Frenchman’s Reef resort in St Thomas.

Is there an age limit for participants?

The minimum age to join is 3 years old.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes, all participants must know how to swim for safety reasons.

What marine life can I see during the tour?

You might spot tarpon fish, sting rays, turtles, and other nocturnal marine creatures under your kayak.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the starting point.

What is included with the booking?

Your booking includes a clear kayak, paddle, and universal life jacket.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What are the weight limits per person and per kayak?

The maximum weight per person is 250 lbs; per two-person kayak is 400 lbs total.

What’s included

Your evening comes with everything you need: clear kayak, paddle, and a universal life jacket provided right at Westin Frenchman’s Reef before heading out on the glowing bay waters together.