St. Thomas USVI · Activities

Kayaking St. Thomas

Getting as close to the waters around St. Thomas without just diving in can be done with a kayak. Kayaking in the calm cool waters around St. Thomas is becoming very popular and is one watersport that you do not have to be a pro to enjoy. All you need is your bathing suit, comfortable walking shores that you don't mind getting wet, sunscreen, hat, and the rest is provided.

Kayaking is a unique watersport because the kayak is a boat that has an opening built in for one or sometimes two people to sit. These boats are made from a special type of plastic and have floatation devices inserted to aid buoyancy. You can also find some inflatable kayaks that will work well in all types of water. Kayaking is unique in that you control the boat by oars and with your own hips. As you rotate your hips the rower paddles are dropped into the water and push the water behind them so you can be propelled through the water. There are three types of kayaking done all over the world. These categories are recreational kayaking, touring or sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking. Recreational kayaking is usually done in calm waters such as lakes or ponds. Touring or sea kayaking usually uses a longer boat and is designed for longer distances. And of course the whitewater kayaking is for those white water rapid trips. In St. Thomas you will be either recreational or touring kayaking.

You will enjoy kayaking around many of coves and beaches all along St. Thomas where you see all the coral reefs, flora, and beautiful scenery that the Caribbean has to offer. For your convenience many of the resorts around St. Thomas rent kayaks. Many of the kayaks are built for two, but you can find some that are just for one. You are the one in control as you set out in your kayak. You will be able to paddle and see all the unique sights and wonderful reefs that make this Caribbean island so fascinating.

There are also a few tours that include kayaking; these tours will have you seeing some of the island that can only be seen by water. The beautiful flora and creatures that habitat this island will be a sight that you will not forget. The Virgin Island Ecotours offers a wonderful guided tour of the St. Thomas's marine sanctuary. You will enjoy the tour that will lead you on a historical and ecology lesson of the Mangrove Lagoon. This tour includes not only kayaking but also snorkeling, so you get two adventure in one, all led by experienced naturalists that know this island well. You can choose from different packages that start at 2 ½ hours up to a full 8 hours. The cost is usually around $50 to $60 per person. For more information on this unique tour you can visit Virgin Island Ecotours online.

Kayaking around Mangrove Lagoon is a must see for anyone that enjoys seeing birds and other animals in their natural habitant. Some of the most popular birds you will enjoy seeing include egrets, rays, and herons. You will absolutely love watching all the animals that call St. Thomas home.

If you prefer to go off on your own and explore you can kayak around Water Bay. This bay is very beautiful and will be wonderful to explore with you in control of your own kayak. You can rent a kayak by the hour at the Coral World dock for kayaking Water Bay. For more information about renting kayaks you can visit Coral World.

Enjoying being in control of your own kayak will be exciting and fun as you kayak around St. Thomas whether you decide on one of the tour companies or you decide to venture off on your own. This is a very nice sport that you will soon enjoy once you learn how to maneuver your kayak. As long you don't mind getting just a bit wet, you will have lots of fun and excitement touring St. Thomas and seeing parts of the island that you can not see any other way than by sea.

For More Information

• St. Thomas Kayak Tours and Rentals
• Find a Hotel in the Virgin Islands
• Sign Up for the VI Newsletter

See you on the Island, John "Big Hat" Walsh