USVI Kayaking: Answers to your FAQs

USVI kayaking is one of the best activities for taking advantage of our rich natural environment. If you are an outdoor enthusiast who wants to explore more on your next trip to the Virgin Islands, then be sure to add kayaking to your “must-do” list.

We have several kayak tour options, as well as kayak rentals, available on both St. Thomas and St. John. We recommend that you reserve yours in advance of your trip to ensure availability.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asking questions we receive regarding USVI kayaking:

Can I rent a kayak to go out on my own?

Yes, you can! We offer kayak rentals by the hour, day, and even by the week. If you feel comfortable on the water and in your kayaking abilities, you can rent your own and create your own self-guided adventures.

What are the benefits of going on a guided kayak tour instead?

Taking a guided tour vs renting your own kayak is a great choice for beginners who aren’t yet fully comfortable in the kayak. Your guide will provide a safety briefing and offer you tips along the way to help you feel more stable and secure. Guided tours are also the right choice for those who are unfamiliar with the local flora and fauna, and they’d like to learn more about them. Your guide is full of local knowledge and will help you spot wildlife that you may otherwise have missed on your own.

How old does my child have to be to go kayaking?

We don’t have a specific age limit for our kayak tours. However, the most important thing to consider is your child’s size so we can make sure they’re in an appropriate life jacket. We provide life jackets for our guests, though the smallest we keep on hand are for 30lbs and up. If your child is under 30lbs, you will need to bring your own life jacket for them to wear to attend our tours.

Will I fit in the kayak?

You should be plenty comfortable in the kayaks we have available. Their max weight capacity is 625 pounds, and the leg space can be adjusted for those on the taller side.

What are the best places to kayak in the USVI?

There are several different kayaking environment options in the Virgin Islands. The Mangrove Lagoon (St. Thomas) and Salt Pond (St. John) offer a peek into a protected nature preserve that’s home to a wide variety of birds and marine life. The beaches and shorelines offer different views of the islands from the water, as well as a look into the tide pools along the rocks and outcroppings.

Do I need to snorkel with the kayak, or will I be able to see enough from above?

The good news is that the water in the Virgin Islands tends to be incredibly calm and clear most days of the year. As a result, you can usually see a ton of marine life swimming beneath you, not to mention sea turtles popping their heads up for a breath of air. If you want to get up close and personal, then we recommend renting some snorkel gear to dive in with too!

You can view all of our tours on our site by your island of interest. If you still have questions in regarding to kayaking (or anything else island activity-related!), feel free to reach out to our office at (340) 779-2155.