CHARLOTTE AMALIE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Glow Boats LED Night Kayak — Stars Above, Sea Life Below at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove
A 1 hour 15 minute illuminated night-kayak tour departing from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove that uses LED-lit kayaks and expert guides to reveal nocturnal marine life and practical planning details for visitors.
Glow Boats LED Night Kayak — Stars Above, Sea Life Below at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove.
Adventure brief
Glow Boats LED Night Kayak — Stars Above, Sea Life Below at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove
At dusk guests gather on the sand at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove and push off in stable, double-seated LED-lit kayaks that illuminate the water beneath them. Guided by locally knowledgeable staff from The VI Cat, the Illuminated Night Kayak Tour turns the surface into a window on tarpon, stingray and sea turtles—an experience described as snorkeling without getting wet and designed to suit a broad range of ages and abilities.
Experience an unforgettable nighttime adventure with the Glow Boats LED Night Kayak tour from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. This unique kayak tour offers a chance to paddle through calm waters aboard stable kayaks equipped with vibrant LED lights, illuminating the underwater world below. As you glide over the water’s surface, witness glowing marine life thriving beneath the glow of your kayak lights, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. Guided by knowledgeable local experts from The VI Cat, this trip is designed for all skill levels and ages, making it easy and safe for families or solo adventurers. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the night sky and coastline, with the gentle sounds of the Caribbean setting the mood. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful way to explore after sunset, this kayak tour stands out as a refreshing way to connect with St. Thomas’ beautiful marine environment. Don't miss the chance to see bioluminescent creatures and vibrant coral reefs illuminated by your LED glow boats, creating memories that will last long after the night ends.
Route Schematic
Itinerary & key stops
The experience follows a concise sequence from arrival through the on-water loop and return to the beach.
Arrive at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove
Travel independently to the resort and check in with security before proceeding to the beach area for GlowBoats check-in.
Beach check-in with GlowBoats
Check in with the GlowBoats guides on the beach 30 minutes prior to the tour with your confirmation ticket and complete any remaining paperwork.
LED Night Kayak tour
Launch in stable, double-seat LED-lit kayaks and paddle in search of tarpon, stingray and sea turtles while watching underwater wildlife become active after dark.
Return to the beach
Finish the tour and return to Marriott's Frenchman's Cove beach approximately 1 hour 15 minutes after departure.
Participants must wear personal flotation devices. The kayaks are barefoot excursions with secure storage provided for shoes and belongings; kayak doubles have a combined weight limit of 450 lbs and guests with impaired mobility or medical concerns should contact the operator ahead of time to discuss options.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The tour moves at an easy, family-friendly pace—guests check in at the beach, receive a short instruction from their guides, then board stable, LED-equipped kayaks for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of quiet night paddling. The glow from the boats makes submerged life visible beneath the hulls and creates a calm, almost theatrical atmosphere as guides point out creatures and explain local ecology.
THE ROUTE
Night paddling from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove
Departing from the resort's dock, the tour sets out after sunset to glide along calm, illuminated water, offering scenic tropical views under the stars while remaining close to shore.
THE GUIDES
Concise instruction and knowledgeable leadership
Guides provide a brief 'How to Kayak' orientation, lead the group, and share ecology and local history as you paddle, keeping safety and interpretation front and center.
THE WILDLIFE
Illuminate nocturnal marine life
The LED-lit hulls make it possible to watch underwater wildlife come alive after dark, with good chances of seeing tarpon, stingray and sea turtles without entering the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should check with the operator first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a copy of your ticket (phone or print), complete the online waiver ahead of time, and consider cash for gratuities and souvenirs. The excursion is barefoot; secure storage is provided for shoes and belongings. Follow any operator instructions about sunscreen or bug spray to avoid damage to the kayaks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What happens if it rains?
Pop-up showers are possible; the operator monitors radar and will contact the reservation phone number with cancellations, leaving a message and following up by text and email if needed.
What is the cancellation policy?
To receive a full refund, customers must cancel up to 72 hours before the excursion start date in the local time zone; see the operator's cancellation page for details.
Where is the meeting point and is it the same as the Westin?
The tour departs from Marriott's Frenchman's Cove dock; this is a different property than the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef—type 'Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove' into your GPS to find the correct location.
Will I get wet?
You will not go swimming on this excursion, though you may get a little wet from paddle dripping.
Are personal flotation devices required?
Yes. Personal flotation devices are required on each Glow Boats tour.
Are lockers or storage available?
Yes. GlowBoats provides a secure place to store shoes and other belongings you don't want to take on the water; note the tour is a barefoot excursion.
How far is Marriott's Frenchman's Cove from the cruise ship docks?
Marriott's Frenchman's Cove is about 7–10 minutes from the WICO cruise ship dock and 20–30 minutes from the Crown Bay cruise ship dock.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:18:07.134Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.