ST. THOMAS KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Golden Hour by Kayak: Mangrove Lagoon to Bird Island at Sunset
A guided, 1.5-hour sunset kayak through St. Thomas mangroves to Bird Island for close-up wildlife viewing and lagoon vistas.
Golden Hour by Kayak: Mangrove Lagoon to Bird Island at Sunset.
Embark on a concise, guided paddle through the mangrove passageways of St. Thomas, gliding past the mangrove lagoon toward Bird Island to watch birds settle for the evening before looping around Bovoni Cay and returning to the marina.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mangrove Passage to Bird Island
After a brief orientation at the Virgin Islands Ecotours' marina, you board a tandem kayak and paddle with a guide through the mangrove channels to Bird Island, then continue around Bovoni Cay before returning to the marina.
Birds at Dusk
The tour times out to catch birds flying to their evening roost and other vibrant wildlife visible from the sheltered lagoon and mangrove corridors during sunset.
Sunset Over the Mangrove Lagoon
Paddling in the golden hour gives a unique vantage on the calm lagoon, mangroves and the silhouette of Bovoni Cay as daylight fades.
What the day feels like
What it feels like on the water
The outing begins with a short orientation at the Virgin Islands Ecotours' marina. Guests board two-person kayaks and paddle with their guide through narrow mangrove passageways toward Bird Island, pausing to observe birds and other wildlife as the sun sets, then continue around Bovoni Cay before returning to the marina — all within a roughly 1.5-hour window.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour works for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour is approximately 1.5 hours long.
A waterproof camera is suggested; waterproof binoculars are recommended. All equipment — tandem kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices — is provided.
The Mangrove Lagoon is the meeting point (6526 Estate Nadir #2, St. Thomas). A round-trip taxi ride can be included; if you opt for transportation, your listed start time indicates your pick-up time and the tour will begin on location roughly 30–45 minutes after pick-up.
All kayaking equipment is included with the tour. Gratuity for guides is customary.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Sunset Kayak Tour?
The tour runs approximately 1.5 hours.
What is the minimum age to join?
Participants must be at least 7 years old.
What equipment is provided?
All equipment is provided, including tandem kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices.
Where do we meet the guide?
Meet at the Mangrove Lagoon (St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Reserve), located at 6526 Estate Nadir #2, St. Thomas, VI.
Is transportation to the meeting point available?
A round-trip taxi ride can be included; if you select transportation, your listed start time is your pick-up time and the tour will begin on location about 30–45 minutes after pick-up.
What should I bring on the tour?
A waterproof camera is recommended; waterproof binoculars are suggested for wildlife viewing.