Water Activities in St. John
Get In the Water, Not Just On a Boat
Some of my favorite days on St. John happen right at the water's edge, not on a big boat. You can kayak the quiet stretches of the National Park, snorkel over turtle grass where the greens actually come out to feed, hike to a beach you can only reach on foot, or open up the throttle on a guided jet ski run. After 14 years here, I'll tell you these trips reward an early start: the water is calmer in the morning, the light is better, and you beat the afternoon crowds. They also work well as a half day, which leaves the rest of your time for the beach or a slow lunch. If you're traveling with mixed ages or energy levels, the kayak and snorkel tours tend to flex the easiest. Pick the ones that fit your group, and book ahead in peak season since the small-group trips fill fast.
Guided Jet Ski Tour (St. John) Cover more coastline in a morning than you could all week, with a guide leading the way.
St. John Hike and Snorkel A walk to a quieter beach, then straight into the water once you get there.
Best of St. John: Kayak, Snorkel and Picnic Paddle, swim, and eat on the water. The closest thing to a full island day without a big boat.
Kayak and Snorkel with Sea Turtles Calm-water paddling into spots where the turtles graze, so you actually have a shot at seeing them.
Sunset Kayak Tour (St. John) The same quiet coastline at golden hour, when the light does most of the work.
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Jet Skis — Cruz Bay Watersports, Guided Jet Ski Tours (STJ)
Feel the power of driving your personal Wave Runner throughout the Pillsbury Sound and waters of the Caribbean at your own speed throughout the adjacent cays located between St. John and St. Thomas. The tour will include a few stops throughout the adventure for your professional guide to highlight the area.
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Hike & Snorkel — VI EcoTours, St. John Hike and Snorkel
Pack a BIG adventure into just a few hours with this unforgettable journey through Virgin Islands National Park! Perfect for groups of 2 or more, this tour begins at the Virgin Islands Ecotours Outfitters Store at Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay. Follow your nature guide along the stunning Lind Point Trail, where you’ll uncover the secrets of the island’s wildlife, history, and unique ecosystems.
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Kayak / Snorkel — VI EcoTours, Best of St. John (Kayak, Snorkel, Picnic)
Our full day trips are a great way to explore the most remote parts of St. John and the surrounding cays. If you really want to “get away from it all,” and see some pristine snorkeling spots, our full day kayak and snorkel tour is for you.
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Kayak / Snorkel with Sea Turtles — VI EcoTours
Paddle the breathtaking North Shore of St. John and explore the beauty of Virgin Islands National Park above and below the water. This 3-hour guided kayak and snorkel adventure departs from Cruz Bay and follows the coastline past white-sand beaches like Solomon, Honeymoon, Caneel Bay, and Paradise Beach. Enjoy calm turquoise waters, coral reefs, and tropical fish as you make your way to the secluded Scott Beach, where sea turtles glide gracefully through crystal-clear water.
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Sunset Kayak Tour — VI EcoTours (St. John)
Paddle through the golden light of early evening along St. John’s calm western shoreline on this peaceful 1.5-hour guided kayak tour. Launch from Cruz Bay Beach and glide past Gallows Point with views of Frank Bay and St. Thomas in the distance. Your CPR-certified local guide will share fun facts about the island’s history, wildlife, and coastal ecology. This tour is perfect for couples, families, and photographers looking to capture the pastel skies and shimmering reflections of golden hour.