for the decidedly un-lazy traveler: night kayaking in st. thomas
When planning my four days in St. Thomas, I knew I wanted to focus the bulk of my time doing a few very specific things. Sipping beachside cocktails, sipping poolside cocktails, and… more of the first two things. My fiance, however, had other plans. Halfway through day one and unable to sit still for longer than an hour or two, he was antsy. That’s right! Itching for some sort of adventure. Hiking, snorkeling, night kayaking? The Caribbean was our oyster.
Cue the Adventure Center at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, which offers a variety of on- and off-site excursions, activities, and adventures. From sailing trips to island tours to powerboat rentals, the Adventure Center has something to satisfy every type of traveler. Though I had my sights set on the ultimate lazy getaway, I agreed to compromise. I would partake in one of the Adventure Center’s many excursions. My only caveat? All sharks and dangerous sea creatures remained at a safe distance. So, what did we choose?
Night Kayaking (!!)
As the newest excursion offered at the Adventure Center, guests can enjoy a night-time kayaking tour. Each of the two-person kayaks are equipped with see-through bottoms and ringed with LED lights. This offers participants a stellar view of the ocean floor (and all of the creatures that live there).
Our tour was at maximum capacity, with 18 guests filling 9 kayaks, and we were led by two super-friendly and knowledegable tour guides, Dave and Suki, who rowed alongside us on stand-up paddleboards. During the 90-minute tour, we caught glimpses of tropical fish, sea urchins, flora, and even “Shelly” the resident Sea Turtle that hangs out around the harbor. THANKFULLY, shark sightings are rare in St. Thomas, though I was on high-alert during our entire ride.
Dave and Suki also gave us a brief rundown of the island’s history, pointing out landmarks along the shoreline and adding depth and color to the tour. We learned of old pirate folklore, discussed the island’s history with tropical storms and hurricanes, and scoped out more than a few amazing beach front properties, one of which built a full-scale replica of the pirate ship in Pirates of the Caribbean for his grandchildren and is now docked in a small cove of the harbor.
After 90 minutes of paddling, we returned to the dock with tired arms but smiles on our faces. And, after a quick shower, we were back at the Rum Bar sipping on cocktails and getting back to my lazy roots. Win, win.
xo!
the wino
The night kayak tours at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort are $45/person and run every day of the week. Guests can choose from a 7:00pm or 9:00pm excursion. Reservations in advance are recommended.
I was a guest of Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort during my time in St. Thomas. All opinions are my own.
Lazy Travelers
The Lazy Travelers are two transatlantic best friends who have mastered the art of exploring a new city. Though Ashley is based in London and Carolyn is in Philadelphia, we'll use any excuse to reunite around the world. We’re professional bar hoppers, pub crawlers, and food testers, and you’ll never see us zipping around, checking things off a list of “must-sees.”
11 Comments
Laura
Although I’m totally on board with the constant cocktail-ing, this totally sounds like it was worth leaving the hotel for! I had never heard of night kayaking before, but the whole see-through kayak thing sounds really cool!
Laura recently posted..Lyon: Culinary Treats and Colorful Streets
Lazy Travelers
we actually didnt even have to leave the hotel– it’s operated through the marriott. sooo convenient. you definitely have to give it a try if you ever come across the opportunity! xo
Corinne
I just love this idea. It sounds so peaceful.
Lazy Travelers
it was!!
Amanda
Oh my gosh! I would totally love to do this! I wonder else this activity is offered. When I was camping in Newport, CA I saw night paddle boarders go by, but I bet it is really awesome with clear water like in St.Thomas!
Amanda recently posted..Hello Color-Coordination
Lazy Travelers
paddleboarding seems harder to me than kayaking, for some reason, BUT might be willing to give it a try if there was a promise of drinks at the end…
Lazy Travelers recently posted..for the decidedly un-lazy traveler: night kayaking in st. thomas
Colleen
Thank you so much or posting this! My fiancé and I are looking for honeymoon ideas and this sounds like the perfect combination of laziness and adventure. I love your blog and can’t wait for more!
Lazy Travelers
frenchman’s reef is perfect for a honeymoon! you could spend the entire time laying by the beach or pool, and if that’s not your thing, there’s plenty to do on the resort and nearby!
Lazy Travelers recently posted..for the decidedly un-lazy traveler: night kayaking in st. thomas
Gina
This sounds so neat! I love the ocean during the day, but at night it scares me. This sounds like a good way to see nightlife sea activity without having to actually be submerged in the water
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James
Love kayaking so this night kayaking adventure sound like a great thing to do, never heart about that before.
Thanks for sharing!
John Spear
Night kayaking brings the hidden view of the place, especially when we are in a city, hope you really enjoy your trip! 🙂