Night Kayak Tour St. John – Westin Resort

Night Kayak Tour St. John – Westin Resort: An Insider’s Look at a Unique Island Adventure

Imagine paddling through calm, moonlit waters, surrounded by twinkling stars, with the chance to see tarpons and sting rays gliding beneath your kayak. For just $69 per person, this 50-minute small-group excursion begins at the Westin Resort and promises a different perspective on St. John’s vibrant marine life after dark. Led by guides who seem to know every fish and shadow in the water, this tour offers a blend of gentle adventure and awe-inspiring sights, perfect for those seeking a memorable, off-the-beaten-path experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll get to decorate yourself with glow paint before heading out, adding a playful, colorful touch to your night. Second, the clear-bottom kayaks allow you to peer into the water below, giving you a glimpse of prehistoric tarpons, sting rays, and schools of fish that come alive under the glow. From calm, moonlit moments to spooky murky waters, this experience covers a lot of ground in a short span, making it feel both intimate and exhilarating.

One thing to consider is that since the tour is relatively brief and weather-dependent, wind or choppy waters might limit how far you can paddle or how much marine activity you’ll see. But overall, this adventure is best suited for adventurous spirits of all ages — kids (from age 4) to grandparents — who love nature, water, and a dash of island magic.

If you’re looking for a night-time activity that combines nature, fun, and a little glow-in-the-dark whimsy, this tour hits all those marks. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed, engaging way to experience the natural beauty of St. John from a different angle.

Key Points

• Unique nighttime kayaking in St. John offers a chance to see marine life not visible during the day.
• Small group size ensures a more personal, less hurried experience.
• Guides are knowledgeable, adding interesting facts and helping you spot wildlife.
• The glow paint and clear-bottom kayaks heighten the fun, especially for families or couples.
• Two departure times make it flexible, fitting easily into your evening plans.
• Weather can affect the experience, so flexibility and good weather are key.

In-Depth Review: What Makes This Night Kayak Tour Special?

When we first read about this guided nighttime kayak experience, we were immediately drawn to its promise of exploring St. John’s waters after dark — a time when the island’s marine creatures become more active and visible in a different way. The tour operates out of the Westin Resort, a convenient and scenic launching point that sets the tone for a relaxing yet adventurous evening.

Pricing and Duration
At $69 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest activity on the island, but it offers a good balance of time and value. For roughly 50 minutes on the water, you’re getting a focused, high-quality experience with all necessary gear included — from life jackets to the glow paint. The time on land before and after the paddle is about 15 minutes, which includes check-in, applying glow paint, and taking memorable photos.

What to Expect During the Tour
The experience kicks off on land with a fun and creative glow paint session. You can decorate yourself, or bring your own flashlight or glow necklaces for added fun, as some reviews suggest. Once on the water, you’ll start paddling in two-person clear-bottom kayaks that are designed to let you peer into the water beneath. This transparency is a delightful feature, as it creates the illusion of floating above a tiny aquatic universe full of fish, rays, and perhaps even the occasional shark.

The guides, like Bernard, are praised in reviews for being friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to go where the marine activity is happening. Many reviewers mention that the guides are great at helping them spot tarpons, bats, and jumping fish. One reviewer even recounted a ballyhoo jumping into their kayak — a reminder that this tour isn’t just passive sightseeing but actively engaging with marine wildlife.

Marine Life and Visual Highlights
During the tour, some parts are more illuminated than others. Clear water sections let you witness prehistoric tarpons and sting rays gliding close beneath you. Other sections, with murkier water, add an element of fun and spooky mystery, as you paddle along in near darkness. Several reviews highlight how fish are attracted to the glow, and many guests have watched jumping tarpon, baitfish, and even a shark in awe.

The Guide’s Role and Group Size
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour remains intimate and flexible. Guests frequently praise guides like Spencer and Bernard for their enthusiasm, patience, and knowledge about marine ecology. One reviewer called their guide “a gem,” emphasizing how helpful and friendly guides make all the difference in creating a memorable experience.

Additional Considerations
Weather is a factor — wind and choppy water can make paddling more challenging and might limit how far you can go. Some reviews mention that if the water is calm and the moon is full, the experience is even more magical. The minimum age of 4 and weight limits (max 285 lbs per person, 400 lbs per kayak) mean it’s accessible to many, but those with physical limitations should note the moderate fitness level required.

Overall Value
While some guests felt it was slightly short or that the water wasn’t always teeming with marine life, most agree that the combination of glow paint, starry sky, and lively marine activity offers a memorable, fun-filled night. It’s a price worth paying for those looking for a different side of St. John — a night adventure full of surprises.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is perfect for families with kids, thanks to the low age minimum and safe kayaking setup. It’s also an excellent choice for romantic couples seeking a tranquil, enchanting evening or adventure-seekers wanting a more active, nature-focused experience. If you’re a nature lover, especially interested in marine life and night-time environments, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

Travelers who value guides with local knowledge and enjoy interactive, visually striking experiences will get the most out of it. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet exciting activity that combines nature, light, and water, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Practical Tips for Your Night Kayak Experience

• Book in advance as this tour books up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
• Arrive early to enjoy the glow paint session and take photos.
• Bring your own glow necklaces or headlamp for extra fun and visibility.
• If you want to capture the moment, bring a waterproof phone case or camera.
• Remember to wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities and moderate physical effort.
• Be prepared for (sometimes) unpredictable weather — a calm, clear night makes all the difference.
• Consider participating in the two departure times offered to best fit your evening plans.
• Tip your guides if they enhance your experience; they truly seem passionate about sharing the local marine secrets.
• If you have young children or limited paddling experience, communicate this beforehand — guides are accommodating but safety comes first.

FAQ: Your Night Kayak Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 4 years old, making it a fun family activity. Kids are charged the same as adults.

How long do we spend on the water?
Approximately 50 minutes of paddling, plus about 15 minutes on land for check-in, glow paint, and photos.

What should I bring?
You might want to bring glow necklaces or glow sticks for added fun, and a phone or camera (preferably waterproof) to capture the moments.

Are the kayaks stable and easy to paddle?
Yes, the two-person clear-bottom kayaks are designed for stability and ease of paddling, suitable for moderate fitness levels.

Can I go at my preferred time?
There are two handy departure times to choose from, making it flexible to fit your evening plans.

What marine animals might I see?
Guests have reported seeing tarpons, sting rays, baitfish, bats, and schools of jumping fish, with some lucky guests witnessing a shark.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to wind or rain, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each tour group?
A maximum of 8 travelers per session, ensuring personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuities are optional but appreciated if guides go above and beyond.

Final Thoughts

The Night Kayak Tour at Westin Resort in St. John offers a distinctive way to see the island’s marine life after dark. Its highlight—glow paint, starry skies, and transparent kayaks—creates an experience that’s equal parts playful and awe-inspiring. Guests consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of active fish beneath the water’s surface.

While the short duration and weather dependency are considerations, most find the experience to be well worth the price. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, or solo adventurer, this tour provides a rare chance to explore the ocean’s nocturnal world in comfort and style.

If you love nature, water sports, and a touch of magic, this activity is a fantastic addition to your St. John itinerary. It’s a great way to make memories that will glow long after you’re back on land.