Included: One to two experienced local guides plus a trip leader, depending on group size 8-day guided women’s kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking adventure on St. John (6 days of activities) Accommodation for 7 nights at a private luxury villa compound on the south shore of St. John (double occupancy, guaranteed your own bed), with swimming pools, hot tub, and tennis court All meals from dinner on Day 1 through dinner on Day 7 (some in restaurants and some prepared at the villa by your guides) All kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling equipment, plus kayaking instruction A half-day sailing charter, including wood-fired pizza delivered at sea All transportation on St. John, including pickup and drop-off at the Cruz Bay ferry dock at the start and end of the trip Add-ons: Single occupancy room — can be arranged at an additional cost, leave us a note at checkout if interested Not included: Transportation to and from St. John Juice, soda, and alcoholic beverages Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — recommended, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour, good fitness is required, and you should be comfortable in the water . No previous kayaking experience is necessary , as the first day on the water includes instruction on safety and basic paddling strokes. Days are spent kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming, and the longest hike of the trip is an optional 3.2 km (2 mi) round trip to Rams Head Point. This is an active vacation, not a typical beach holiday. In the weeks before the trip, aim to walk at a brisk pace for 35 to 45 minutes, three to four times a week. Adding push-ups or planks two to three times a week will help with paddling, and practicing swimming with fins is great prep for snorkeling. Some hikes cross rugged terrain with inclines and declines, so good balance helps too. You can always take a day off to relax at the villa.

What do I need to bring?

Kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling equipment is all provided, so you can pack light and focus on sun, water, and warm-weather comfort. Water gear: Two swimsuits, so one can dry while you wear the other Rash guard or long-sleeve sun shirt for snorkeling days Water shoes or sport sandals with a secure strap Quick-dry towel Dry bag for the kayak days (optional but recommended) Clothing & footwear: Lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip Shorts and quick-dry pants T-shirts and lightweight long-sleeve tops Light rain jacket or windbreaker Casual outfit for dinners out and the villa Sunhat with a brim Other: Day pack (25-40L) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L) Sunglasses with a retainer strap Reef-safe sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, hand sanitizer, and bug spray Headlamp or small flashlight Personal toiletries and any medications Camera or waterproof phone case (optional but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: This St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour is led by one to two local guides plus a lead guide, depending on the size of the group. The maximum group size is set at 9 participants . All participants are guaranteed their own bed, and a limited number of single occupancy rooms may be available. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. St. John kayaking and snorkeling tours can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18 , you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

Every participant is guaranteed her own bed . This price for this St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour is St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands . To get there, most people fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, arriving by 3 pm on Day 1. From the airport you’ll take a taxi van to one of three marinas that run ferries to St. John; each marina has its own departure schedule, and details are provided in the pre-departure document. From the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock , your guides arrange shuttles to the villa, with times set once everyone’s arrival details are known. You will meet your guides at the lodging by 6 pm for orientation and the welcome dinner. Getting home works the same way in reverse. The first ferry leaves at 7 am , and since the St. Thomas airport recommends arriving three hours early, don’t plan to fly out before 12 pm on the final day.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

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St. John | U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: 8-Day Women’s Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Hiking Tour

Name: Women's Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour in St. John, USVI
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (13 reviews)

8 days | Easy to Moderate | 5.00

From $6,795 ()

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St. John is the smallest and least crowded of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with two-thirds of it protected as national park, and that’s exactly why we keep coming back. We’re gathering a small group of women for eight warm, salty days of paddling through mangrove bays, snorkeling over coral reefs, and hiking out to old sugar mill ruins and lookouts across to the British Virgin Islands. Lunch is usually a picnic on a white sand beach, one afternoon is spent under sail, and every evening ends back at our villa with a dip in the infinity pool as the sun goes down. It isn’t a lie-on-the-beach vacation, though you’ll still find plenty of time to lie on the beach.

Lainie

Adventure Highlights

Paddle and snorkel the best of the USVI: Kayak the mangrove-lined creeks of Hurricane Hole, then slip into the water with starfish, sea anemone, and schools of juvenile fish
A villa all to ourselves: An infinity pool, hot tub, and big soft hammocks wait at our South Shore villa, built to catch the island breezes and the best sunrises and sunsets on St. John
Sail St. John's remote coves: A half-day sailing charter out of Cruz Bay with time to snorkel and island hop, plus wood-fired pizza delivered to the boat at sea

Duration

8 days

Season

March through April

Group size

Up to 9 people

The adventure, day by day

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This eight-day, women-only trip shows off St. John from the water and the trail, moving between kayaking, snorkeling, short hikes, and plenty of beach time at a relaxed island pace. Starting and ending at the Cruz Bay ferry dock, we paddle the mangroves of the Coral Reef National Monument, snorkel reefs and seagrass beds where turtles and rays feed, walk through sugar plantation ruins, and spend an afternoon sailing. No kayaking experience is needed, as instruction is part of the first day on the water. All seven nights are spent at a private villa on the island's South Shore, and meals are included from the welcome dinner through breakfast on the final morning. The daily plan may shift with tides, weather, and wind so our guides can make the most of each day.

Day 1: Arrival on St. John and welcome dinner

Fly into St. Thomas by 3 pm, then make your way over to St. John by taxi, ferry, and shuttle, arriving at our villa by 6 pm, where we’ll all meet together. First comes a cold drink and our feet in the pool as we start settling into island time. That’s the mindset for the week: a relaxed pace, with plenty of action still fitted in. Once everyone has arrived, we introduce ourselves and go through a short orientation about the trip and the villa, then sit down to the first of many dinners together.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Private villa on St. John’s South Shore

Day 2: Kayaking and snorkeling in Hurricane Hole

Today is all about kayaking and snorkeling in Hurricane Hole, part of the Coral Reef National Monument. We start with instruction on paddling efficiently and getting in and out of the kayak safely. If you’ve never had formal lessons, a few basic tips go a long way. We then paddle the mangrove-lined bays of Water Creek, Otter Creek, and Princess Bay, learning how mangroves protect the shoreline and shelter young fish. Snorkeling among the roots, we’ll spot schools of juvenile snapper, barracuda, starfish, and colorful sea anemones. After a picnic lunch near Turner Point, we paddle past Borck Creek to a small white sand beach for a reef snorkel.

Kayaking: Full-day kayaking and snorkeling excursion
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Private villa on St. John’s South Shore

Day 3: Cinnamon Bay and the north shore

We start the day at a few scenic overlooks with views over St. John’s shores and across to the British Virgin Islands, stopping at some of the beaches below to swim and snorkel. Our longest stop is Cinnamon Bay, where a short loop trail winds through the ruins of an old sugar mill. The walls still standing once marked the Great House at America Hill, as the plantation was known, and the ruins tell the story of how sugarcane became sugar, then molasses and rum. We finish the afternoon with a swim at Maho Bay.

Hiking: 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Private villa on St. John’s South Shore

Day 4: Salt Pond, Rams Head, and Drunk Bay

We head back to the east end today to visit an active salt pond, then take an easy quarter-mile walk out to Drunk Bay. It’s a great spot to look across at some of the British Virgin Islands and poke around the coral sculptures people have built along the rocky, windswept beach. Afterwards we cool off with a swim and snorkel at another gorgeous beach. For anyone keen on more walking, there’s the option of a 2 mi (3.2 km) round trip hike to Rams Head Point for a sweeping view over the water. We finish with an early dinner at Skinny Legs, a St. John institution and pretty much a required stop on the island.

Hiking: Drunk Bay 0.4 km (0.25 mi), optional Rams Head Point 3.2 km (2 mi) round trip
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Private villa on St. John’s South Shore

Day 5: Annaberg Sugar Plantation and Waterlemon Cay

We see more of the island’s interior today on our hike to Waterlemon Cay. First, a ride to the ruins of the sugar plantation at Annaberg, where we dig into St. John’s culture, its history, and the global sugar trade that shaped it. After a walk through the ruins, you can add a short hike up to the Windy Hill Ruins for the view. Then it’s down to the beach for a picnic lunch and a lazy stretch of time in the water, with an afternoon of snorkeling and swimming before we make our way back to the vehicle at Annaberg.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, swimming
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Private villa on St. John’s South Shore

Day 6: Kayaking around Lind Point

Back in the kayaks today, starting with a safety and paddling review on the beach in Cruz Bay. We stay together as we wind out of the harbor and paddle around Lind Point, pulling in at a beautiful beach to snorkel the seagrass bed and look for turtles and rays. If conditions cooperate, we may also paddle out to Henley Cay for some superb reef snorkeling; if you’ve never snorkeled in the Caribbean, the sheer variety of color will get you. After returning to Cruz Bay, the afternoon goes to the north shore beaches and a short hike up to Peace Hill, a semi-restored ruin where a windmill once turned in the trade winds. A sunset picnic closes the day.

Kayaking: Full-day kayaking and snorkeling excursion
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Private villa on St. John’s South Shore

Day 7: Sail into the sunset

We cap off the week with some time on the water. We meet our sailing charter at the National Park Dock in Cruz Bay and set out across the clear Caribbean, with time to snorkel, explore, island hop, or simply lie in the sun on deck. The highlight might just be the wood-fired pizza delivered to the boat at sea. Back on land, there’s time to stroll around Cruz Bay and pick up a few mementos to take home before we gather for our farewell dinner together.

Sailing: Half-day sailing charter
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Private villa on St. John’s South Shore

Day 8: Leave St. John, return to St. Thomas for flight home

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to St. John and make the same journey in reverse: shuttle to the Cruz Bay ferry dock, ferry to St. Thomas, and taxi to the airport. The first ferry leaves at 7 am, and the airport recommends arriving three hours before your flight, so plan flights departing at noon or later.

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Lodging

Private villa

For all seven nights, our group has a private villa compound on St. John’s South Shore all to ourselves, designed to catch the island breezes and show off spectacular sunsets. Spread across one acre, it has four separate houses with seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms in total, all connected by a shared great room with a kitchen, bar, and dining area. The villa was built for relaxing, or “limin'” as they say in the islands, with an infinity pool and hot tub, comfortable lounge chairs, and big soft hammocks for a good book or some stargazing. There’s also a private tennis and pickleball court, and several beaches within walking distance. Every guest has their own bed.

Note that exact accommodations may vary depending on availability, but will always be of the same standard and comfort.

Adventure, packed to go

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: 8-Day Women’s Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Hiking Tour

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Lainie

Lainie has spent most of her adult life overseas, living and working across the UK, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Kenya, Turkey, and Mexico, which makes her a seasoned international traveler and adventurer. An avid hiker, she's tackled iconic routes like Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, and recently summited two 19,000 ft (5,791 m) peaks in Peru with her 18-year-old son. She loves meeting new people and learning about their experiences, and has been guiding for close to 20 years.

5.00

Heather

Heather has decades of experience helping women and girls explore the Pacific Northwest. She's passionate about kayaking, sailing, hiking, and paddleboarding. When not guiding, she volunteers in K9 search and rescue, helping recover outdoor adventurers near her home in Seattle.

5.00

Carrie

Carrie has lived in Saranac Lake, NY in the Adirondack Mountains for 34 years. Her first guiding experience was when she was 20, a job that entailed taking US students to the USSR and Siberia. Her love of the outdoors comes from her parents. They taught her many outdoors skills and showed her how to hike, ski, row, sail and fish from an early age; in fact, the first peak she climbed was Camels Hump in Vermont at the age of 6! These days she is an avid downhill, cross-country and backcountry skier and is a licensed guide for whitewater rafting, hiking, camping and paddling.

5.00

Connie

Connie thrives on the thrill of new experiences and the beauty of the natural world. After a decade of teaching music, she made the jump to snowy Alaska, then sunny Mexico, and finally bustling Barcelona. Connie loves sharing the joy of outdoor adventures, helping others connect deeply with nature and discover a sense of personal empowerment. When not guiding trips, you can find her trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, slacklining, and dreaming up her next big adventure.

5.00

Haley

Haley grew up exploring Minnesota's North Shore and has spent years traveling the world ever since, chasing new adventures like rock climbing, scuba diving, and whitewater rafting, though hiking and kayaking remain her favorites. She's biked across Southeast Asia, hiked the Himalayas, and spent a week in the Amazon. A certified yoga instructor and budding photographer, she's thrilled to share her love of travel and the outdoors as a guide.

5.00

Tori

Tori is a Professional Concert Dancer turned multi-certified, full-time Registered Maine Guide. With a passion for healing facilitation, she has worked to become a recognized Community Herbalist, Yoga Instructor, and Integrative Health and Wellness Coach. She blends her love for movement and holistic health with her knowledge of the outdoors to create well-rounded educational outdoor experiences. Her goal is to help you gain access to natural connection and to leave trips knowing more about yourself, the environment, and the bond between the two.

5.00

Alicia

Alicia resides in Colorado, where she relishes the opportunity to ride her bike every day! She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, trail running, and snowshoeing, often accompanied by her family and dog (who famously proved that she is truly part border collie when she spontaneously herded 100+ head of cattle in Boulder open space!). Alicia has a well-rounded adventure background and a great appreciation for the friendships that can be forged among adventurous women, across different backgrounds and different generations. When not guiding, Alicia works in academia as a SAS programmer and data analyst.

5.00

Brenda

Brenda is a seasoned world traveler and guide, with trips from Everest to Machu Picchu under her belt. After working with women’s groups in Honduras and serving in the Peace Corps, she became a passionate backpacker, yoga instructor, and watercolor artist. She enjoys catching moments to sketch on trips and encouraging others to do the same.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (13 reviews)

Carol A.

This was a fantastic trip and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was made even more special by the women that I shared the trip with that felt like friends from the moment we met including the guides Anne and Carrie.

Ann W.

I think that what made it so special was the group dynamics. The guides were absolutely wonderful and worked hard to make everything as perfect as possible including accommodating any special needs (dietary, comfort etc.). In addition everyone got along famously, we looked out for each other and we all had the same type of sense of humor which led to a laugh filled week. I can’t say enough good things about this adventure.

Beth W.

Lots of different activities all days, great place to stay and wonderful guides.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - One to two experienced local guides plus a trip leader, depending on group size
  - 8-day guided women’s kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking adventure on St. John (6 days of activities)
  - Accommodation for 7 nights at a private luxury villa compound on the south shore of St. John (double occupancy, guaranteed your own bed), with swimming pools, hot tub, and tennis court
  - All meals from dinner on Day 1 through dinner on Day 7 (some in restaurants and some prepared at the villa by your guides)
  - All kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling equipment, plus kayaking instruction
  - A half-day sailing charter, including wood-fired pizza delivered at sea
  - All transportation on St. John, including pickup and drop-off at the Cruz Bay ferry dock at the start and end of the trip
Add-ons:
- - Single occupancy room — can be arranged at an additional cost, leave us a note at checkout if interested
Not included:
- - Transportation to and from St. John
  - Juice, soda, and alcoholic beverages
  - Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  - Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join this St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour, good fitness is required, and you should be comfortable in the water. No previous kayaking experience is necessary, as the first day on the water includes instruction on safety and basic paddling strokes. Days are spent kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming, and the longest hike of the trip is an optional 3.2 km (2 mi) round trip to Rams Head Point.

This is an active vacation, not a typical beach holiday. In the weeks before the trip, aim to walk at a brisk pace for 35 to 45 minutes, three to four times a week. Adding push-ups or planks two to three times a week will help with paddling, and practicing swimming with fins is great prep for snorkeling. Some hikes cross rugged terrain with inclines and declines, so good balance helps too. You can always take a day off to relax at the villa.
Kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling equipment is all provided, so you can pack light and focus on sun, water, and warm-weather comfort.

Water gear:
- - Two swimsuits, so one can dry while you wear the other
  - Rash guard or long-sleeve sun shirt for snorkeling days
  - Water shoes or sport sandals with a secure strap
  - Quick-dry towel
  - Dry bag for the kayak days (optional but recommended)
Clothing & footwear:
- - Lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip
  - Shorts and quick-dry pants
  - T-shirts and lightweight long-sleeve tops
  - Light rain jacket or windbreaker
  - Casual outfit for dinners out and the villa
  - Sunhat with a brim
Other:
- - Day pack (25-40L)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L)
  - Sunglasses with a retainer strap
  - Reef-safe sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, hand sanitizer, and bug spray
  - Headlamp or small flashlight
  - Personal toiletries and any medications
  - Camera or waterproof phone case (optional but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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Group sizes and pricing:
- - This St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour is led by one to two local guides plus a lead guide, depending on the size of the group.
  - The maximum group size is set at 9 participants.
  - All participants are guaranteed their own bed, and a limited number of single occupancy rooms may be available.
  - Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
  - St. John kayaking and snorkeling tours can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Every participant is guaranteed her own bed. This price for this St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your St. John kayaking and snorkeling tour is St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. To get there, most people fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, arriving by 3 pm on Day 1. From the airport you’ll take a taxi van to one of three marinas that run ferries to St. John; each marina has its own departure schedule, and details are provided in the pre-departure document.

From the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, your guides arrange shuttles to the villa, with times set once everyone’s arrival details are known. You will meet your guides at the lodging by 6 pm for orientation and the welcome dinner.

Getting home works the same way in reverse. The first ferry leaves at 7 am, and since the St. Thomas airport recommends arriving three hours early, don’t plan to fly out before 12 pm on the final day.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
- If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
- If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
- If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
- Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

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St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: 8-Day Women’s Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Hiking Tour

Adventure Highlights

The adventure, day by day

Photo gallery

Lodging

Adventure, packed to go

Meet your guides

What others say about this adventure

Things to know

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

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