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All-Women St. John Kayak Tour: Paddle, Snorkel & Relax in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Itinerary
All-Women St. John Kayak Tour: Paddle, Snorkel & Relax in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Guide(s)
Anne Brewer, Carrie White, Adventures in Good Company
Trip options

Add-ons

The price of the adventure is based on double occupancy. A single supplement is available for an additional fee. Please leave a note below if you’re interested and we’ll get back to you with availability and rates.

Most meals are included in the price of this trip. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
57hours flexibility options
Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • 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-hour grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
All-Women St. John Kayak Tour: Paddle, Snorkel & Relax in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Itinerary
All-Women St. John Kayak Tour: Paddle, Snorkel & Relax in the U.S. Virgin Islands
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
8 day
Guide(s)
Anne Brewer, Carrie White, Adventures in Good Company
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • Ready for an adventure that’s equal parts exploration and relaxation? On this 8-day all-women getaway on St. John, we’ll kayak through mangroves, snorkel among schools of fish, and hike through the island’s rich history. Our private villa with spacious rooms, swimming pools, a tennis court, and hammocks will be the perfect base for unwinding and bonding after action-packed days. With all meals, equipment, and transportation included, we’ll have everything we need to soak in the experience without a single worry. Pack light and come see where the tide will take us!

    • After arriving at the airport in St. Thomas, you’ll be taking a taxi and a ferry (not included), followed by an arranged shuttle to your lodging on St. John, the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands. Upon arrival at the villa, we’ll get a cold drink, put our feet in the pool, and start to relax and adjust to “island time”. This means we’ll be intentionally spending the next week soaking up our surroundings with a relaxed pace and mindset—while still fitting in lots of action!

      Our daily itinerary this week may shift based on tides, weather, and wind, so that our guides can expertly provide the best experience possible. Once we’ve had a chance to settle in, we’ll introduce ourselves, have a brief orientation to this trip and our lodging for the next week, and share the first of many delicious dinners together.

      Meals: Dinner
      Accommodation: Great Expectations Villa

      Women smiling on their Caribbean adventure in St. John

    • Today will be full of kayaking and snorkeling as we explore the Coral Reef National Monument in Hurricane Hole. We’ll start the day with instruction on how to use our muscles most efficiently and how to get in and out of kayaks safely. We’ll then kayak through the mangrove-lined bays of Water Creek, Otter Creek, and Princess Bay. We’ll talk about the importance of mangrove forests in protecting the shoreline and providing habitat for juvenile fish.

      We’ll also snorkel in the mangroves and get to see schools of juvenile snappers, barracuda and starfish, colorful sea anemone, and more before enjoying a delicious picnic lunch near Turner Point. From there, we’ll paddle to Brock Creek and onto our final stop at a small white sand beach for a nice reef snorkel. We’ll round out our day with a delicious dinner.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Accommodation: Great Expectations Villa

      Group smiling at the entrance to Virgin Islands National Park

    • Today we’ll enjoy some gorgeous overlooks where we can see not only St. John shores but also the British Virgin Islands. We’ll make a few different stops at some of these beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Cinnamon Bay will be our longest stop; we’ll need time to walk the loop through the sugar mill ruins. The ruins tell the story of the processing, from fields to sugar, then molasses and rum. The walls of the former plantation still stand and mark the site of the Great House at America Hill, as the plantation was once known. We will finish with a swim at Maho Bay—just another day in paradise.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Accommodation: Great Expectations Villa

      Women smiling on an overlook above Cinnamon Bay on their Caribbean adventure

    • Today we will return to the east end to visit an active salt pond and enjoy an easy walk to Drunk Bay. This is a great spot to view some of the British Virgin Islands and see some interesting coral sculptures along the rocky windswept beach. We will then enjoy a swim and snorkel at yet another beautiful beach. For those interested, there is a 2-mile (3-kilometer) round trip hike to Rams Head Point for a sweeping view.

      We’ll round out our day with an early dinner at a St. John institution—Skinny Legs. They say there’s nothing like a cheeseburger in paradise, and this local watering hole is practically a required stop on all St. John itineraries!

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Accommodation: Great Expectations Villa

      Group posing in Drunk Bay, Virgin Islands on the Caribbean adventure

    • We’ll see more of the inland today on our hike to Waterlemon Cay. We’ll begin with a ride to see the ruins of the sugar plantation at Annaberg, where we will gain a deeper understanding of St. John’s culture, history, and the global sugar market. After a walk through the ruins, we’ll have the option to take a short hike to see the Windy Hill Ruins and take in the view. We’ll rest and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, spend the afternoon snorkeling and swimming, then return to the vehicle at Annaberg.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Accommodation: Great Expectations Villa

      Boiler room ruins at Annaberg Sugarmill on St. John

    • Today we’ll be back in our kayaks, starting the day with a safety and paddling review on the beach in Cruz Bay. We’ll stick together as we wind our way out of the harbor, paddle around Lind Point, and stop at one of the beautiful beaches to snorkel the seagrass bed and look for turtles and rays.

      Depending on conditions, we may also paddle to Henley Cay for some superb reef snorkeling among multi-hued fish. If you have never snorkeled in the Caribbean, you’ll be amazed at the variety and vibrancy of colors! After returning to Cruz Bay, we’ll spend the afternoon visiting the beautiful beaches of the north shore. We’ll go on a short hike to Peace Hill, the site of a semi-restored ruin where a windmill once stood, powered by the strong trade winds. We will end our day with a sunset picnic while we take in St. John’s breathtaking landscape.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Accommodation: Great Expectations Villa

      Sea turtle swimming below the surface on the Caribbean adventure

    • We’ll cap off our week in the islands by sailing the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. We’ll meet our sailing charter at the National Park Dock in Cruz Bay and enjoy the island breeze one last time via sailboat while we snorkel, explore, island hop, or sunbathe! Following our sail, we’ll have time to stroll around town and shop for a few mementos to remind us of our time on St. John when we return to the mainland. We will end our day with a delicious farewell dinner.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Accommodation: Great Expectations Villa

      Women snorkeling and smiling on their Caribbean adventure

    • It’s definitely going to be hard to tear ourselves away from this island paradise! You can leave for the airport anytime in the morning. If you’re flying out, please book flights after noon. It will take about an hour to get from St. John to the airport, and it’s best to set aside two hours for check-in and security. Of course, you may want to stay around and continue your Caribbean adventure. Whatever the case, safe travels ahead!

      Meals: Breakfast

      Cruz Bay on St. John island, U.S. Virgin Islands, at dusk

    • Included:

        • Two experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 8-day all-women St. John kayak tour
        • Accommodation for 7 nights in a beautiful villa with swimming pools, a hot tub, and a tennis and pickleball court (double occupancy)
        • Meals from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 7
        • All kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling equipment
        • Half-day sailing charter
        • All transportation from arrival in St. John

      Add-ons

        • Single supplement — available upon request for an additional fee

      Not included:

        • Airfare
        • Airport pick-up and drop-off
        • Ferries to and from St. John
        • Drinks
        • Meals not included in the itinerary
        • Guide gratuities — optional
        • Travel and medical insurance — optional

    • This all-women St. John kayak tour requires good fitness levels and an active lifestyle. Though you always have the option to take a day off for relaxing, this adventure is designed as an active holiday.  Prior to the beginning of this trip, you should be walking regularly at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35-45 minutes.

      This adventure includes kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. You can expect to kayak for two full days, head on moderate hikes (0.25-2 mi / 0.6-3.2 km) for four days in a row, and go snorkeling on at least five days. Previous experience is not required for any of these activities. Whether you’re a beginner or already experienced, your guides will make sure you learn what you need to know to stay safe and have fun.

      The hiking portions of this trip will be on rugged terrain, with some inclines and declines. You’ll need to be able to keep your balance and navigate rough terrain to enjoy hiking on this trip.

    • That’s okay! This is the perfect adventure for both new and more experienced kayakers. Your guides are experienced kayak instructors and they’ll teach you everything you need to know. You’ll also get instructions on safety and basic kayaking strokes on Day 1 to help you get started.

    • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      Footwear

        • 1 pair of lightweight or midweight hiking shoes/boots (well broken in and comfortable)
        • 1 pair of river shoes/sandals with a heel strap
        • 1 pair of comfortable shoes for walking
        • 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent)

      Clothing

        • 2 pairs of shorts (one should be quick-drying nylon)
        • 2-3 T-shirts or sleeveless shirts
        • 1-2 lightweight, long-sleeved shirts (rash guards are great for snorkeling and kayaking)
        • 1 lightweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
        • 1 wide-brimmed or baseball-style hat with a string attached
        • 1 rain jacket and rain pants (coated nylon or waterproof breathable fabric like Gore-tex)
        • Underwear/nightwear
        • 1-2 bathing suits
        • 1-2 changes of comfortable clothes for dinner (e.g., pants and/or skirt with a couple of tops)

      Equipment/essentials

        • 1 daypack or fanny pack
        • Waterproofing for your backpack (rain cover or heavy-duty plastic bag)
        • Small headlamp or flashlight
        • Water bottle (1L capacity)
        • Insect repellant
        • Sunglasses (100% UV protection) with retention strap
        • Quick-drying medium size pack towel
        • 1-2 bandannas
        • Reef-safe sunscreen and lip protection
        • Ear plugs and eye mask
        • Passport or proof of citizenship

      Toiletries (small sizes)

        • Toothbrush and toothpaste
        • Dental floss
        • Hand sanitizer
        • Shampoo and conditioner
        • Personal items (contact lens supplies, sanitary items, personal medications) — if you’re taking a prescription drug, bring a copy of the prescription or its generic name
        • Personal first aid/patch kit (band-aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed or blister bandages, ibuprofen)
        • EpiPen + antihistamine — if you’re allergic to insect bites (consult your physician beforehand)

      Optional

        • Camera and film/memory card, extra batteries
        • Small foldable sit pad
        • Wristwatch/travel alarm clock
        • Compact binoculars
        • Journal and pen
        • Your favorite snack
        • 1 pair of comfortable supplex/nylon lightweight pants (for extra sun/insect protection)
        • Gloves for paddling
        • Aloe gel
        • Snorkeling gear (if you have your own mask, you can bring it; otherwise, mask and fins will be provided)
        • Powdered hydrating drink mix
        • Face masks (N95/KN95 recommended)
        • COVID-19 rapid test
        • Small bottle of hand sanitizer

      Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    • A single supplement is available, but not required for solo travelers. If you choose not to pay the single supplement, you’ll be paired up with someone. If you want to guarantee you have your own room, please leave a note at checkout and we’ll get back to you with availability and rates.

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. Two guides will accompany you on this adventure.
        • It takes a minimum of 7 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 9 participants.

      An all-women St. John kayak tour 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 adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

      If your group has adventurers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • The starting point of your all-women St. John kayak tour is St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. To get there, most people fly into Thomas Island Cyril E. King Airport (STT). From there, you can take a taxi van to the Red Hook Ferry. The ride takes 30-60 minutes and costs about $15-25 per person (cash recommended). At the Red Hook Ferry dock, you’ll purchase a ticket to Cruz Bay, St. John. The ferry runs hourly from 8am to midnight, with earlier departures at 6:30 and 7:30am. The ride is about 20 minutes and costs $9 per person plus $4 per bag. There is also a ferry from Charlotte Amalie, closer to the airport, but it runs less frequently.

      Once you arrive in Cruz Bay, your guides will arrange a shuttle to your accommodation. If you’re arriving before April 1 or do not plan to use the shuttle, your guides will provide directions to the villa. You will meet your guides at your villa in the afternoon of Day 1. Please plan to arrive at the airport by 3pm on Day 1.

    • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

      Redpoint tailors their 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.

      Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Have more questions? Read our FAQ
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