Kayaking in Aruba: Find Out Where to Kayak in Aruba

With such beautiful scenery around the island, it should come as no surprise that kayaking in Aruba is a great way to get around and explore the coast. Of course, there are many other water sports and activities that can also give you similar beautiful views of the island, so why should you choose to kayak in Aruba?

Well, there are a lot of reasons kayaking is so popular in Aruba. We’ll dive into those before looking at the best kayak tours in Aruba. By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to book an Aruba kayak tour and be ready to explore!

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Why Go Kayaking in Aruba

Aruba’s coastline offers clear and calm waters, perfect for kayaking. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, you’ll find ample opportunities to explore the island’s unique geographical features. The shoreline is dotted with hidden coves, mangrove forests, and inlets that make for interesting routes and showcase the island’s natural beauty.

One of the highlights of kayaking in Aruba is the chance to navigate through its mangrove ecosystems. These areas provide an ideal environment for observing the local wildlife, including various fish species and birds. By signing up for a guided kayak tour in Aruba, you’ll also have an expert who can provide information about the flora and fauna in these habitats.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the open waters of the Caribbean Sea surrounding Aruba offer an open setting. Paddlers can enjoy the challenge of navigating the waves while taking in the panoramic views of the ocean. This can be done either via tour or by renting a kayak in Aruba and exploring on your own.

Whether you choose a guided tour or opt for self-guided exploration, Aruba’s kayaking scene is a practical and engaging way to experience the island’s coastal beauty. So, get ready to admire the amazing coastline of Aruba on a kayak!

Best Kayaking Tours in Aruba

As kayaking in Aruba is popular, you’ll find there are a number of tours available giving you plenty of options. Choose from glass-bottom kayaks, sunset views, and even nighttime kayaking! Go in a group or book a private tour. There are many options available!

Let’s take a look at the four best Aruba kayaking tours and what each entails so you can pick the one that’s right for you.

Mangrove Forest Tour on Glass-Bottom Kayaks

The Mangrove Forest Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Aruba’s underwater world without getting wet. You’ll set out on a guided tour using a glass-bottom kayak that provides a clear view of coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life as you glide over crystal-clear waters. This tour covers both mangroves and open water offering a scenic escape from the usual resort areas.

The meeting point for this tour is Mangel Halto Beach in Aruba, with pick-up and drop-off options available. Upon arrival, you board a tandem glass-bottom kayak and follow the Aruba shoreline for 2 miles (3.2 km) enjoying stunning views of mangroves, coral reefs, and the shoreline.

Depending on sea conditions, there may be a stop at Isla di Oro Beach where you can enjoy a swim. Then you’ll continue on to the beautiful Santo Largo Beach, also known as Savaneta Beach. This secluded spot boasts the largest mangrove trees on the island. The entire tour takes about 1.5 hours.

Sea Glass Island Kayak & Sunset Tour

The Aruba Sea Glass Island Kayak Tour is an adventure designed for those seeking the ultimate Aruba experience. Centered around Sea Glass Island, a hidden gem accessible solely by private boat or kayak, this tour offers access to a lesser-known attraction in Aruba.

Meet at Zeerover Restaurant around 4:30 pm to explore the south coast of Aruba over approximately 2 to 2.5 hours where you can go kayaking, sea glass hunting, and snorkeling. The adventure unfolds in three key segments:

• Kayaking to Sea Glass Island, which takes about 10 – 15 minutes
• Searching for sea glass on the island for 1.5 – 2 hours
• Kayaking back to your starting point, taking another 10 – 15 minutes

While the tour is more about visiting Sea Glass Island in Aruba rather than hours of kayaking, it’s one of the best ways to sample kayaking on the island.

Night Glass Kayak Tour

Want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? The Night Glass Kayak Tour begins at sunset on Arashi Beach and then provides the unique opportunity to explore the marine life of Aruba under the moonlit sky. This 2 hour tour is quite unique, unlike anything you’ve ever done before!

Upon arrival, you’ll board a glass-bottom kayak equipped with LED floodlights to be able to get mesmerizing views of beautiful coral reefs and fish just beneath the surface. You’ll kayak along the shoreline heading toward a shipwreck that you’ll be able to admire from your kayak.

As night falls, the kayak lights are turned on to provide amazing views of the marine life below you. Before heading back to shore, don’t miss the chance to gaze up at the starry night sky. It’s part of what makes this tour a favorite amongst kayakers in Aruba.

Private Kayak & Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch

The Private Kayak & Snorkeling Adventure Tour presents an exciting opportunity to explore Aruba’s pristine Southwestern coastline by kayak. This tour is the best private kayak tour in Aruba and is designed to showcase the amazing areas around Mangel Halto and Pos Chiquito, including the Largest Mangrove area in Aruba and the famous Spanish Lagoon.

The tour kicks off each morning at 8:00 am in Mangel Halto and runs 3 – 4 hours. You can either drive yourself or request pickup to get to the meeting point. Here you’ll be outfitted with ocean kayaks and snorkeling equipment. Then, you’ll set out from Mangel Halto Beach through the mangroves to a nearby coral reef which protects the bay shore of Pos Chiquito.

At Pos Chiquito, you’ll also have the opportunity to jump in the water and go snorkeling before kayaking through Spanish Lagoon. Here you’ll find additional mangrove scenery and the opportunity to spot more wildlife. As you head back to Mangel Halto Beach, you’ll also have the option to conclude your tour with lunch at Ricardo’s Smokehouse in Oranjestad, Aruba, complete with a convenient 2-way transfer.