The mangrove kayak tours and evening paddling excursions rank among Aruba’s most rewarding outdoor activities.
Four standout options deserve special attention: The well-organized Mangrove Forest Tour offers an intimate look at local wildlife along a manageable 2-mile route.
I love the Night Glass Kayak Tour for its unique LED lighting that transforms the water into a glowing wonderland.
The combination Kayak & Snorkeling Adventure Tour makes perfect sense, letting you explore both above and below the surface at prime locations.
For something truly special, the Sea Glass Island Kayak & Sunset Tour pairs peaceful paddling with spectacular evening views.
Let’s explore these top kayaking experiences in detail.
Key Points
- The mangrove forest tour by Clear Kayak Aruba offers a 90-120 minute glass bottom kayak experience with live commentary and wildlife spotting.
- The night glass kayak tour features LED-lit kayaks, snacks, and optional snorkeling for a unique 2-hour experience departing from Arashi Beach.
- The kayak and snorkeling adventure tour with a private guide provides a full-day experience visiting two snorkeling spots and includes necessary equipment and transportation.
- The sea glass island kayak and sunset tour offers a 4.5-star rated small-group experience with kayaking tutorials, local history, and sunset viewing.
- These tours cater to various fitness levels, but some may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or mobility limitations.
Mangrove Forest Tour – Glass Bottom Kayak
Embarking on the Aruba Glass Bottom Kayak Tour through the Mangrove Forest, visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of Aruba’s coastal ecosystem. Provided by the highly-rated tour operator Clear Kayak Aruba, this 90-120 minute excursion covers 2 miles of kayaking along the shoreline, offering a unique perspective through the glass-bottom vessels.
The tour includes a guided journey, live commentary, and the potential to spot wildlife like conch, jellyfish, and coral. While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate fitness level required makes it suitable for most travelers. Participants receive fruit, water, and the use of a double kayak, though food, drinks, and transportation aren’t included.
With over 200 reviews and a 4.5/5 star rating, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. However, some guests have reported issues with organization, water leakage, and limited mangrove and wildlife encounters.
The Aruba Glass Bottom Kayak Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s serene natural wonders.
Read our full review: Mangrove Forest Tour – Glass Bottom Kayak Review
Book now: Check availability
Night Glass Kayak Tour
Visitors can venture out on Aruba’s serene waters at night, seeing the island’s coastal beauty through the Aruba Night Glass Kayak Tour.
With a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews, this two-hour excursion allows up to 10 guests to explore the shoreline from the comfort of a glass-bottom kayak. Starting at $64.27 per person, the tour departs from Arashi Beach at 6 PM, with guides providing live commentary in English, Spanish, and Dutch.
Included features range from LED-lit kayaks and snacks to an optional snorkeling experience. However, the tour has some restrictions, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with certain medical conditions or a body weight over 200 lbs.
Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and chances to see marine life, though visibility can be affected by weather. Convenient booking options, including free cancellation and a pay later option, make this night tour an appealing way to explore Aruba’s enchanting coastline.
Read our full review: Night Glass Kayak Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Kayak & Snorkeling Adventure Tour With Private Tour Guide
For those seeking a more immersive water adventure in Aruba, the Kayak & Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Private Tour Guide offers an engaging and personalized experience. Priced from $195 per person, this 4.5-star rated tour takes participants on a private kayak and snorkeling excursion, starting at 8:00 am.
Included in the tour are use of snorkeling equipment, an ocean kayak with paddles, private transportation, and visits to two snorkeling spots. The knowledgeable guides, such as Jason and Rambo, lead the way and provide a fun and informative experience, as highlighted in positive reviews.
Travelers should arrive 15 minutes before the 8:30 am meeting time at Mangel Halto, Aruba. The activity isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
The private tour ensures that only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized adventure.
Read our full review: Kayak & Snorkeling Adventure Tour With Private Tour Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Sea Glass Island Kayak & Sunset Tour
The Sea Glass Island Kayak & Sunset Tour offers an enchanting opportunity for adventurers to explore Aruba’s captivating sea glass shores. This 4.5-star rated tour takes small groups of up to 10 travelers on a kayaking adventure to Sea Glass Island, where they can revel in the abundant sea glass scattered along the coastline.
At €124.99 per person, the tour includes an ocean kayak with paddles, all fees and taxes, water, and snacks. Participants will receive kayaking tutorials and learn about the local history from knowledgeable guides. The tour starts at 4:30 PM and returns to the same meeting point, offering a stunning sunset experience.
While moderate physical fitness is required, the tour may not be suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, or needing wheelchair accessibility.
Guests have highlighted the tour’s highlights, such as the knowledgeable guides and the breathtaking sea glass, though some have noted challenges with the terrain and waves. The company has demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction, offering refunds for service discrepancies and communicating improvements for future tours.
Read our full review: Sea Glass Island Kayak & Sunset Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Aruba offers a variety of captivating canoe and kayak experiences. Visitors can explore the Mangrove Forest by glass-bottom kayak, embark on a night glass kayak tour, combine kayaking and snorkeling, or enjoy a serene sunset kayak excursion. These activities provide a unique way to take in Aruba’s natural beauty and discover the island’s hidden gems from the water.