Kayak Lagoon Tour

4.9 (96 reviews)2 h 30 minSt. MaartenWildlife & natureFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 11:12 am, 5 h 18 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 4 h 18 min to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in St. Maarten20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 11 min to the start point
  3. 8:31 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 2 h 30 min. Latest sensible start: 12:49 pm.
  4. 11:01 am
    Tour ends11 min back to the pier
  5. 11:12 am
    Back at the gangway5 h 18 min before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical St. Maarten call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 2 h 30 min; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:31 am and be back at the gangway around 11:12 am — 4 h 18 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 12:12 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.

The start point (Front Street and Old Street, Philipsburg) is about 1.2 km from Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility (Port St. Maarten), Harbour Point Village, roughly 11 min by taxi each way — that travel time is already counted above.

Among the 400 St. Maarten shore excursions we track, this is one of the shorter ones (the median runs 4 h); 77% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical St. Maarten call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

Paddle across the largest saltwater lagoon in the Antilles on a guided kayak expedition. Your tour begins at Kim Sha Beach in Simpson Bay. Upon arrival receive a kayaking lesson and safety orientation before setting off on your sit-on-top kayak. You will follow your guide at a leisurely pace across the largest saltwater lagoon in the Antilles and marvel at the magnificent mega yachts that make St. Maarten their winter base from November to April. During your paddle your guide will point out sights of interest, including the imaginary water border between the Dutch and French sides of the island. A brief stop gives you a chance to rest your muscles as well as learn about the island’s vibrant history and the lagoon’s complex ecosystem before paddling back to Kim Sha for a refreshing dip in the ocean and a well deserved complimentary beverage.

Max 24 per group English

What's included

  • Complimentary beverage (beer, rum punch, fruit punch, soda, water)
  • Kayak, paddle, and life jacket
  • Guide

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Snacks
  • Transport to or from the attraction

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Kim Sha Beach
    Upon arrival you will receive a kayaking lesson and safety orientation on the beach before setting off on your sit-on-top kayak.
    10 min
  2. 2
    St Martin / St Maarten
    You will follow your guide at a leisurely pace across the largest saltwater lagoon in the Antilles and marvel at the magnificent mega yachts that make St. Maarten their winter base from November to April. During your paddle your guide will point out sights of interest, including the imaginary water border between the Dutch and French sides of the island. A brief stop gives you a chance to rest your muscles as well as learn about the island’s vibrant history and the lagoon’s complex ecosystem before paddling back to Kim Sha for a refreshing dip in the ocean and a well deserved complimentary beverage.
    2 h

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
Your tour departs from Kim Sha Beach, approximately 30 minutes drive from Philipsburg. Ask your driver to leave you close to the Cocky Turtle Beach Bar, where our orange kayaks are visible. Your guide will be waiting nearby.
Your tour departs from Kim Sha Beach, approximately 30 minutes drive from Philipsburg. Ask your driver to leave you close to the Cocky Turtle Beach Bar, where our orange kayaks are visible. Your guide will be waiting nearby.
From the cruise pier
About 11 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Traveler reviews

4.9
96 traveler reviews
5
94%
4
3%
3
2%
2
0%
1
1%

Read all 96 reviews

Operated by Tri-Sport. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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