Kayak Tour to Seaglass Island

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet memorable way to experience Aruba’s coastline and its hidden treasures, the Kayak Tour to Seaglass Island offers an inviting option. While we haven’t personally paddled out ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of an engaging, nature-focused outing.

What we love most about this tour are its friendly, knowledgeable guides who add a personal touch, and the opportunity to hunt for colorful sea glass amid a scenic reef. The experience is eco-friendly and designed to make the most of Aruba’s natural beauty without the crowds.

However, a consideration to keep in mind is that some reviews mention last-minute cancellations or short kayak rides, which might affect those expecting a longer or more intense paddle. This tour seems best suited for travelers who appreciate a blend of gentle adventure, casual exploration, and learning about the environment.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This activity is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy low-key outdoor activities. If you love the idea of discovering hidden gems in the ocean, like colorful sea glass, and prefer a personalized, small-group experience, this tour will hit the mark.

Key Points

• Comfortable, eco-friendly kayak trip focusing on scenic views and treasure hunting
• Expert guides passionately share insights about local nature and history
• Short but scenic paddle — approximately 10 minutes each way, making it suitable for most fitness levels
• Time on the island is flexible, giving plenty of opportunity to search for sea glass
• Not included: hotel pick-up and drop-off, so plan transportation accordingly
• Price point offers good value for the experience, especially with small group discounts and personalized attention

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at Aruba Reef Apartments in Savaneta, where you’ll meet your guide and get equipped with a kayak, life vest, and bottled water. From there, it’s about a 10-minute paddle to Seaglass Island—a protected reef area famous for its abundance of sea glass scattered across the shoreline.

Seaglass Island isn’t an island in the traditional sense but rather a reef area that has accumulated a stunning amount of glass over years. It’s fascinating to walk around the reef, exploring its mangroves, marine life, and, of course, the dazzling array of sea glass, which ranges from green and white to rare pinks and blues. You’ll have ample time to hunt for your favorite pieces—some reviews mention the thrill of finding rare colors or particularly beautiful shards.

As you kayak along the coastline of Savaneta, you’ll pass by some gorgeous villas, including the famous Aruba Ocean Villas—a backdrop that makes for a lovely photo op. The guide will share stories about the area’s history and ecology, enriching your experience beyond the simple treasure hunt.

The Paddle and Exploration

The kayak ride itself is described as quick and smooth, often about 10 minutes each way, which keeps the trip accessible for most. Several reviews highlight the helpfulness of guides in instructing newcomers and ensuring safety. One reviewer noted that the guides are “very knowledgeable about the area,” adding a layer of education that makes the trip more meaningful.

You’ll love the relaxed pace, giving you a chance to enjoy the stunning views of Aruba’s coast and the calm waters, perfect for beginners. The guides also seem eager to help with waterproof bags if you want to bring your phone, making it easier to capture memories.

On the Island

Once on Seaglass Island, the real fun begins. You’re free to explore at your own pace, searching the shoreline for colorful pieces. Some reviewers remark on the “unreal amount of sea glass” and how much fun it is to find tiny, rare bits of color. The tour allows for a good balance—short paddling combined with generous time for treasure hunting.

The inclusion of bottled water and fruit in some reviews adds to the comfort, especially if you spend more time on the island than initially expected. The environment here is safe, peaceful, and perfect for a family outing or a romantic escape.

The Experience from the Guides

Multiple travelers praise the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who make the experience effortless. One review notes that Phillip, the guide, “took his time instructing us on the kayaks,” and “was very relaxed with huge knowledge about nature.” Such personalized attention is a big plus for first-timers or those preferring a gentle adventure.

Other reviews mention guides offering waterproof bags for phones, helping you focus on the experience rather than worrying about your belongings. The guides’ passion for the environment and local history shines through, making the trip educational and engaging.

The Value for Money

At $80 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially considering the small-group atmosphere, personalized guidance, and the chance to hunt for sea glass in a scenic, protected area. The inclusion of equipment, water, and safety gear means you don’t need to worry about extra costs.

While some reviews suggest the kayaking part can be a bit brief or that the trip could be less expensive, many agree that the overall experience—relaxing paddling, stunning views, and treasure hunting—justifies the price. It’s a laid-back activity that doesn’t require extensive physical effort but pays off with plenty of memorable moments.

The Practical Details

Meeting Point and Duration

Starting at Aruba Reef Apartments in Savaneta, the tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. This includes paddling, exploring, and hunting time. The activity ends back at the start point, making logistics straightforward.

Booking and Cancellation

You can book easily with mobile tickets, and the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind. Keep in mind that bad weather could lead to cancellations, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

Physical Fitness and Age

While the tour is suitable for most, a moderate physical fitness level is recommended. It’s a short paddle, but good balance and a bit of stamina help. Children and families seem to enjoy it, with guides helpful to less experienced kayakers.

Additional Considerations

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included—plan your transportation accordingly.
• Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and perhaps a hat for sun protection.
• Wear casual clothing suitable for getting a little wet and sandy.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Many reviews echo the tour’s “friendly guides” and “beautiful sea glass” as highlights. For example, one reviewer said, “The sea glass was beautiful and the island is covered in it,” and another remarked, “The guides made the day so much fun for us.”

A few less favorable reviews mention last-minute cancellations or shorter paddles than expected, emphasizing the importance of confirming your reservation and being flexible with weather changes.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This kayak adventure is perfect for those who want a relaxed, eco-friendly experience blending scenic beauty with a treasure hunt. It’s ideal if you enjoy gentle outdoor activities, want to learn about Aruba’s environment, and love collecting unique keepsakes. The guides’ friendliness and expertise make it especially appealing for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to explore off the beaten path.

It’s also well-suited for travelers seeking a more authentic, low-pressure experience that avoids crowded tourist spots. If the idea of paddling along the coast and discovering colorful sea glass sounds appealing—and you’re okay with a shorter kayak ride—this tour will deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is hotel pick-up included? No, the tour begins at Aruba Reef Apartments in Savaneta. You’ll need to arrange your transportation.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including paddling, exploration, and treasure hunting.

What should I bring? Wear sunscreen, water shoes or sandals, and bring a waterproof bag if you want to protect your phone. Bottled water is provided.

Is the paddling difficult? Not at all. The kayak ride is short and described as smooth and suitable for most fitness levels. Guides help with instructions.

Can children participate? Yes, many reviews mention family groups and children enjoying the activity. A moderate physical fitness level is recommended.

What’s the main highlight? The abundance of sea glass on Seaglass Island, which makes for an engaging treasure hunt and great photo opportunities.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour can be canceled for poor weather, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

How many people are in each group? The activity is private, meaning only your group participates, enhancing personalized attention.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Less than that, refunds are not issued.

Overall, the Kayak Tour to Seaglass Island provides a fantastic mix of gentle adventure, scenic beauty, and the thrill of finding colorful sea glass. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours in Aruba, especially if you’re eager to explore beyond typical tourist spots while enjoying the company of friendly guides and fellow travelers.