St. John is built for paddling — protected bays, glassy water in the morning, mangrove channels you can sneak into, and a National Park that protects the wildlife you'll see. Two destinations stand out.
Maho Bay (north shore)
Maho is the easiest paddle on St. John. The bay is wide, protected, and shallow with a sandy bottom; the wind that whips Trunk Bay in winter mostly skips Maho. There's a seasonal SUP/kayak rental kiosk right on the beach in the north end. Paddle east along the shoreline toward Little Maho and you'll often paddle directly over feeding green sea turtles.
From Sunset Villa it's 15 minutes; pair it with a morning swim and lunch at the Maho food truck before the afternoon trades kick up. Full Maho Bay guide →
Hurricane Hole (south shore)
The crown jewel for paddlers who want the unusual. Hurricane Hole is a series of deep protected bays on St. John's southeast coast, ringed by red mangroves. Pre-2017 it was famous worldwide as the rare snorkel where you could see full reef fish (juvenile angelfish, baby barracudas, lobster, seahorses) living among mangrove roots in 4 feet of water. The hurricanes wiped most of it; the recovery has been steady and the magic is back.
Best done with a guide on your first visit — Arawak Expeditions runs a guided Hurricane Hole paddle that includes the snorkel gear, instruction, and pickup from Coral Bay. Self-launch is possible from the small put-in near Princess Bay if you've brought your own boards or kayaks.
Leinster Bay (for the experienced)
If you're confident on a SUP, paddle out from the Annaberg beach toward Waterlemon Cay at sunrise when the water is glass. Anchor your board on the sand spit by the cay, hop in for a snorkel, paddle back. Not for beginners — the channel can have current.
What to bring
- A waterproof phone case clipped to the board
- Rash guard — you'll be on the water 1–2 hours fully exposed
- Water and a small dry bag
- Snorkel mask and fins if you're paddling Hurricane Hole or Waterlemon
Avoid paddling in the afternoon during winter (December–March) when the trade winds top 18–20 knots — go early. Summer is calm enough almost any time of day.
Part of the Things to Do in St. John, USVI: The Insider's Guide.
Frequently asked
›Where can you rent kayaks and paddleboards on St. John?
Arawak Expeditions in Cruz Bay rents single and tandem kayaks and SUPs by the day and runs guided trips. Virgin Islands Eco Tours rents at Honeymoon Beach and Maho Bay seasonally. Day rates are typically $40–$60 for a SUP, $50–$80 for a kayak.
›Is Hurricane Hole still good after the 2017 hurricanes?
Yes. Hurricane Hole's mangrove channels were damaged in 2017 but have recovered remarkably; the snorkeling and paddling is excellent again, with juvenile reef fish, baby barracuda, and starfish in the seagrass. The mangroves themselves are protected — paddle through, don't break branches.
›Are kayaks safe for kids?
Tandem sit-on-top kayaks in calm bays like Maho or Leinster are very kid-friendly (ages 5+). Avoid open-water crossings, watch the wind, and always wear the PFD. SUPs are easier for older kids and adults; harder for small kids without a stable bay.
Keep reading
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Maho Bay, St. John: The Sea Turtle Beach (And Why Families Love It)
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