Will and I spent nine days on St. John in the US Virgin Islands and somehow avoided island fever altogether! I’m going to attribute that to Will’s adventurous spirit.During one of our days, we rented a kayak and paddled our way over to Whistling Cay, about one-mile from Maho Bay.We wanted to see the ruins that have been taunting us from shore. The island is full of ruins and since 60% of it is designated as a national park unit, we had the privilege of exploring to our heart’s content.And explore we did!
Kayaking over to the cay wasn’t too challenging (surprisingly), but the way back was tough because the current was working against us.However, we had a great time! Will face-timed our parents while I tried to keep us on course. After the call, Will power-housed us to the shore.At one point during our journey back, one of us said something funny (I can’t remember who ) and we had to stop because we were both laughing so hard.Moments like that leave me with the sweetest memories of our trips.
We decided to snorkel for a bit before heading back. This cay was our favorite snorkeling spot on the trip. I can only imagine how lively and beautiful the reefs were before the hurricanes; it was very sad to see the devastation left behind by Irma and Maria.
The cheery powerhouse! Will knew we had to make it back before 6pm to catch happy hour. Felt like a motor kicked in! 
How to Kayak to Whistling Cay
If you’re staying on St. John and want a half-day adventure that doesn’t involve a boat tour, this is it. You can rent kayaks right at Maho Bay. We rented a tandem kayak and it was totally manageable for two people.The paddle out to Whistling Cay takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on conditions. We went in the morning when the water was calm and glassy, which I’d recommend. The way back was a different story. The afternoon current picks up and you’ll be working for it. Will basically turned into an outboard motor to get us back.Bring water, snacks, and snorkeling gear. There’s nothing on the cay itself, no bathrooms, no shade structures, no vendors. Just you, the ruins, and whatever you packed.Snorkeling at Whistling Cay
We almost skipped the snorkeling and I’m so glad we didn’t. The reef around the cay was our favorite snorkeling spot on the entire trip. Even with the hurricane damage from Irma and Maria still visible, there was so much life in the water. Sea turtles, colorful fish, the whole deal.The water is shallow enough that even nervous snorkelers can enjoy it. Just watch out for the current near the point of the cay. Stick to the leeward side and you’ll be fine.If you’re looking for more things to do on St. John, check out our complete guide to Virgin Islands National Park.Further reading
We loved our time on the island, stay tuned for more photos!!Until next time,Antonina
You can find more details on kayaking regulations at the Virgin Islands National Park official site.
More National Parks
Love the national parks? Check out: 10 Jaw-Dropping Things to Do at Mt. Rainier National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way is to rent a kayak from Maho Bay on St. John and paddle out. It’s about a mile each way and takes 30 to 45 minutes. Go in the morning when the water is calmer. The afternoon current makes the return trip much harder.
The paddle out is pretty easy, especially in calm morning conditions. The return trip is tougher because of the current. Two people in a tandem kayak handle it fine. We’d recommend some basic kayaking experience but you don’t need to be an expert.
Yes, and you should. The reef around Whistling Cay was our favorite snorkeling spot on St. John. Bring your own gear since there are no rentals on the cay. The water is shallow and clear, perfect for snorkeling. Stick to the leeward side where the current is gentler.
Leave a Reply