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This great Antigua kayak and snorkel combo shore excursion begins just next to your St. John's Antigua cruise ship pier where your friendly excursion driver/guide will welcome you and then escort you to your comfortable, air-conditioned transportation.
Then enjoy a scenic, narrated 25-minute ride to the beautiful Cades Bay where the kayaking excursion base camp is located on the beach. Upon arrival, your guide will provide a quick kayak lesson, tips on paddling, and some safety instructions. The kayaks are shared double riders. You will then follow your kayak excursion guide and enjoy a 20-minute kayak ride through the lush mangroves. These mangroves are home to many fish, crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. The shallow warm water makes a great nursery for many species of marine life. Keep an eye out for tropical birds as well. If you'd prefer not to kayak, you can enjoy a guided walkabout on the wooden boardwalk... both options enjoy the same mangrove sights and end at the same location on Cades Beach.
From the beach, you will next take a 5-minute boat ride to the coral reef for some snorkeling. If any guests do not want to do the snorkel portion, they may stay on the beach. There you will enjoy a 45-minute guided snorkel over a gorgeous reef just teeming with life. All equipment will be provided and the guide will be happy to help those who are new to the sport. Then jump in and see colorful tropical fish dart in and out of the coral. Parrotfish, sergeantfish, trunkfish, and more may be spotted. Cades Reef is several miles long and is broken into two sections. There is a shallow section that is ideal for beginner snorkelers and an outer area that is home to the larger fish. Pick your spot and remember, your guide will be with you the entire time to point out areas of interest. When the snorkeling is completed, you will be assisted back into the boat using a metal ladder off the side.
Then it's back to the beach to enjoy a tasty Caribbean lunch that will include barbecue chicken, rice, and a green salad. You'll also be given a complimentary rum or fruit punch to get you into the tropical mood. Then relax, take a stroll, and catch some rays. Then it is time to head back and you'll be returned to your St. John's Antigua cruise ship pier.
Enjoy an adventurous kayaking and snorkeling shore excursion day through Antigua's waters with a panoramic drive, kayaking in the mangroves, snorkeling at Cades Reef, and finish with a delicious lunch at the beach!