Sea glass hunting beats the usual beach. This is a fun morning where you do a short kayak ride (about 5–8 minutes each way) and then spend around two hours roaming Sea Glass Island with provided rakes and life jacket. The best part for me is the hands-on treasure hunt; the one thing to watch is that transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, and the island shore is rocky, so water shoes are required.

I also like the small-group feel. The tour tops out at 8 travelers, you get a safety briefing before you paddle, and the pace leaves room to slow down and actually look.

One more practical note: the activity needs good weather. If conditions are rough, the operator may offer a different date or a full refund, so don’t plan your whole Aruba day around a single fixed time.

Quick hits

• Short paddle to the island: about 5–8 minutes along Aruba’s coast, not a long open-water slog
• Real treasure-hunt time: roughly 2 hours exploring the beach and collecting your finds
• Included supplies: life jacket, small hand rakes, and drinks (water plus Powerade)
• Small group: max 8 travelers, so it feels relaxed and not crowded
• Safety-first setup: mandatory government safety checks every 6 months and insurance/liability coverage
• Water shoes required: the shore is rocky, and you’ll want the protection

Entering the Day at Zeerover Savaneta (8:30 am start)

Your tour begins at Zeerover Savaneta 270, Savaneta, Aruba. The listed start time is 8:30 am, which is a smart slot if you want to beat the day’s heat and still have time to enjoy the rest of Aruba afterward.

Since transportation to the meeting point is not included, plan your ride in advance. A taxi or pre-arranged ride to Zeerover is the simplest way to avoid stress. I’d also give yourself a little buffer so you can get checked in, meet Ericko and the team, and not feel rushed right before you’re getting in the kayaks.

The Short Kayak Ride: What You’re Really Doing Out on the Water

This part sounds more intimidating than it is. The crossing is described as a short kayak ride along Aruba’s coast, about 5–8 minutes. That means the “kayak adventure” is real, but you’re not spending your whole day fighting wind, waves, or fatigue.

You also get set up for success before you launch. Expect a safety briefing so you know what to do, where to look, and how the team runs the water portion. That matters because even if you’re a total beginner, your job is basically to paddle with confidence while the guide keeps the flow simple.

If the weather is windy, the operator may adjust the route. One guest described an alternate put-in location when it got extremely windy, and the experience still worked out well. Translation for you: don’t panic if the sea looks a bit moody that morning. The team has a plan.

Sea Glass Island Treasure Hunt: How the Two Hours Work

Once you arrive, the vibe shifts from “kayaking” to “treasure hunt.” You’ll explore the island’s beach area, searching for colorful sea glass and other interesting pieces you might spot right at your feet.

You’re not doing this blindly. Ericko gives you guidance on what to look for, and the tour includes small hand rakes to help you sift through sand and shoreline debris. In practice, you’ll likely find the glass quickly enough that you’ll spend most of your time deciding what to keep and how to sort colors.

The most common joy of this tour is the sheer volume of finds. People rave about leaving with a bag full of glass in a range of colors (greens show up often, and guests also mention blues, reds, oranges, and yellows). And if you’re the type who loves collecting, you’ll enjoy that the island is basically built for it.

A practical tip: bring your patience and a relaxed mindset. When you’re surrounded by shiny bits, it can get addictive fast. You’ll start noticing patterns like where glass collects and how the shoreline changes as you move.

What You Collect (and Why You Don’t Need to Snorkel)

This tour is not a snorkel excursion. There’s no requirement to go in the water and no snorkeling is needed. That makes it easier to plan if you’d rather keep things on the beach and avoid extra gear.

You’ll collect sea glass by digging and sifting near the shoreline, which is exactly why water shoes matter. On a rocky shore, glass hunting turns into a little protective gear test. With the right shoes, you can focus on the hunt instead of watching your footing every second.

Many guests also liked that the guides help with the “get your finds handled” part of the experience, including bags/baggies for your treasure. If you already own a fine mesh bag, it can work well for rinsing or separating finds, but the tour provides what you need to start.

Included Gear and Drinks: The Stuff That Makes It Easy

For $95 per person, the tour includes several key pieces that keep you from having to over-pack.

You’ll get:

• Life jacket
• Small hand rakes
• Powerade and water (bottled)

That might sound basic, but it adds up. You don’t just rent a kayak. You’re also not scrambling for hydration on a hot beach island. Guests specifically appreciated the drinks once the sun and humidity kicked in.

One more item you should treat as mandatory even if you’re tempted to skip it: water shoes. The rocky shoreline is a real factor, and multiple people called this out as the difference between an easy hunt and a painful one.

Price and Value: What $95 Buys You in Aruba

At $95 per person, this is not a throwaway activity. But it’s also not priced like a full-day, big-crew excursion. Here’s why it feels like good value for many people:

1. Time on task: you spend real energy on the treasure hunt (about two hours) instead of burning most of the day on travel.
2. Small group size: the cap of 8 travelers helps keep the experience relaxed and supported.
3. Guided search: Ericko isn’t just driving the boat. He helps you look smarter, and that increases your odds of a satisfying collection.
4. Included supplies: life jackets and rakes remove the guesswork. Drinks keep you comfortable in Aruba’s morning heat.

The main cost not reflected in the price is getting yourself to the meeting point. Since transportation isn’t included, your true total depends on whether you’re already nearby or need a taxi.

Safety, Insurance, and the “Government Checks” Detail

This operator makes a specific point about safety. They say they’re the only licensed kayak tour to Sea Glass Island, and they mention insurance and liability coverage, plus mandatory government safety checks every 6 months.

I can’t verify the paperwork myself, but I do like seeing operators state these things clearly. It usually means they take the basics seriously: equipment readiness, procedures, and compliance.

Also, you’ll feel the safety focus in the way the tour is structured. You get a briefing before kayaking, you’re in a small group, and the crossing time is short. Several guests also described feeling safe in the provided kayaks, and one person noted that help is available if someone prefers an alternative to paddling the whole way.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a great match if you:

• Like beachcombing and collecting small treasures
• Want an active morning without it turning into a workout day
• Are curious about a side of Aruba you won’t get from the main postcard beaches
• Want first-time-friendly kayaking with a short crossing

It’s also a good “family win” in some cases. One review described taking children aged 4 and 9, and the kids felt relaxed on the short trip over. Still, since the tour requires moderate physical fitness, you should judge it based on your comfort with getting in and out of a kayak and walking around rocky shoreline areas.

This might not be the best choice if you:

• Don’t enjoy searching and sifting
• Expect the experience to be mostly paddling (the island exploration is the main event)
• Hate situations where water shoes are non-negotiable

A Realistic Timeline: How Your Morning Typically Flows

You’re looking at about 2 hours 30 minutes total. The structure usually follows this pattern:

• Quick setup at Zeerover, safety briefing, and getting ready
• The short kayak crossing along the coast (roughly 5–8 minutes)
• Around 2 hours exploring Sea Glass Island and collecting your finds
• Kayak back to the meeting point and wrap up

That timeline is why this tour works so well as a morning activity. You end early enough to do lunch, beach time, or another excursion without feeling like the whole day is swallowed by one event.

Should You Book Sea Glass Island Aruba?

Yes, if your idea of a perfect Aruba morning includes walking a beach slowly, kneeling to check the sand, and getting a little thrill when you spot color. The combination of short kayaking, a guided treasure hunt, and the included gear makes it feel accessible without being dull.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• You like unique souvenirs that aren’t mass-produced
• You want a small-group experience (max 8 travelers)
• You’re planning for heat and want included hydration

Skip or rethink if:

• You don’t want to do hands-on searching
• You can’t handle rocky shoreline conditions even with water shoes
• You need transportation to be fully included

If you match the vibe, Sea Glass Island is one of those rare activities that feels both relaxing and satisfyingly “productive.” You’ll come back with more than photos. You’ll come back with your own stash.

FAQ

How long is the Sea Glass Island Aruba tour?

It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes total (approx.), with around 2 hours spent exploring the island.

What time does the tour start?

The start time listed is 8:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Zeerover Savaneta 270, Savaneta, Aruba.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get life jacket, small hand rakes, and Powerade plus bottled water.

Do I need water shoes?

Yes. Water shoes are required, because you’ll be exploring a rocky shore.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. Transportation to the meeting point is not included.

Do I need to snorkel?

No. There’s no snorkeling required and you don’t need to go in the ocean for this activity.

How physically demanding is it?

It’s listed for moderate physical fitness. The kayak ride is short, but you’ll still be doing some paddling and walking on shore.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.