How to Get to Sea Glass Island in Aruba: Kayak vs. Boat

Sea Glass Island is a small offshore island near Aruba's southern coast, in the Spanish Lagoon area. It is known for sea glass that has been smoothed by years of exposure to sand and water.

Unlike Eagle Beach or Palm Beach, Sea Glass Island is not somewhere you can simply drive to and park. Reaching it requires traveling across the water.

Most visitors arrange transportation through a guided excursion. The exact meeting point depends on the tour operator, so always check your booking confirmation before leaving your hotel.

A guided kayaking excursion combines a short paddling adventure with time exploring the island. After meeting your guide, you'll receive instructions and any equipment included in your booking. You'll then paddle toward Sea Glass Island, with the route and travel time depending on your departure point and conditions.

Once you arrive, you'll have time to explore the shoreline, look for colorful sea glass and take photos before returning to the mainland.

If you don't want to paddle, a boat tour offers another way to reach Sea Glass Island. Instead of kayaking, you'll travel with a local operator by motorized boat. Depending on the excursion, your visit may include guided information about the island, time to explore and a return trip to the departure point.

You don't necessarily need a commercial tour to reach Sea Glass Island, but you do need an appropriate way to cross the water.

There is no road connecting the island to the mainland and no regular public ferry service.

Independent access may be possible using suitable private water transportation, subject to local access rules, conditions and safety considerations. However, visitors unfamiliar with the area should not assume that swimming or paddling independently is safe.

A guided excursion is usually the more practical choice because transportation, route planning and return arrangements are organized in advance.

Travel time depends on the departure point, transportation method, weather and sea conditions.

A kayak excursion may involve approximately 15–30 minutes of paddling each way, although this is not a guaranteed travel time. A motorized boat can cover the distance more quickly, depending on its route.

Some listed excursions take approximately two to three hours in total, including preparation, transportation and time on the island.

Sea Glass Island offers a different experience from Aruba's larger, well-known beaches.

Rather than visiting for beach bars, restaurants or a full day of swimming, travelers come to discover the unusual shoreline and enjoy a short excursion on the water.

It's particularly appealing to visitors interested in photography, nature, kayaking or exploring less conventional attractions.

If your main goal is swimming, snorkeling or spending several hours on a sandy beach, one of Aruba's established beach destinations or a snorkeling cruise may be a better fit.