Route 4- Helene Creek Lagoon

Approximate Time: 2-3 Hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Guided: A guide will bring you by boat to the route and accompany you throughout the entire trip.

Things to Bring: Sturdy shoes for walking, camera, sunscreen, bug spray

Description: This route offers kayakers a variety of activities in a short amount of time. You will start by taking a skiff with a guide from Mango Creek up to the southern entrance to Helene Creek- a wide mangrove channel that allows access between the north and south shores of the island.

After getting set, you will portage your boat a short distance and start paddling north through the mangrove pond. Take your time to watch the variety of bird species, including a great number of wild parrots that live in the area. The best times to be here are in the morning when these parrots group together and sing to one another.

After leisurely paddling through the pond, you can park your boat at the north end which lies adjacent to Helene Creek. It is worth your while to leave the kayaks and take a nice stroll through the cliff and cave area of Pulpit- the home of pre-Columbian natives. It is a gorgeous walk, with giant palm trees, mango trees, avacado trees and even a rare nonnee apple all within one area. Spot iguanas and other lizards in the trees and crawl around through the numerous small caves that line the limestone cliff covered with vines.

After taking the short hike, you can once again get back in your kayak and finish the route by taking the relaxing paddle through Helene Creek back up to the north side. The creek runs right through the heart of the mangrove area of the island and the spectacular wildlife and serene atmosphere make for a wonderful float. The route ends where the canal meets the north shore of the island. You can beach your kayaks and have a drink on the beach, looking out at the breaking waves on the reef and up towards the cliffs of the island of Barbaret to the east.