St. Croix Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour

The bioluminescent intensity depends on weather conditions such as rain, tide, moon phase, sunlight, and many other natural factors outside anyone's control. Ideally, the best time to visit is around the new moon and during the drier months. That said, tours run year-round and guests have reported stunning experiences across many conditions. Your guides will give you the best available experience on the night of your tour — and if conditions are very poor (such as a very bright full moon), they will communicate this honestly ahead of time.

Bioluminescence in Salt River Bio Bay is caused by microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates (Pyrodinium bahamense). When their water is disturbed — by paddles, hands, or waves — they emit a bright blue-green glow as a defense mechanism. Salt River Bay is one of only six or seven full-time bioluminescent bays in the world and is currently being studied by the National Park Service and Dr. Michael Latz of Scripps Institute California.

Yes, but with some limitations. Bioluminescence is notoriously difficult to capture on standard phone cameras or DSLRs without specialized settings and long exposure capability. Most guests find the experience is best enjoyed in person. Your guides are not responsible for any damaged or lost items.

No prior experience is necessary. The majority of guests have never kayaked before. Your guides provide a short introduction and instructions before the tour begins. That said, guests in reviews note that having some basic experience or fitness does make the paddle more comfortable, particularly on windier nights.

Yes — weight limits are extremely important for both safety and kayak performance. The fully transparent “sea thru” kayaks are specially designed to maximize visibility into the water below, but because of their construction, they also have stricter weight limits than traditional kayaks.

For the transparent kayaks:

• Maximum individual weight: 235 lbs (107 kg)
• Maximum combined weight per kayak: 385 lbs (175 kg)

These limits help ensure the kayaks remain stable, responsive, and safe on the water. Overloading a kayak increases the risk of taking on water, reduced maneuverability, instability, or capsizing.

Transparent kayaks are generally configured as two-person tandem kayaks, and guests are paired accordingly unless you are a solo traveler or part of an odd-numbered group. If your group exceeds the transparent kayak limits, alternative kayak options may be available depending on availability:

• Glass-bottom kayaks: up to 385 lbs (175 kg) combined
• Sit-on-top kayaks: up to 500 lbs (227 kg) combined
• Paddleboards: maximum 225 lbs (102 kg)

If guests arrive above the posted limits, participation in the transparent kayaks may not be possible, and guides may place guests into another type of kayak if available. These limits are strictly enforced for everyone’s safety.

For families with children:

• Each child must ride in a kayak with an adult
• Groups may not have more children than adults
• If your group has more children than adults, please contact the outfitter before booking to discuss possible arrangements

Guests who voluntarily leave the tour early or who are unable to safely participate in a way that affects group safety may not be eligible for a refund.

Don’t worry!  We’ve got you covered.  DEET is nasty stuff, it is harmful to the bioluminescent organisms in the bay, and it melts our boats! We will provide a DEET free, Picaridin based insect repellent lotion for your convenience.  You’ll love it.

Our main concern bringing small children on the tour is that they won’t be able to sit still for the entire tour, and will disrupt the enjoyment of others, since we can’t turn the tour around for only one party.  We’ve set our age limit at 5 years old.  However, if you believe that you have a little one that can handle the time on the water, and you can’t find a baby sitter – give us a call and we can talk about it.  We do have large “sit-on-top” boats that can handle three or four passengers (if one or two of them are small).  Just remember, this is an adventure tour with 1.5 miles of paddling. All children under the age of 13 must have a capable, fit adult in the kayak with paddling with them.

Generally speaking, if it rains, we get wet!  Quick passing showers are one of the delightful things about the Caribbean, especially during certain seasons.  They are called diurnal showers and they frequently pass just after sunset.  If we anticipate widespread, pervasive, nasty, long ongoing rain, then we will cancel the tour.  We make this judgement call about 1.5 hours before the tour departs and send out emails and text messages to alert everyone.  Last year, this happened about four or five times, so it is very rare.   Typically the rain passes quickly, and the tour continues. Light rain does not affect the bioluminescence, and actually, adds a beautiful raindrop effect

No worries. All guests are required to wear a USCG approved personal flotation device.  These are comfortable paddling vests, once you get comfortable with them you will forget you have one on, and will want to wear it home.