St. Croix Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour

Experience the Bio Bay of St. Croix - One of 7 in the world!

The tour departs from Salt River Marina and covers 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km) to reach the bay. The tour typically begins near sunset, giving guests time to adjust their eyes to the darkness before arriving at the bay — where the real magic begins. Once inside, you'll have 45 minutes of free-roaming exploration. Unlike many other bio bay tours, this one lets you explore independently inside the bay rather than following a rigid paddling route. One guide is stationed at the bay exit for safety, while a second guide roams within the bay, available for questions or deeper dives into the science and ecology of what you're witnessing.

As your kayak skims across the dark water, you agitate billions of dinoflagellates — microscopic plankton that emit a bright blue-green glow as a defense mechanism. In a see-through kayak, the effect has been described by guests as "a thousand shooting stars at once."

Duration

1. 2 Hours
   
2. Please allow approximately 2.5 hours total including check-in, safety briefing, and gear fitting.
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Check in/Departure Address: Salt River Marina, 2100 Church St, Christiansted, St Croix 00820
   
2. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
   
3. Parking is available on site!
   
4. Tours depart around nightfall; exact start time will be listed in your booking confirmation.
   

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 8 years old
   
2. Children ages 8–12 must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult
   
3. Maximum child-to-adult ratio: 1:1
   
4. Maximum Weight for Transparent Kayaks: 235 lbs (106 kgs) per person / 385 lbs (174 kgs) per kayak
   
5. Maximum Weight for Sit on Top Ocean Kayaks: 350 lbs (158 kgs) per individual / 500 lbs (226 kgs) per kayak
6. The kayaks are two-person boats, and we must outfit the boats with two guests (unless you are a solo traveler or odd numbered party, then we have other options).
   
7. No kayaking experience required
   
8. Guests should be comfortable around water and able to follow guide instructions
   
9. This tour requires 1.5 miles of paddling and, depending on conditions, may be very strenuous.
   
10. All participants must be sober upon arrival
    

What's Included

1. Guided 2-hour nighttime kayak tour of the Salt River Bio Bay
   
2. Kayaks & Paddles
   
3. Coast Guard-approved life vest
   
4. Glow stick on each kayak for safety
   
5. Pre-tour safety introduction and paddling demonstration
   
6. Knowledgeable local guide with historical and natural history commentary
   
7. 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.
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!
   
2. Dry bag for personal items and electronics
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Swimsuit / Quick Drying Clothing
   
2. Water shoes or sandals with straps
   
3. Reusable Water Bottle
   
4. DEET-free insect repellent — required
   
5. Extra Layers of Clothing / Towels - Sweatshirts and Warm Hats
   
6. Required paperwork — waivers and health/safety forms
   
7. Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
   
8. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get lost or damaged by the water.
   

Wildlife Guidelines

Bioluminescence in Salt River Bio Bay is created by microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates. When their water is disturbed — by paddles, hands, or movement — they emit a bright blue-green glow as a defense mechanism. Please do not use any DEET-based repellents or lotions, as these chemicals harm the dinoflagellates. Apply any insect repellent at least 30 minutes before your tour to minimize transfer to the water. A 2014 study of bioluminescent bays identified swimming as one of the reasons that bio-bays crash.  So together with the other tour operators in Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, we have agreed to ban swimming in the bay. This is for both for your own safety, and to protect the organisms we are here to see