Adventure Collective
Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour in St. Croix, USVI - Christiansted

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour in St. Croix, USVI

Salt Rivereasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate paddling involved with plenty of breaks.

Overview

Paddle through glowing waters on the Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour in St. Croix’s Salt River. Discover a magical night adventure unlike any other.

Guided Tour
Kayak
Water Activities
Salt River, St. Croix

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour

2 Hours | Discover Bioluminescent Bay

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Adventure Photos

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Duration

Approximately 2 hours


About

Our island's most special attraction is the nighttime bioluminescence tour. We offer the only completely see-through kayak tour to view the billions of tiny lights (bioluminescence) in the bay.

We depart Salt River Marina and paddle 3/4 mile to the bioluminescent bay. Once inside the bay, the guides describe the wonders of the water and then you are set free for 45 minutes to explore this natural phenomenon, in one of only 7 full time bioluminescent bays in the world. We are the only tour operator that allows you to explore on your own, all others keep you grouped together while they talk the entire time. One guide is always stationed at the exit of the bay to ensure you don't inadvertently leave and get lost, and the second guide is roaming with you inside the bay, leaving you alone unless you have questions. As your kayak skims over the dark water, you are agitating billions of bioluminescent micro organisms, causing them to light up underneath you, engulfing the kayak in a beautiful glow.

There are two options:

Sea Thru Transparent Kayak features:

  • Entirely clear plexiglass hull
  • Complete visibility into the waters beneath
  • Less stable, not ideal for beginners
  • Limited weight rating – Maximum 385lbs for both (2) occupants in boat, 235lbs individual limit

Sit on Top Ocean Kayak features:

  • Traditional design, not transparent
  • Wide and stable kayak
  • Suited for rougher conditions
  • Comfortable and ergonomic
  • Easier to enter and exit
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Higher occupant weight rating – Maximum 500lbs

Each kayak is equipped with a glow stick, to ensure the guides can see where you are, as well as each guide's kayak equipped with a light mast.

You are provided a clean Coast Guard approved life vest, and a short kayaking introduction and instructions prior to the tour.

Some of our customers have never kayaked before. Kayaking or boating experience is not necessary, just a great attitude and willingness to learn.

If the customer requests to abandon the tour and return to the marina, or if the guide determines that a guest is affecting the safety of the group, there will be no refund.

Please Note: Your party cannot have more children than adults - all children must be in a kayak with an adult. Please give us a call to discuss arrangements prior to booking if your party has more children than adults.

Adventure Tips

Bring a waterproof flashlight

Use a flashlight with a red filter to navigate safely without disturbing the bioluminescence.

Avoid wearing lotions or insect repellent

Chemical products can harm the delicate ecosystem and reduce bioluminescent activity.

Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing

Evening temperatures may cool, and staying dry ensures comfort throughout the tour.

Arrive early for check-in and orientation

Punctuality helps maximize your time on the water during twilight when bioluminescence is most visible.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bioluminescent dinoflagellates
  • Mangrove crabs and nocturnal fish

History

Salt River was historically a center for sugar plantations before becoming a protected wildlife refuge.

Conservation

Efforts focus on preserving the bioluminescent bay’s fragile ecosystem by limiting pollution and enforcing sustainable tour practices.

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Adventure Hotspots in Christiansted

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof dry bag

Essential

Keeps your personal items and electronics dry during the kayak tour.

Headlamp with red light

Essential

Allows you to see safely while preserving the night’s natural darkness for bioluminescence.

Light windbreaker

Provides warmth against cool evening breezes on the water.

fall specific

Water shoes

Essential

Protects your feet when launching and landing kayaks in rocky or slippery terrain.

summer specific