Tour The Bioluminescent Bay in ease and comfort, in a state of the art Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayak! Virgin Kayak is a full paddlesports center located in Salt River Bay National Park, at The Salt River Marina. We offer Kayak and SUP rentals, as well as Bioluminescent Bay kayak tours, Sunset & Moonlight kayak tours, Salt River Bay National Park daytime historical kayak tours, and even SUP tours! Our tours of Salt River Bay focus on ecology, Pre-Columbian history, and the Bioluminescence, and you will definitely see our passion shine through on every tour. We strive to pass on an awareness for the preservation of St Croix’s natural and historical resources through kayaking and water sports. Book your tour online now!
Kayak Tours
Our Kayaks
With the award winning Hobie Mirage pedal kayaks, it’s like going for a walk, on top of the sea. The Hobie kayak’s innovative, state of the art design, allows for everyone to easily cruise the waters of St Croix. Hobie Mirage kayaks are foot pedaled, giving you a hands free experience, and the ability to cut through the wind and currents with ease, making your tour relaxing and effortless. A hand operated rudder control, and recumbent high back seats make this the ultimate ride.
Minimum age: 6 years old |  Maximum Weight/person: 260 lbs per person
Bioluminescent Bay Tour
St Croix Bioluminescent Bay kayak tours are relaxing, peaceful and low key. St Croix kayaking takes you to one of only ten super glow biobays left in the world. Found in tropical mangrove estuaries, biobays are disappearing from over-development and light pollution. St Croix kayak tours make it easy to cross the bay for everyone, even in the strongest winds, because of our innovative Hobie Mirage kayaks. St Croix kayaking meets at our shop just prior to sunset. Once it gets dark, we kayak across the to Biobay, where you’ll witness the magical underwater lights, like gold dust or lightening bugs. These tiny single celled organisms, called Dino-flagellates, sparkle in the water when agitated. Check our website for the best Biobay Tour Dates.
Salt River Bay Daytime Eco Tour
This daytime tour brings you through all areas of Salt River Bay. You’ll learn about the ecology of the Mangrove Estuary, the Tainos and Kalinagos, migratory birds, the encounter with Columbus, the earthen fort, and the Taino Ball Court. We’ll pedal the whole bay, while learning the vast history of the area. It makes for a fun yet relaxing day.
Nighttime Sunset & Moonlight Tour
It’s time to relax and enjoy the nature of St. Croix at night. Calm and serene is what you’ll feel out on this kayak tour. When the moonlight gets too bright for bioluminescent kayaking, we still enjoy the peaceful wonder of nature. On our Sunset and Moonlight kayak tour, we’ll catch the end of the sunset casting beautiful colors over Salt River Bay. We’ll watch for cattle egrets, pelicans, and herons coming home for the night. We’ll kayak out to the reef to see the sunset and maybe spot a green turtle coming up for air. Once the stars begin to shine, you’ll learn about the night sky and the constellations. We kayak over to the St. Croix bioluminescent bay, and if we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of these tiny, magical creatures. Enjoy a relaxing ride across the bay back to the shop being guided by the moonlight. Truly a peaceful evening. Meeting times vary depending on sunset.
Book your tour online today!
Rentals and Sales
Rentals
Half day and Full Day rentals available
Maps and information about Salt River provided
Rented equipment must remain within Salt River
Advanced reservations required
All equipment must be returned by 5pm
Customer will be charged for any damaged or lost equipment
Sales
We are proud to be St. Croix’s only authorized Hobie Dealership offering new and used Hobie Kayak, and a full line of Hobie parts and accessories. We also carry new and used Stand Up Paddleboards. Come see us to see what’s available! Please contact us for more information, or to schedule a demo ride.
Book your tour online today!
SUP Tours
SUP Tours
Whether you have never been on a Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) before, or if you consider yourself a professional, this tour is sure to be filled with fun and adventure! For any beginners, your trip will start with a lesson and getting comfortable on the board. Our guides will then take you out to experience the wonder and beauty of Salt River Bay. Full of information about ecology and history, you will enjoy a relaxing morning exploring! Tours are currently available Wednesday mornings from 9:00am-11:00am.
​Minimum age: 8 years old | Maximum Weight/person: 250 lbs
Book your tour online today!
About Us
Whether you take a half day tour of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, an evening Bioluminescent Bay tour, or a Nighttime/Moonlight tour, we think you’ll love it! We are a small, family owned and operated kayak outfitter, showing visitors and locals the beauty of St Croix since 1998. Over the years, we have worked closely with the National Park Service, The Department of Parks and Natural Resources, St Croix Environmental Association, The Kalinago Tribe, The St Croix Archeological Society, and local historians to give you the best tour we can give.
Owners: Patti and John Thompson II
​Managers: Alison Sobeck and John Thompson III (JT)
​Guides: Jon Bowman, Greg Herald
Founders: Bryan and Jill Updyke
Bryan moved down to St Croix in 1990, just after Hurricane Hugo: a category 5 hurricane; the worst recorded in St Croix history. He purchased a wrecked house and over the following year, put it back together again. It wasn’t until 1995, when Jill went on a post graduate vacation to St. Croix, that the two met. Bryan likes to say “I was waiting with my tail wagging!” They were married in the garden at their house, and later welcomed their daughter Bryanna to the family.
In 1997, they read a news article on The Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks, and opened the first Hobie Kayak Dealership in the Virgin Islands. Over the years they founded: The St. Croix Kayak Club; The Caribbean Indigenous Arts and Crafts Museum; commissioned The Cra Cra, a Kalinago dug out canoe; opened AYAY ART; built and founded Cane Bay Campground; became advocates for Salt River Bay National Park by removing abandoned vehicles and trash, and erecting signs; taught Pre-Columbian history and art to local schoolchildren; found the fabled Maroon Cave; and held pottery seminars in the Taino tradition.
In August of 2015, they moved their location to Salt River Marina, where they have incorporated much of Bryan’s art. There is a display of original Taino Indian artifacts, as well as Bryan’s Pit Fired Ceramics, handmade headdresses, paintings, and wood totems. There are several Kalinago dug out canoes on display. They also acquired a collection of original Taino artifacts, that they dream of someday housing in a permanent exhibition. They have an interest and passion in sharing their love and knowledge of Pre-Columbian art, history and lifestyles.
Details and Restrictions
Tours last approximately 2-2.5 hours, unless otherwise noted
Please DO NOT put any bug spray on your arms or hands
Minimum age of 6 years old
Maximum weight of 260 lbs per person
Life jackets will be provided
Lockers are available for your personal belongings
What to Bring
Clothes/shoes that can get wet. We do have a limited number of water shoes available or you may go barefoot!
For daytime tours, please wear sunblock, a hat, and/or other sun protection and bring a light snack
Cash to tip your guide(s)
Your sense of adventure!
Our Location
We are located in Salt River Marina, in Salt River Bay National Park on the North Shore of St. Croix
