Virgin
Kayak Tours
Kayaking Adventures in
St Croix, US Virgin Islands

Tent Camping FAQs

 Frequently asked questions:



How can I pay for my camping/kayak adventure?
We accept checks and Paypal. Once you have paid for your requested week, you will be locked in for that week. There is a minimum stay of three nights. There is a $220.00 cancellation fee, for cabin rentals, for cancellations made within 30 days of reservation. There is a $100.00 cancellation fee for cancellations made before that. There is a $500.00 cancellation fee for cancellations to Adventure Packages, made within 30 days of the reservation. There is a $200 cancellation fee for cancellations made before that. To get a confirmed reservation, you must prepay. The tent cabin rental rates are:

$85.00/night/two people/one queen futon. $10.00/night/extra person. Air mattress
$525.00/week/two people/one queen futon. $10.00/night/extra person. Air mattress
$105.00/night/two queen futons/four people max. $735.00/week.
$999.00/Adventure Package/two people/one queen futon. $419.00/child only. Air mattress
$1888.00/Adventure package/two queen futons/two adults/two children only.

There is 8% VI tax, a $50.00 cleaning fee, and a security deposit of $100.00 added to all sub totals.

Do I need to rent a car?
You do not have to, but you should if you want to go to a grocery store, have dinner in town, or explore the island on your own.


Where can I hike?

You can go for a hike right from your campsite. There is a private trail that goes through the valley, and winds up toward Mt Eagle; St Croix's highest peak. There is a fresh water spring where you can find Crawlfish and Mountain Mullet. You can hike to The Tidal Pools at Will's Bay. The trail head is at Carambola Beach Resort, 1.5 miles away. You may have heard this being called Annaly Bay, but Annaly is actually two or three bays further west, and is a more difficult hike. But well worth it, with a beautiful private cove. On a very flat day, we can slip in there with a kayak for snorkeling and a picnic. Because Annaly is more remote, there is less chance of being bombarded with jeeps full of tourists. We have other hikes to share with you, some are well marked and others not at all. The Adventure Package includes a half day hike to Will's Bay.

What sort of wildlife will I see at the base camp?
  You will see and hear signs of Whitetail Deer. Many of the Sweetlime Trees are used as their scratching posts. And from time to time, you will hear a buck snorting. We have integrated the Green Iguana into the 101 acres that make up Cane Bay Plantation. Seven years ago we released "Big Bubba" and "Lizzy" back into the wild, in hopes of them repopulating the area. Since then, we have found many clutches of eggs, and have seen small and medium sized Iguanas in the woods. Each morning the Arnies, or "Black Witches", pass through the camp.You'll become familiar with their distinct call. There are White crowned Pigeons, Doves, tree frogs, humming birds, Mongoose, Woodslaves, and of course, occasionally,  the neighbor's chickens. Up the private jungle  trail, there is a natural spring with mountain mullet. From time to time, you'll find a Coqui frog in the bath house! Don't be alarmed, they are harmless and they eat mosquitoes.

Why are the trails cut through the forest, rather than the raised boardwalks I see in other eco camps?
  We were very thoughtful when we discussed this idea, and made this decision. Because the forest had so many exotic (foreign) vines, we realized that we had to manage the forest or eventually, we'd lose it. because man had already interfered with the region, we felt it was our responsibility to undo some of the damage through stewardship. There are at least five non indigenous voracious vines that had been choking out the 250 year old Saman Trees, the Mangos, Kinips, and Mahoganys. Because of the trails, we are able to reach the vines and cut them out of the trees.

Why don't you use skirted, touring kayaks?
 When Columbus wrote in his journal about the strange boats he saw, he was describing the canoe. The Native Virgin Islanders migrated from South America in canoes. In fact canoe is a Taino word. Kayaks that have skirts over the enclosed cockpit are designed for the cold water. These boats originally come from places like Greenland and the northern parts of the world. Open cockpit, self bailing kayaks and canoes are more suitable for warm weather. This makes it easy to get in and out of your boat when snorkeling. It's also very important to stay cool in the tropical climate; splashing water into the boat easily allows for this. We have tried many, many different types of kayaks: from the surf ski to the wave ski; from the inflatable to the see thru; from the wooden to the glass; from day trippers to expeditions; and lastly from paddle to pedal. Trust us when we we tell you that the boats we use are the most efficient and most practical boats for our conditions. The boats we use are the Hobie Mirage Series, and the Heritage Sea Touring Series.

How Far is the beach?   Cane Bay Beach is 5 minutes away from your tent cabin on foot. The cabins are tucked in the forest, under the canopy, for shade and privacy. The commissary and bath house are 2 minutes to your cabin. This is the only campground or eco lodging on the island with a sandy swim beach. There is world class diving right off our beach. It doesn't get any better than this. Nearby, Carambola Beach is 1.5 miles from your cabin. All beaches on St Croix are open to the public, but not all have sandy entries into the water. Columbus Landing Beach is 4 miles east at Salt River Bay National Park and Ecological Preserve.

Do I need to worry about animals like snakes or spiders?
St Croix doesn't really have snakes. So no, you don't have to worry about them. But, being in a tropical forest, you will have visitors at your tent cabin. There are some fascinating burrowing spiders, that glow in the dark, in our east yard. You have to remember that this is camping in a tropical forest. My suggestion is that people who are afraid of insects, may not want to camp. You can stay at one of the nearby hotels and still buy the eco-adventure package. $699.00/couple for 5 activities.

What should I bring camping?
You should bring:
  • a good headlamp and a flashlight to maneuver the trail and bath house at night
  • a sturdy pair of all terrain shoes (ALL TERRAIN)
  • a pair of slip on shoes
  • beach wear
  • outdoor wear
  • hat, sunglasses, sunblock and a beach towel
  • a reusable water bottle and a daypack
  • snorkel gear if you don't want to rent
  • fishing gear if fishing
  • traveler's checks (many island businesses don't take credit cards)
  • a good book.
The commissary has basic items like sunblock, ice, drinking water, some food, drinks, bugspray, headlamps, charcoal, propane, coffee, paper towels, and toiletries for sale. DO NOT BRING rolling luggage, as you need to carry your gear to your tent cabin. There is an all terrain wagon for those who don't have backpacks, but there is no bell hop or room service. Remember, this is camping.

Should I bring my computer? What about food?
Unless you absolutely must, I don't suggest a computer. Because this is an active, camping vacation, we suggest you do not bring any valuables. You will need your cell phone, but there is no phone or internet at the cabins. We can show you where to get a cell signal. Although you are welcome to, you don't need to bring food. There are several restaurants in easy walking distance, and the commissary sells basic items. See above.

Do the tent cabins have electricity? What about hot water?
The tent cabins and the bathhouse do not have electricity. They come with two camp lanterns, a propane stove, and a large cooler. The bath house has 75 degree, cool water. You can rent a solar shower if you want. The commissary has lockers where you can charge electronics. Ice, drinking water, propane, matches and other necessities are sold at the commissary.

What kind of person should camp at Cane Bay Campground?
The person who wants to be close to nature, but not be way out in the middle of nowhere. Because of it's proximity to Cane Bay's lively atmosphere, the camp offers the best of both worlds. Someone who loves to camp, but doesn't want to sleep on the ground. Someone who wants to have some structured activities at their doorstep, and also wants some free down time. You should do this if you want to hike trails and kayak to places most people haven't been. Someone who wants to learn about native art and crafts. Someone who wants to be a little more environmentally friendly on their vacation. Someone who likes to camp out in the outdoors. This isn't for you if you need air conditioning, paved sidewalks, internet, or sterilized environments. This is camping in the tropics, in a screened in tent cabin, in a tropical forest. It's not a hotel.

Can we chose our own itinerary?
 Because there might be others participating in the sea kayak adventure package, we take individual desires into consideration, and then we make the final itinerary based on the ability of individuals, weather and logistics. We will try to design your excursions to suit your desires and abilities. One thing you need to remember is that guided tours are GUIDED, so you need to be comfortable with following your guide. If you prefer to take off on your own, you should just rent a cabin, and not do the Adventure Package.

Can I book the whole campground?
 Yes. If you have a group of eight people. This way, you could customize your itinerary. For example, you might want to: have a women's yoga retreat; book a college backpacker club, a women's boot camp; circumnavigate the island; or host a guy's fishing trip. 

Can I just rent a cabin and not do the adventure package?
 Yes! You can rent cabins by the week, for two, $525.00. Or by the night, for two $85.00. Three night minimum. $10.00 per night for additional persons. There is a $50.00 cleaning fee, and a security deposit.

Is there a bar there?
  The campground does not have a bar or restaurant, but there is a restaurant on the property. There are several great places to check out in the neighborhood. All are reasonably priced, and some offer free wi-fi. There's Eat at Cane Bay; Sprat Net; Off the Wall; The Waves at Cane Bay; Bogey's; Slyvia's; Above the Cliff; Rowdy Joe's and Carambola Beach Resort.

How do I get there?
 Airlines fly into St Croix through Miami, Atlanta, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St Thomas. The airport code for St Croix is STX. Getting to Cane Bay campground is easy by taxi van or car rental. We are located on RT 80, across the street from Cane Bay Beach. Please get directions from us! You will need additional direction if you are getting in late. The campground is located behind Virgin Kayak Tours and Cane Bay Dive Shop. There are taxi vans waiting at the airport. Please also note that we drive on the left in St Croix! Because we are a US Territory, you do not need a passport to come here.
 
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