VIRGIN KAYAK TOURS
EST. 1998
Virgin Kayak Tours and Outfitters FAQs
Explore common questions to help you make the most of your kayaking experience in St. Croix.
Will my group be in kayaks together?
What time of year is best for bioluminescence kayaking?
Why don't I see biobay kayak tours offered on my desired dates?
Your tours are all full. Do you have a waitlist?
Do you have see-through kayaks?
Can I see the biobay with the Hobie Mirage Kayaks?
What experience or strength do I need to kayak across the bay?
What can I expect on a guided tour?
Why do you need my weight/child's age?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you cancel tours for bad weather?
Will my group be in kayaks together?
We have both single and tandem (two-person) kayaks. Generally, we put everyone in tandems unless your party is an odd number. In that case, one person will go in a single kayak.
We do not combine guests with someone outside their party. Occasionally, our guides will assign guests to single kayaks due to weight and to ensure comfort.
If you have any specific concerns or questions about your group’s kayak arrangements, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re happy to accommodate your needs and ensure you have a great experience.
What time of year is best for bioluminescence kayaking?
The bioluminescent bay at Salt River National Park and Ecological Preserve is one of only ten "super glow biobays" in the world, meaning the bioluminescence is visible 365 days a year. However, the brightness and concentration of the glow can vary due to several unpredictable factors, including environmental conditions and the presence of certain organisms in the water.
One key factor that affects the visibility of the bioluminescence is the ambient light in the sky, particularly from the moon. The brighter the moon, the more it can diminish the intensity of the glow. For this reason, we schedule our Bioluminescence Kayak Tours on nights when the bioluminescence is most visible—typically when the moon is less prominent or during specific phases of the lunar cycle.
Rest assured, whenever we offer our Bioluminescence Kayak Tours, the glow will be visible and not significantly impacted by the factors we can predict. No matter when you book, you'll still be able to experience the magic of this natural wonder!
Why don’t I see biobay kayak tours offered on my desired dates?
We only offer the Bioluminescence Kayak Tours when the bio is most visible.
For about 10 days each month, the moon rises earlier in the evening. It also gets bigger, casting light from the sky. This diminishes the effects of the bioluminescence, although you can still see some of the bio’s glow on these nights.
During this time, we offer our Sunset and Moonlight Biobay Tour, where you not only get to still experience some of the bioluminescent magic, but also enjoy the sunset and moonlight reflecting over Salt River Bay
Your tours are full. Do you have a waitlist?
Although we don’t have a formal waitlist for our tours, we welcome guests to come to our shop during our check-in window, which is 15 minutes before the scheduled tour start time, to be considered for standby. If another party cancels last minute or doesn’t show up, you’ll have the opportunity to take their place and join the tour.
We recommend booking your tour prior to arriving on island for the best chance to secure a spot. When you book 30 days or more in advance, you'll receive a special early bird booking discount!
Do you have see-through kayaks?
No, we do not offer see-through kayaks. After over 25 years in the business, we’ve found that the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal Kayak System provides the most comfortable and efficient way for guests to experience the beauty of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.
The Hobie kayaks are sturdier and have a higher weight capacity compared to see-through kayaks, ensuring a more stable and secure ride. Additionally, the foot-pedaled MirageDrive system allows you to easily move through the bay, no matter your fitness level or kayaking experience. All you need to do is move your feet, leaving your hands free to take in the sights, capture photos, or interact with the bioluminescence.
To learn more about the amazing Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks and why they’re the perfect choice for exploring Salt River Bay, click here.
Can I see the biobay with the Hobie Mirage Kayaks?
Absolutely! One of the many reasons kayakers love the Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks is because they offer the perfect way to experience the bioluminescent bay.
One of the biggest misconceptions about our bioluminescent bay is that it just naturally glows all on its own. In reality, the glow is triggered by agitation of the water, which causes the bioluminescent organisms to light up.
In traditional kayaks, the boat rides close to the water’s surface, so the only way to create enough agitation is through the paddle dipping into the water on the sides of the boat. This is why you often see the glow when the paddle hits the water, but you can’t interact with it as much.
With our Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks, you have the advantage of a hands-free experience. Your feet do all the work, which leaves your hands free to interact with the bioluminescence. We also provide handheld nets that allow you to agitate the water more effectively, making the glow even brighter and more magical as you experience it firsthand. It’s the best way to fully immerse yourself in the glow of the biobay!
What experience or strength do I need to kayak across the bay?
Our kayaks are perfect for all skill levels and strengths! With the Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks, you’ll use a foot-operated drive system to easily move across the bay, even in windy conditions. The beauty of this system is that it utilizes the strongest muscles in your body—your legs—making it incredibly efficient and easy to use.
You don’t need prior kayaking experience or exceptional strength to enjoy the tour. The MirageDrive system has been perfected by Hobie over 20+ years, ensuring a smooth, hands-free experience that allows you to enjoy any of our tours with ease.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned kayaker, we promise you’ll love the effortless motion and comfort of the Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks!
What can I expect on a guided tour?
Each tour experience is different, but here’s what you can expect overall:
-
An introduction when you arrive so you feel comfortable and ready
-
An experienced and friendly tour guide excited to talk to you about local ecology and history
-
An easy-to-operate pedal kayak, comfortable for all kayakers up to 260 lbs
-
A memorable experience exploring St. Croix’s beautiful Salt River Bay
Safety is also our top priority. We have a 1:4 guide-to-boat ratio for evening tours and a 1:6 guide-to-boat ratio for day tours. This helps ensure all kayakers are safe and can hear the guide’s instructions and fun information. Further, the Mirage Drive System allows our lead guides to pedal backwards, ensuring eyes are kept on the group at all times!
Why do you need my weight/child’s age?
When you book a tour, we ask for your weight because each kayak seat and stand-up paddleboard has a weight capacity set by the manufacturer. We also find that heavier guests are more comfortable in single kayaks, and we want to plan accordingly for everyone's comfort.
We also have a minimum age of five, six, or eight years old (depending on the tour) for safety reasons, which you can find on each tour page.
If we learn you have caused damage to the equipment due to misrepresentation of your weight, you are subject to cover the costs of those repairs.
We also reserve the right to cancel your tour without a refund if you arrive and haven't been honest about your weight or child's age. Again, we want everyone to have fun and be safe, so honesty is critical.
What is your cancellation policy?
You must make all cancellations or changes to your reservation at least 24 hours before your tour. Refunds won't be given within 24 hours, and any changes within this window are subject to a $15 per person rebooking fee.
Do you cancel tours for bad weather?
Your safety is our top priority, so occasionally, we do need to cancel due to weather. However, most Caribbean rain showers are short and don’t pose a threat to our tours. The Hobie Mirage Drive Kayaks are easy to use, comfortable, and sturdy in all types of weather. In cases of severe inclement weather, we will try to reschedule your tour, but if not, your reservation will be cancelled with no payment due.
Do we get to swim in the biobay?
Swimming isn’t permitted in the bioluminescent bay to ensure we help protect and preserve the bioluminescent organisms. The best way to enjoy the biobay is to look at and appreciate the scenery and glow.
What can I bring for my tour?
For an enjoyable and safe experience, we recommend bringing:
-
Clothes that can get wet (we recommend our custom UPF shirts!)
-
Reef-safe sunscreen (for day tours)
-
A water bottle – our kayaks have cup holders!
-
Snacks – we also have snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
-
A sense of adventure!
-
Optional: Cash to tip your guide(s)
We also have dry bag rentals available and lockers for any items you bring that you don’t want to take on the kayak. We encourage you to leave everything behind in your locker on night tours.
Do you have life jackets?
Your safety is our first priority, and we provide all kayakers and paddle boarders with a life vest, which you’re required to wear.
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes, more information will be sent to you once you book your tour. You can click the link in your confirmation email to sign your waiver before you arrive for your tour.
