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. Please reach out if you have any concerns or questions.
What time of year is best for bioluminescence kayaking?
The bioluminescent bay at Salt River National Park and Ecological Preserve is one of ten “super glow biobays,” meaning bioluminescence is present and can be seen 365 days a year. However, so many factors play a role in the brightness and concentration of the bio, many of which are unpredictable.
We do know that ambient light in the sky (generally from the moon) diminishes the effects on the bio. This is why we only offer our Bioluminescence Kayak Tours on certain nights throughout the month. Anytime we provide the biobay tour, the bio will be visible and less affected by the factors we can predict.
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 can enjoy a peaceful evening in the Salt River Bay.
Your tours are full. Do you have a waitlist?
Although we don’t have a waitlist for our tours, we welcome anyone to come to our shop during our check-in window 15 minutes before the tour start time for standby. This way, if another party cancels last minute or doesn’t show up, you can jump in and take their place.
You can also check out our stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals if you’re interested in a self-guided tour.
Do you have see-through kayaks?
No, after more than 25 years in the business, we have found the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal Kayak System to be the most comfortable and efficient way for guests to experience Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.
The Hobie kayaks are more sturdy and have a higher weight capacity than see-through kayaks. They’re also foot-pedaled, making it easy to move throughout the bay, no matter your fitness level or kayak experience. All you have to do is move your feet!
You can learn more about the amazing Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks here.
Can I see the biobay with the Hobie Mirage Kayaks?
Yes, one of many reasons kayakers love the Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks is because of how much they let you truly enjoy the biobay.
Since they're foot-pedaled, you can have a hands-free experience, which lets you use your hands and the nets we provide to agitate the water for a magical glow.
Meanwhile, with traditional paddle kayaks, you can't use your hands to interact with the bioluminescence.
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 drive-foot-operated system to easily move across the bay, even when it's windy. It's the most efficient kayaking system because you use the strongest muscle in your body (your legs!) to move your boat. Hobie has spent 20+ years perfecting this system, and we promise you'll love it.
What can I expect on a guided tour?
Each tour experience is different, but here’s what you can expect overall:
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An introduction when you arrive so you feel comfortable and ready
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An experienced and friendly tour guide excited to talk to you about local ecology and history
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An easy-to-operate pedal kayak, comfortable for all kayakers up to 260 lbs
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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.
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, a full refund will be provided.
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:
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Clothes and shoes that can get wet
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Reef-safe sunscreen (for day tours)
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A water bottle – our kayaks have cup holders!
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Snacks – we also have snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
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A sense of adventure!
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.
