Wildlife· St Croix· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Salt River Bay Bioluminescent Bay
17° 46.7′ N · 64° 45.1′ W · approximate
One of the few bioluminescent bays left in the world: on a dark night every paddle stroke in Salt River's eastern lobe lights up with dinoflagellates, and sometimes comb jellies and glow worms.
Practical
Position approximate, from the OpenStreetMap label 'Salt River Bioluminescent Bay' (OSM node 6095727394). GoToStCroix: three kinds of bioluminescent organisms may be seen, dinoflagellates most commonly, flashing as the water is disturbed. Guided night tours launch from Salt River Marina at nightfall (Sea Thru Kayaks VI with clear kayaks; Virgin Kayak Tours with Hobie pedal kayaks); both also rent kayaks and SUPs for daytime exploring. Moon phase and conditions change how bright it looks, so ask the outfitter which nights are best. It lies inside the National Historical Park, so a guided tour is the simple way to see it.
Best for
A night paddle through glowing water
Season
Year-round, after nightfall
Nearby
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park0.4 NM away
- Salt River Canyon (East Wall, Barracuda Bank)0.4 NM away
- Columbus Landing Site (Salt River)0.5 NM away
- Salt River Canyon (West Wall)0.5 NM away
- Salt River Marina0.6 NM away
- Salt River Marina Fuel Dock0.6 NM away
- Pueblo Supermarket (Christiansted)2.6 NM away
- Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital (St Croix)2.7 NM away