Eco-Tour Archives | My St Croix Travel Guide Virgin Islands Vacation Blog

February 5, 2016 Filed Under: Eco-Tour, Featured, Sea Kayak, Travel Tips, Vacation Tips, Watersports

Expedition: Shell Island

Many who have visited St Croix have had the pleasure of kayaking and exploring historic Salt River Bay – the site of Columbus’ second visit to the “New World”. And most have heard of Buck Island National Monument. But not so many have ventured out to St Croix’s other offshore beauty – Shell Island (aka Ruth Island) – located on St Croix’s South shore.

This wonderful little spit of sand and sea shells was created when the container port was dredged by the former HOVENSA oil refinery and offers a different way to explore St Croix. A short paddle across the channel makes it a relatively easy adventure.

Virgin Kayak Tours will meet you at the Molasses Pier where they put in your kayak to paddle out. With their Hobie Mirage kayaks you can pedal and paddle at the same time, the trip is really enjoyable with lots to see. They even have tandem kayaks for those who want to bring out the kiddos or use the power of two.

My sister setting out on our adventure
Scuttled wreck along the wayCrossing the channel to Shell Island.

Once you reach Shell Island, there is a wonderful little lagoon and a small fishing camp. The beach is serene, protected and like something out of a movie! It really is the perfect spot to relax after the journey.

The protected lagoon is a great place to beach kayaks and enjoy the afternoon.

The incredible view looking back to St CroixMy only regret was that I didn’t bring my snorkel gear!

Fishing camp on the lagoon.

The best island fire pit I’ve seen!

Queen conch is abundant around the island, giving this little sandy spit her moniker – Shell Island.

After you’ve settled in, it’s time to go exploring. The South side of the little cay is loaded with coral from the dredging and budding black mangroves.

Aerial black mangrove roots push up from the wet sand like drinking straws to provide oxygen to the plant.

A beautiful growing black mangrove on this man-made cay.

Sea grapes provide lush foliage on Shell Island.

The South shore of Shell Island is littered with coral from the dredging of the channel.

If you’re looking for a new St Croix adventure – I highly recommend a trip out to Shell Island. Contact our friends at Virgin Kayak Tours to visit Shell Island, Salt River and the Biobay!

Find more images of St Croix at cindyleigh.smugmug.com

February 4, 2016 Filed Under: Eco-Tour, Sea Kayak, Things to do Eco Tour St Croix, Where to Play St Croix

Virgin Kayak Tours

There’s no better way to explore the shores of St Croix than by a kayak! Jill & Bryan Upkyke of Virgin Kayak Tours have got you covered! They will outfit you with a Hobie Mirage (peddle and paddle!) to get you going in no time. They take out small groups to explore popular island spots and some more exclusive locales too.

Rent a kayak for the week to explore on your own or choose from one of their many tours:

Historic Salt River Tours where Columbus encountered the natives on his second trip
Salt River Biobay night tours – see the glow!
North West Coast of St Croix over to the Tide Pools
Shell Island on St Croix’s South Shore – a must see!

340-514-0062
Rates starting at $50pp

Looking for a place to stay? Check out glamping at it’s finest at Cane Bay Campground

October 12, 2015 Filed Under: Crucian Heritage, Eco-friendly, Eco-Tour, Featured, Island Life, Sea Kayak, St Croix History, St Croix Watersports, Watersports

Columbus Landing 1493 St Croix

In 1493 Christopher Columbus landed on what would later become St Croix, US Virgin Islands at Salt River Bay changing the course of the island’s history and setting the stage for 7 European Flags to fly over the island. This is the only spot in the United States where Columbus actually landed and was the first violent altercation between the Old World and the New. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve marks an area of incredible history not only for the island but for the world in general.

For thousands of years, Arawak (Igneri and Taino) and Carib Indians inhabited the area now known as Salt River Bay/Columbus Landing. Archaeological research dating back to 1880 shows that the land here was a major religious and cultural area and had long-term permanent settlements. Arawak is a broad term that refers to the indigenous peoples of South America and the Caribbean who spoke a common language and had a shared culture. Taino is more commonly used for the “Island Arawaks” who stretched from the Greater Antilles up through the Lesser Antilles (where St Croix can be found) as opposed to the mainland Arawaks. These first inhabitants of the Caribbean Islands had a rich culture and history and previous excavations at Salt River revealed the only ceremonial Ball Court in the Caribbean here on St Croix, lending to its historical significance. The area was thriving with indigenous peoples cultivating manioc, soursop, papaya, guava, sapote, yellow sapote, guava, sapodilla, and avocado and fishing in the locally rich waters.

Read more detail about the indigenous peoples of Salt River: Archeological Investigations at Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

Columbus Landing St Croix My-StCroix — Enjoy this incredible view from Clairmont Overlook and several other villas by www.vacationstcroix.com

On November 14, 1493, Columbus with his fleet of 17 ships landed on St Croix in search of freshwater and local guides to “help” them along the rest of their journey. A small party ventured onto the island and found a sparsely inhabited village. According to historic records, they found Taino Indians who said they’d been captured by Caribs taking over the island. (note: there is still debate as to who these peoples actually were – Taino vs. Carib) Columbus and his crew were en route taking the villagers back to their ship when they encountered a canoe with several Carib men and women. A skirmish ensued with Columbus’ men firing on the Indians and the Indians retaliating with arrows. Each side lost a man to the fight. At the time of this encounter, it is estimated that there were 20 Indian villages on St Croix with a total population of approximately 1,200. Columbus “claimed” the island for Spain calling it Santa Cruz.

For the next 100 years, the Spanish battled the local Taino and Carib Indians close to annihilation. By the early 1600s, the island of Santa Cruz was deserted.

Nowadays, the Virgin Islands celebrate Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day in lieu of Columbus Day owing to the historic connections between the peoples of St Croix and Puerto Rico that date back to long before European contact.

Salt River National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve is now a part of the US National Park system and is a wonderfully serene spot to explore the natural wonders of our island.

kayak salt river bay — Kayaking across Salt River Bay

History and nature buffs can book a kayak tour with Virgin Kayak Company to explore the mangrove coves and learn about the history from artist and tour operator Bryan Updyke. I highly encourage a visit to their shop at the Columbus Cove Marina where you can see Bryan’s Taino-inspired artwork at his Caribbean Indigenous Arts & Crafts Museum that has been influenced by the indigenous pre-Columbian peoples of St Croix.

SCUBA divers can explore the underwater canyons in Salt River Bay teeming with life. In recent years, tech divers have explored the canyons to depths of 300 feet+.

Take an evening kayak tour of Salt River and experience the wonders of the Bio Bay – a smaller inlet of Salt River Bay that teems with bioluminescent dinoflagellates that light up the water like Avatar!

The beach at Columbus Landing is quiet and rarely busy. It offers great swimming and has a reef just offshore for snorkeling. There’s little to no shade and no facilities, so be sure to bring a cooler and some shade and most importantly, practice “Carry in, Carry out”.

Salt River and Columbus Landing are just one more reason to get out and explore our beautiful island while you are here!

June 15, 2014 Filed Under: Beaches, Buck Island, Eco-friendly, Eco-Tour, Featured, Hiking, Horseback Riding, lionfish, Photography, Rum, Shop St Croix, St Croix Events, St Croix Food and Wine, St Croix Watersports, Travel Tips, Vacation Tips, Watersports Tagged With: itinerary, St Croix, vacation

The Ultimate 5 Day St Croix Experience

So, I have friends from High School coming to the island for the first time later next week. Of course, I want to show them the very best that St Croix has to offer, so I’ve put together the ultimate St Croix Itinerary to make sure they see the island, experience the culture and go back home raving and telling all their friends about what a magical place St Croix is. I’ve got five days to convince them that our little sunny island is the bomb-diggitty so here are my suggestions for the ultimate St Croix experience.

Arrival Day – relax, check in and make your way into Christiansted to the Boardwalk for harborside sunset cocktails. Then head over to one of my favorite St Croix restaurants, Savant, for a delicious dinner on the über sexy back patio under the stars.

Day 1

Rum Tours! If you’ve heard of St Croix, you’ve likely heard of Cruzan Rum – but did you know that Captain Morgan Rum is also made here on St Croix? And both plants offer cool tours and, of course, tastings! I recommend heading first to the Captain Morgan Experience Center. The tour there is about an hour and you get two drink tokens to sample the goods in the Captain’s Lounge. The Captain Morgan plant is state-of-the-art and mostly automated. The Experience Center offers a museum like walk through the history of rum, piracy and the Caribbean.

After the tour, head West on the Melvin Evan’s Highway and take a right at the second set of lights – follow that Road down to the Cruzan Rum Factory. Here, the Nelthropp Family has been (and still is) making rum since 1760! You’ll take a tour through their facility and see how their hand-crafted rums are made and learn all about the rum making process. As you wind your way through the warehouses of vats and rum aging in oaken barrels, you’ll end up at the appropriately named “Don’t Hurry” lounge. This is the perfect spot to sample the MANY flavors of Cruzan Rum and the bartenders will share with you their favorite recipes. And don’t forget to grab rum to take home! Travelers over 21 years of age can bring home 6 bottles of alcohol as long as one was made in the Virgin Islands. Price-wise, this is actually one of the best places to make your purchase and they’ll even box it up ready to check-in at the airport. Of course, you’ll want a few bottles to enjoy while you’re here too!

After learning everything there is to know about rum, take a ride up into the “rainforest” to the world-famous Domino Club to visit the “beer-drinking pigs” and the much loved owner, Norma. It’s the worth the trip just to sample some of her mamawana which is a secret recipe of rum and spices that’s carefully aged. Sip it, shoot it or have it in a mixed drink … I love the “Mama Rosa” which is mamawana and ruby red grapefruit juice. Refreshing!

Following the Domino Club, come down the hill and head west to one of the Frederiksted Beach Bars which is the perfect spot to lime for the rest of the day and watch the sunset into the Caribbean sea. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the fabled “green flash”.

Day 2

Sleep in. Now that you’ve been properly indoctrinated into the rum culture here on St Croix, it’s time to hit the beach. Grab some snorkel gear and head out to the North Shore of St Croix and hit Cane Bay Beach. This popular beach is not only an awesome place to get in some excellent offshore snorkeling but it’s also the place to see the world famous Cane Bay Wall.

If you’re a certified diver, you can grab tanks and head out on a spectacular and easy shore dive that will have you peering over the underwater cliff into the abyss. Over the side of the wall you’ll often encounter sea turtles, schools and schools of bright tropical fish and the occasional reef shark looking to see if anyone has a lionfish treat for them. If you’d prefer to stay on top of the water, you can walk across the street and rent a kayak from our friends at Virgin Kayak. While you’re there, check out Jill & Bryan’s pre-Columbian art gallery and their eco-camp! And don’t forget to sign up for one of their Salt River Kayak Tours.

After a late morning/early afternoon of beach time, walk across the street and grab lunch from eat@canebay. This funky little beach bar has some of the best food on the North Shore and a fantastic array of fruity, frosty cocktails – not to mention a killer wine list.

If you’re up for some more activity following lunch, take a hike down to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools – there’s a trail from the Carambola Beach Resort public parking lot. The hike takes roughly an hour in and an hour out. You’ll go up and down a hill each way. It’s not a killer hike, but is a moderate one. So be sure to bring a backpack with water and wear sneakers or tevas. Once you are down to the beach landing, you’ll climb over some rocks to get into the pools – so flip flops aren’t recommended. Be sure to make your way back at least an hour and a half before sunset to ensure you have plenty of light on your way back.

Head back to your accommodations later in the afternoon to wash off the salt and sand and then treat yourself to a relaxing evening at one of Christiansted’s finer restaurants. St Croix has become a beacon on the culinary map developing some super start chefs. Each April the island boasts a week of food-centric events, seminars and competitions with the St Croix Food & Wine Experience. It also attracts some renowned chefs from across the country who share their talents and passion for the art of eating.

Day 3

Head out to the Eastern most point in the United States. If you’re an early riser, you can even try to catch the sunrise and be the first peeps in the US to feel the warmth of the sun on your face. From there you’ll see a little parking area and the entrance to the hiking trail down to Jacks & Isaacs Beach. This pristine white sand beach is surrounded by reef and coral heads and so has some of the best snorkeling on the island. There are no facilities so you’ll want to bring down a backpack with water, snacks, etc. to make a day of it. And don’t forget sunscreen!! I recommend bringing and wearing a rash guard to protect your back while snorkeling too. You can read about our fun family day a few years back at Jacks & Isaacs.

Beautiful Jack's & Isaac's Bay — Beautiful Jack’s & Isaac’s Bay

Following the day exploring the beach – stop by Ziggy’s Libation station on your way back. This fun little gas station/bar/deli is a popular happy hour spot for locals. Take a break and play corn-hole or if you’re there at the right time, sign up for one of their famous “Dinners on the Deck” by the uber talented Chef Aaron.

The Libation Station at Ziggy's — The Libation Station at Ziggy’s

Day 4

You’ve explored both ends of St Croix and honed your snorkeling skills, so now it’s time to head out to Buck Island Reef National Monument! Book a full day or a half-day trip out to this little gem that sits 2 miles off of St Croix’s North/East coast. In the 60’s this was a favorite spot of the Kennedy’s and so President John F. Kennedy designated it a National Monument to preserve it. Nowadays it’s managed by the National Parks and this uninhabited island is actually less than 1/3 of the park – the rest is below sea level. To get there you must book your trip with one of the official concessioners licensed to take guests out to Buck Island. Tour operators will supply you with snorkel gear (unless you have your own to bring along) and instruction for newbies. You’ll spend about an hour or so exploring the underwater trail and reef on the east side of the island. This spot has some of the most diverse schools of fish and marine life in the Caribbean and is featured in 1,000 Places To See Before You Die – so don’t miss it! Full day trips on Big Beard’s Adventure Tours include a beach barbeque on a secluded beach back on St Croix just across from Buck Island.

Big Beard Adventure Tours Buck Island MJS Visions — Big Beard’s Adventure at Buck Island. Photo by www.mjsvisions.com

Day 5

Spend the morning in historic downtown Christiansted to get in a little shopping and explore St Croix’s history. This 18th Century Danish colonial town was once the capital of the Danish West Indies and is a beautiful example of neoclassic Danish architecture. The town itself is on the National Register of Historic places. Take a self-guided walking tour through the Christiansted historic district starting at Fort Christianvaern. Here you’ll find the National Park Service office and can pick up a map that will lead you to historic points of interest following your exploration of the fort. Throughout the district you’ll find shops that house local artisans and jewelers – you simply MUST bring home a St Croix bracelet, all the cool kids where them. For true. You’ll find plenty of treasures to bring home to friends and family and to remind you of your St Croix experience.

In the afternoon, wrap up your St Croix adventure with a magical riding tour with Cruzan Cowgirls Horse Riding Tours. Most rides head out from Rainbow Beach in Frederiksted. You’ll explore the beach and the rainforest while riding horses who have been lovingly rescued and rehabilitated by Jennifer and her family. Read more here! After your ride you can catch one more West End sunset with a cocktail and reminisce about your week.

There are SO MANY things to do that I didn’t get to in this itinerary, but it’s a great first introduction to the island – so you’ll just have to plan another St Croix vacation to get to everything! Ready to explore? Plan your trip here.

And be sure to check out our St Croix Events Calendar to plan your time around some of our exciting island events.

Do you have a favorite St Croix excursion or tour? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below ↓

May 21, 2014 Filed Under: Eco-Tour, Family Fun, Featured, Island Life, Travel Tips, Vacation Tips

Horsing Around on St Croix

It had been about 15 years since I’d been on a horse and I’m not going to lie, I was nervous! I’d spent my childhood riding at any opportunity I could get. In college and after, I worked in several barns and rode quite a bit. But, when getting ready to move to St Croix in 2001 I sold my saddle and hadn’t ridden since. I missed it, but didn’t realize how much until I met Jennifer from Cruzan Cowgirls Horse Rescue and Horseback Riding Tours.I had heard about Jennifer’s efforts at rescuing unwanted horses from the race track and local owners and had seen posts on Facebook from several of my friends. Being a former horse person, and long-time resident I spent some time observing before getting too excited. But the more I saw, the more I was impressed. I reached out to Jennifer to add her organization to My-StCroix.com‘s tour operator listings and was thrilled when she invited me out to ride with her. Since I had some experience (though it had been awhile) we decided to head out on an unofficial ride and I used it as an opportunity to interview her and find out about her program. What an exciting day it turned out to be!

Jumping way back in my college days at UMASS Amhert’s Hadley Farm.

I met up with Jennifer and her son Jace who helps her out on rides. She trailored three horses over to Rainbow Beach and we headed out from there. I got to ride and bond with Yoshi – a gelding she had purchased/rescued from the race track. In his former life, Yoshi had been a work horse at the track, but apparently he didn’t take too well to the thoroughbreds and had outlived his usefulness. Jennifer saw him out behind the track, inquired about him and the rest is history. It’s how she has obtained most of her horses and what really impressed me about her. She has a laid back and friendly nature and rather than battling the local horse culture, she’s embraced it and learned about it. She’s made friends at the track and respectfully offers to purchase horses that may otherwise be unwanted. Then, she takes the time to rehabilitate and train them using Natural Horsemanship Training principles. Basically, Jennifer is a horse whisperer and if you get a chance to ride with her, you’ll see what I mean!

But, back to the ride… we started out taking a walk up the beach which was is still breathtaking to me even though I live here. We then made our way up Creque Dam Road, passing by the Lawaetz Museum. I’ve traveled this road a million times by car – but traveling up through the “rainforest” on horseback at a slower pace allowed me the time to really enjoy the scenery and notice more of the beauty of the West End. The quiet of the forest and the beauty of the sun shining through the canopy was mesmerizing. We took the long way and rode down some roads I hadn’t traveled before, passing friendly neighbors and other horses out in the pasture. After living here for fourteen years, it was all so new to me and I loved every minute.

Once we made it back to the beach, I got the true thrill of riding Yoshi into the ocean. It was so fun to have him pawing at the water like a kid and then swimming underneath me. Truthfully at one point I thought he may roll in the water, but he was just a little off balance from a wave. However, I jumped off and ended up swimming along side him. I couldn’t have been happier in that moment!

Since that day, I’ve gotten the chance to spend some more time with Jennifer and her family out at the “farm” where she keeps eleven horses along with a menagerie of other rescued animals (since December 2013 she and her family have rescued a total of 52 animals including horses, goats, chickens, bottle fed kittens, dogs and more). Profits from Cruzan Cowgirls Horseback Riding Tours are used to purchase feed, supplies, medical needs and more for the Cruzan Cowgirls Horse Rescue efforts. Additionally, Jennifer has started a “Horse School” teaching St Croix youth the principles of Natural Horsemanship and general horse management practices. I got to spend the day and then head out on a ride on their first day. I was thoroughly impressed with everything I saw, but especially the pure kindness that emanates from the rescue efforts of her entire family. I’m looking forward to riding again with a group of my girlfriends in a couple of weeks and sharing the experience with them. I’m also honored to now call Jennifer – friend.

horse-school — Cruzan Cowgirls “Horse School”

If you’re lucky enough to live on St Croix or are just coming here for a visit – be sure to book a ride with Cruzan Cowgirls. You can also assist with their rescue efforts by visiting the Cruzan Cowgirls GoFundMe page – there you’ll find information on the Cruzan Cowgirl Rescue Efforts and a wish list of needed items.

Happy Trails!

March 22, 2012 Filed Under: Beaches, Boating, Buck Island, coral reef, Eco-friendly, Eco-Tour, Family Fun, Featured, Island Life, St Croix Events, St Croix Watersports, Watersports Tagged With: beaches, Buck Island, Buck Island National Park, buck island reef national monument, crucian heritage, Island Life, St Croix, St Croix Beaches, What to do on St Croix

Saving OUR Buck Island: Vote Plan A

I consider myself truly blessed to have grown up in a family who valued the great outdoors. As a child, I was exposed to the peaceful, sprawling prairies of Manitoba, Canada; the majestic mountains of British Columbia, Canada; and the historic New England Coastline. With parents and grandparents who took me camping, hiking and exploring, I was able to develop a deep love and appreciation for the environment.

One of the things that had the biggest impact on my falling deeply and madly in love with St Croix was the pristine marine park at Buck Island Reef National Monument. In my first year living on St Croix, I spent considerable time out there working with Big Beards Adventure Tours on the weekends – and when I wasn’t working, I was jumping aboard for the day to snorkel and explore the East End. I love that local families have this incredible resource in their back yard. I love that exposure to this environment can instill the same values of cherishing and protecting the natural world around us in the people that visit Buck Island: once in a lifetime, on a yearly vacation or every weekend with family and friends. But the kind of experience visitors to Buck Island have enjoyed since the park was established in 1961 is being threatened.

The National Park System is preparing to implement a new 20-year park management plan. Currently, there are four options being considered… well, kind of. Plan A (Our Buck Island‘s preferred plan) is “No Change”. As we understand it, this plan has to be included by law, but isn’t even being considered by the park. Plan B, NPS’s preferred plan, and the one that we understand they will be implementing calls for banning all anchoring at Buck Island and constraining boaters (even on the West End) to a limited amount of installed moorings. It also calls for creation of a 5,000 acre restricted zone on the North side of the island.

Attorney Joel Holt’s Presentation at March 21, 2012 Save Buck Island Petition Drive

Breaking it down:

President John F. Kennedy established Buck Island Reef National Monument as a National Park by Proclamation No. 3443 of December 28, 1961. In that proclamation declaration, he protected Buck Island for historic and scientific preservation “subject, however, to the condition that the United States, including any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall not adopt or attempt to enforce any rule, regulation or requirement limiting, restricting or reducing the existing fishing (including the landing of boats and the laying of fishpots outside of the marine garden), bathing or recreational privileges by inhabitants of the Virgin Islands, and shall not charge any fees for admission to the area.”
Read more at the American Presidency Project: John F. Kennedy: Proclamation 3443 – Establishing the Buck Island Reef National Monument in the Virgin Islands of the United States http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=23992#ixzz1pnuXuSQj
On January 17, 2001, President Clinton established Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (VICR) and enlarged and modified Buck Island Reef National Monument (BUIS). Presidential Proclamation Nos. 7399 and 7392, respectively. The Proclamations give the Secretary limited discretion in what activities and uses she may allow. She must prohibit all extractive uses, but she may allow very limited fishing in two areas at VICR and may permit certain very limited kinds of boat anchoring at BUIS. https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2003/04/04/03-8190/virgin-islands-coral-reef-national-monument-and-buck-island-reef-national-monument
Since 2001, by mandate, boats on the West end of Buck Island have only anchored below the water line (in wet sand). This protects any potential sea turtle nests on this active nesting beach. Any laid below the waterline would be flooded and not viable, so anchoring in the wet sand is safe. This is anchoring IN SAND and there have been no studies to show that anchoring in this sand is a problem. In fact, many would argue that the boaters at Buck Island who do anchor out there in the wet sand are some of the strongest advocates and protectors of the island. They self-regulate, advise new boaters on the rules and protect the environment that we all consider OUR backyard at OUR Buck Island. “They haven’t done one study to show that anything that’s going on hurts the environment. And if it did, then we’d be the first ones to say – then stop it.” Attorney Joel Holt
We are avid environmentalists who want to continue to enjoy Buck Island while protecting the environment.

The current proposed “Plan B” which is the plan that has been publicly stated by Park Superintendent Joel Tutein as the Park Services preferred plan, proposes a prohibition on all anchoring in sand and forcing boats even on the West Beach to be limited to a restricted number of moorings. What this means is that boats will be forced to drop passengers off on the beach and then go out to moorings that are set at a certain distance. Effectively leaving their passengers behind.

NPS BUI Plan B Red Zone — NPS's Proposed "Red Zone" All areas in red are restricted to swimming only.

The second objectionable portion of Plan B is the proposed 5,000 acre Marine Park Area on the Northside of the island or “Red Zone” in the image which will restrict all activity in that area to swimming only. Yep, you read that right, ONLY SWIMMING. Prohibited activities will include snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing, wind surfing and any other green activity besides swimming. This is some of the most pristine snorkeling and diving area on the island that receives little activity to begin with. But ALL activity will be restricted. The purpose is to protect endangered Elkhorn corals. However, the expansiveness of the 5,000 acres includes a large area of corals that are in waters 100 feet deep. How would this be harmed by paddleboard or snorkelers on the surface? I found it interesting that last week when Superintendent Tutein and another NPS employee were on the radio and it was brought up by a caller that its SAFER to snorkel in that area with a mask on so that you can see the corals and avoid them – they stumbled a bit on their words. We aren’t asking to drill oil or run jet skis or power boats even. We are asking to retain the right to explore in a mindful, environmentally sound way. We are asking to preserve the rights of the children of the island and residents of the entire nation and the world to have the right to view this magical underwater world.

Its important to note that this isn’t a local issue, this is a national issue because it’s a National Park. YOUR National Park. The park is attempting to limit YOUR usage and ours with no firm reason or study that shows that by implementing these changes they will be protecting something that is currently being harmed by our activities. If that were so, we would be behind them.

Why is this so important?

I think this quote says it best: “In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” – Baba Dioum, Senegal

By retaining the rights to enjoy this area of the marine park in a low impact way, we retain the ability to teach others about the beauty that is there under the surface. We can help others understand why it is so important to conserve and protect our oceans and the animals that live in it. By sharing the beauty and wonderment of this underwater world, we can share our love of OUR Buck Island. We want to protect the environment, but we also want to enjoy it in a safe and protected way. That’s all we are asking.

What Can You Do to Help?

Download the NPS Public Notice which includes recent frequently asked questions, Public Meeting times & Directions to the meeting location.

So I implore each and every one of you reading this to take action TODAY. Here’s what you can do to help us:

Put your comments on record with the National Park Service (we need your voices!)

Click here to go to the National Park’s Buck Island Plan http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=357&projectID=11115&documentID=45917
Click on “Comment on Document”
Share Your Comments. We hope you agree with us and voice your opinion to “Choose Plan A, No Change”
Note: On the page, there are download of each section of the plan if you would like to review the information before commenting.

Download, circulate and sign the petition to vote for Plan A. You don’t have to live on St Croix! If you’ve been to Buck Island or ever plan to go, show your love.

How to return completed forms to the “Save Buck Island” Committee:
Drop them off at Centerline Car Rentals in Christiansted or La Reine
Give them to a Save Buck Island Committee Member
Mail them to: Save Buck Island, 3132 Company Street, Christiansted VI 00820
Or Bring them with you to the Public Hearing on Wed March 28, 2012 and Thurs March 29, 2012

Attend the Public Hearings! Its crucial that we are there in numbers. Unfortunately, these meetings have been scheduled during Spring Break week when many in the boating community are already scheduled to be away. So, if you are here on St Croix, please be sure to come out. National Park representatives from Washington DC will be there.

When: Wednesday March 28 and Thursday March 29 from 6-8 pm

Where: Slave Market (Old Post Office) on Company Street across from the Steeple Building.
Free parking will be available in the Fort Christianvaern parking lot for the meeting.
We understand that there is only 30 minutes allotted for public comment. So bring a sign to hold up that says “Plan A”!

Our Buck Island a group of concerned citizens who love Buck Island, St Croix, USVI, and who want to take an active role in how the island/national monument is managed by Federal government representatives. To join our group go to: www.facebook.com/OurBuckIsland

Download the Save Buck Island Brochure

For more information email: savebuckisland@gmail.com

August 26, 2011 Filed Under: Eco-friendly, Eco-Tour, Featured, Marine Conservation, Nature Conservation, Night Dive, Scuba, Watersports

My Absolutely Bio-rific Week

Last week I took the plunge and conquered my fears and after 10 years of SCUBA diving, I experienced a night dive. What drew me in finally was the possibility of witnessing the coral spawning. I’m still not sure if I saw it, but what I did experience was something surreal and out of this world … the nighttime, magical world of bioluminescence.

Perhaps its that I watch too much “Shark Week” and have a healthy fear of the dark/unknown, but diving at night where all I can see is within the small field of light emanating from my flashlight didn’t appeal to me. In fact, it invoked a bit of terror and anxiety. I’ve been boating at night with halogens glowing off the stern and saw that the small fish are attracted to the light and the bigger fish (aka predators) lurk just outside. Watching. Waiting. F-R-E-A-K-S me out. But, I am all about conquering (most) fears and with the added lure of coral spawning, I decided it was now or never.

Coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all marine life found on earth. Many reefs can be aged at 5,000 to 10,000 years old! The critters who inhabit the coral reef ecosystem in turn are eaten by larger predators who visit for a meal. Reefs also play an important role in the symbiotic relationship with coastal seagrasses which filter runoff and feed seaturtles and other marine life. The predatory fish that rely on the reefs are consumed by a huge portion of the human population. These are just a few reasons that corals are a critical part of our ocean environment. And thus, the annual spawning is not only exciting but crucial to its survival. [click here for more information on coral]

So, I guess you could say they had me at “coral spawning”. I posted a shout out on Facebook to my local friends that dive and in the end coerced a couple to join me (thanks Jerry & Chris for not making me face the dark alone!!). We headed out that Friday night with St Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures aboard their boat Reliance and headed for “Blue Chute”, a dive site just outside of Christiansted harbor. Keeping us safe and entertained was the dynamic duo of Captain Jon & dive master Lauren. And then we waited. For the sun to go down. Eek!! When I finally rolled off the boat into to the inky dark ocean I was in search of coral spawn, but what stole the show that night were the underwater fireworks.

St Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures SCUBA Reliance — SCUBA’s Reliance

It wasn’t the first time I’d experienced marine bioluminescence. In the 90’s I was an educator at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT where I taught classes ranging from Shark Behavior to Jellyfish to Marine Conservation and crewed on the Marine Life Study cruises. In one of our classrooms we had a small bag of dinoflagellates that we kept in the refrigerator. We would turn out the lights and shake them up to the “oohs” and “aahs” of the elementary school kids. On a trip to St Maarten in 1994, I’d seen a little glow while swimming at night. And at the beginning of this bio-rific week I got to experience one of only a handful of bays in the entire world that light up like a glow stick, the phosphorescent Bio Bay in Vieques aka Mosquito Bay. While sitting in the clear canoes you can actually see fish swimming by, their bodies illuminated by the tiny dinoflagellates that luminesce when disturbed by motion. But, I’m not going to lie, the night dive was the grand finale of my “bio week”.

Vieques Bio Bay Clear Canoes — Vieques Adventure Co Clear Canoes on Bio Bay

I’ll admit it, I never expected what I saw. In fact, when a friend told me that we would turn our lights off during part of the dive I said “Hell no!”. Then when Lauren mentioned it as part of the dive brief, I thought “Ok you do that… I’m keeping mine on!” But once I was below and focused on the critters of the night, I started to relax. About a half-hour into our dive it happened… I saw lights starting to go out. I didn’t hold my breath (that’s a no-no in diving) but I wanted to as I clicked my torch off. It took a minute (what seemed like an eternity) for my eyes to adjust and THEN… magic. Dive Master Lauren described it best when we surfaced – it was like the night scene in the forest from Avatar. No lie. It looked just like the illustration below. I can still see the water all around us twinkling like a million little stars. It was like I was a constellation sitting in the middle of the milky way. Suspended all around us were glowing “Strings of Pearls”. These are actually Ostracods which are sesame-seed-sized crustaceans that live on the reef. The males, when courting, put on a dazzling light show to attract females and it looks like little strings of pearls (thus the obvious name). The reef itself was also brightly lit with the glowing eyes and bodies of other tiny creatures and floating particles. I thought to myself, why did we even bother with the flashlights?! I can see just fine!

Avatar’s Bioluminescent Forest

All-in-all it was a spectacular end to an exciting week. One that left me smugly satisfied that I am not just a visitor to these incredible islands – I live here and am appreciative of that every day. And while I may never experience quite that dramatic of a dive again – I’m certainly hooked on night diving now. Next stop, the Frederiksted Pier at night. I hear there’s quite the after-hours party going on there.

If you would like to try a night dive – or maybe you’re inspired to try your very first SCUBA dive we highly recommend our friends at St Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures or for diving at the Frederiksted Pier (an easy shore dive) contact our friends at N2 The Blue in Frederiksted. Both shops also offer West End wreck dives, as well as other great dive sites.

March 8, 2011 Filed Under: Beaches, Eco-friendly, Eco-Tour, Featured, Hiking Tagged With: beaches, Buck Island, Buck Island National Park, family fun, Jacks and Isaacs Bay, St Croix Beaches, St Croix hiking

Family Day at the Beach :: Jacks & Isaacs Bay

View of Buck Island from the East End of St Croix — View of Buck Island National Park from the East End Marine Park on St Croix

Recently, I spent the afternoon hiking with my island family of close friends to Jacks & Isaacs Bay on the East End of St Croix. It had been several years since I’d been down there and I had remembered a somewhat strenuous hike with a bit of rock climbing involved, so I was a little concerned about the little tikes (2-5 year olds) coming along with us. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The trail that leads from the small parking area just before Point Udall has been widened and well maintained.

Jacks-Isaacs_006 — Well maintained path to Jacks & Isaac's Bay

The hike is now more of a leisurely stroll (though do keep your eyes out for rocks in the path) that can easily be done in a comfortable pair of flip-flops. I packed a small shoulder cooler with some lunch and a few beers and carried a backpack with other essentials (sunscreen, towel, hat, etc). Some of my friends hauled down a cooler on wheels filled with refreshments – they whined the whole way, but they did it! ha ha.

jacks and isaacs bay st croix beach — Beautiful Jack's & Isaac's Bay

There are no facilities at Jacks & Isaacs, but that’s part of the reason the beach is still so beautiful and pristine. (Between the trek and the lack of facilities, you won’t see throng of people and thus it stays really clean and beautiful) Be sure to bring along a snorkel and fins if you have them, the East End marine park is known for some of the best off-shore snorkeling on the island. … or if you’re like us, just float in the water and “lime”.

Note: This area of the island is prime nesting beach for green sea turtles from approximately August thru October. If you hike out during this time of the year, you’ll likely see huge craters of sand created by the greens when they make their nests. Remember not to dig holes above the water line or plant beach umbrellas in the sand as these can harm the endangered turtles’ nests. If you are on the beach late in the day around sunset – you may witness hatchlings running for the water. Be sure not to handle them and prevent them from making their way straight to the water, they need all the energy they have to brave the predators waiting for them in the water.

Click here for more information on St Croix’s beaches