Sea Kayak

Expedition: Shell Island

February 5, 2016 by My-StCroix.com Leave a Comment

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

Virgin Kayak Tours

February 4, 2016 by My-StCroix.com Leave a Comment

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

Columbus Landing 1493 St Croix

October 12, 2015 by My-StCroix.com Leave a Comment

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”.