Kayaking Through Salt River a Great Way to Begin Coral Reef Week

By Diana Dias
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Kayakers listen to tour guide Ty McRae as he speaks about ecosystems and the history of Salt River National Park. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The East End Marine Park is hosting a series of events to celebrate “Coral Reef Week.” The week kicked off with a fun kayak tour by BushTribe Eco Adventures on Sunday morning.

The goals of “Coral Reef Week” are to connect Virgin Islanders with marine ecosystems through a series of fun activities and events that are free to the public.

BushTribe Eco Adventures tour guides Travis McRae and Ty McRae guided attendees on a fun, informative, and educational two-hour tour through Salt River National Park. Before the tour begins there is a safety briefing and a quick crash course on how to navigate a kayak.

Kayakers listen as safety briefing is given prior to adventuring out into the Salt River National Park. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

It is highly recommended to listen carefully to the safety briefings and guidance from the guides as they are professional in their work.

Travis and Ty McRae gave great pointers on how to guide kayaks while out in the water. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

While kayaking through the waters of Salt River National Park on the north side of St. Croix, the guides talk about ecosystems, the history of Salt River, and other fun facts about St. Croix.

Kayakers explore Salt River National Park. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

Ty McRae said that they started BushTribe Eco Adventures 12 years ago and it was started because they wanted to focus on smaller, more intimate groups and education.

BushTribe also offers hikes to the tide pools, bioluminescent kayak trips, and moonlight night kayaking.

For the remainder of Coral Reef Week, tours with BushTribe Eco Adventures are free. To be added to the waitlist, text 340-277-2503. To book a trip or other services with BushTribe Eco Adventures, visit www.bushtribe.com.

 Additional events happening for Coral Reef Week include:

  •  An ocean-inspired art exhibit from July 2 to July 6 at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts. Attendees will be able to explore the art exhibit created by the community and inspired by the ocean.
  • A coral nursery tour at the Nature Conservancy in Little Princess Coral Hub for a guided tour of the coral nursery on July 2.
  • Youth dive day, snorkel clinic, and kids’ activity corner on July 3. Contact Alex at alex.fireman@dpnr.vi.gov to find out more information or stop by the Frederiksted Beach Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for interactive fun.
  • A beach clean-up at Cottages by the Sea on July 4 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
  • An Ecovan Pop-up at the market in Christiansted on July 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Join in on fun activities, prizes, and information about St. Croix’s coral reefs.
  • A movie night at Leatherback starting at 7 pm.

For more information on these events, contact Alex at 340-718-3367 or alex.fireman@dpnr.vi.gov.