Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Salt River Bay, St. Croix, was a pirate nest for two and a half centuries, used by Kalinago, Conquistadors, Buccaneers, and Pirates, and appears almost as pristine as when they anchored in the bay, sold their plunder, and partied ashore. Salt River Bay is also an ecological preserve filled with natural tropical beauty, mangroves, sea turtles, large tarpon, palm-covered beaches, and coral reefs.
Available options
Sailing w/3, call to schedule
Sailing w/4, call to schedule
Sailing w/5, call to schedule
Sailing w/ 1 call to schedule
Sailing w/6, call to schedule
Sailing w/2, call to schedule
What's included
Coors Light, Water, and Coke are provided, bring anything else you wish.
Detailed itinerary
1
Park near the boat ramp in Salt River Marina. FOLLY docks on the wall beside the restaurant--look for the red sloop with the pirate flag. We sail into the bay and relive the battle between Columbus and the Indigenous peoples and learn how Conquistadors used St. Croix. The crew hears about notorious pirates who once lived along the shores of the bay, including Ponce de Leon, Michiel du Ruyter, Henry Morgan, Michelle de Grammont, and Samuel Bellamy, also stories of other famous visitors like Captain Kidd, Blackbeard, and many more. FOLLY takes you into battle with Pirate Captain Jean Martel's 22-gun JOHN AND MARTHA and 8-gun RENOWN against the 32-gun HMS SCARBOROUGH, sailing over cannons, bones, ballast stones, and, somewhere, 1000 pounds of silver.
2
Pirate Jean Martel's ship RENOWN wreck site.
3
Site of two Dutch shipwrecks from a failed invasion attempt in 1650, sunk by Fort Flammand just inside the cut into the harbor.
4
Fort Flammand/Fort Salee/Fort de Sales, site of five battles that changed the course of history on the island of Saint Croix.
5
Final Resting Place of Martel's Pirate Ship John and Martha, wrecked in battle with HMS Scarborough Nov. 20, 1716.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.8
4 reviews
5★
2
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.9
19 reviews
5★
18
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers need to contact vendor to ask for an available time.
Travelers with a service animal need to let vendor know ahead of time.
Meeting point
Pin Salt River Marina. Upon entering, take the left side, and FOLLY is moored by the restaurant space. Look for the black flag!
Important notes
*Travelers need to contact vendor to ask for an available time.
*Travelers with a service animal need to let vendor know ahead of time.
About St. Croix
St. Croix is a picturesque island in the US Virgin Islands known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. It offers a mix of Caribbean charm, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventures, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Christiansted
A charming historic town with colorful Danish colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and a rich maritime history.
Historical/Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, small fees for historic sites
Buck Island
A protected national monument known for its stunning coral reefs and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Nature/Adventure
Full day
Moderate (boat tour and snorkeling gear rental)
Rainbow Beach
A beautiful beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Beach
Half day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kallaloo
A hearty soup made with leafy greens, okra, and meat or fish, often served with rice or fungee (a cornmeal-based dish).
Dinner
Contains meat or fish, can be made vegetarian
Fungee
A cornmeal-based dish similar to polenta, often served with stews or meat dishes.
Side Dish
Vegetarian
Johnny Cakes
Fried dough balls, similar to dumplings, often served with butter or jam.
Breakfast/Snack
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Snorkeling
Diving
Hiking
Kayaking
Beach lounging
Sunbathing
Spa treatments
Visiting historic sites
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips. It's also the busiest time with higher tourist volumes.
23-29°C
73-84°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Creole
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
AST (UTC-4)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
St. Croix is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxi services
Getting there
By air
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport • 3 miles from Christiansted
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are inexpensive but not very frequent. Schedules can be unreliable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Local taxi services, no Uber or Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Christiansted
Frederiksted
Cane Bay
Day trips
Buck Island
3 miles offshore • Full day
A protected national monument with stunning coral reefs and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
5 miles from Christiansted • Half day
A historic and ecological site with beautiful mangrove forests, hiking trails, and historic ruins.
Annie's Bay
10 miles from Christiansted • Half day
A secluded beach with clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Festivals
Crucian Christmas Festival • Mid-December to early January
Crucian Christmas Festival Parade • First Sunday after Christmas
Ag Fair and Carnival • July
Pro tips
- Rent a car for flexibility and easy access to attractions
- Visit local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts
- Try local specialties like kallaloo and fungee
- Explore the island's historic sites and cultural landmarks
- Book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak season
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
