"What an incredible experience," "That was cool," "We got to see so much," "And our guide was so funny!"

These were just a few of the comments heard during my latest adventure, a kayak tour of Salt River. The award-winning tour given by Caribbean Adventure Tours, the original kayak tour located in Salt River National Park and Ecological Preserve, offers three daily trips, which take a little less than three hours. The morning and afternoon tours consist of the historical and ecological background of the area. To be different, the last tour is a moonlight tour in which you paddle in luminescent bays, beneath star — lit skies while sharing ghosts stories, legends and lore.

Salt River holds both historical and ecological importance. It is at this location that Christopher Columbus encountered Native Indians, and the battle that ensued is the first documented conflict between Europeans and Native Americans. Even though it has been over 250 years since the fresh water flowed, Salt River remains a beautiful harbor and marina with mangrove filled inlets and calm, protected" waters".

Salt River Marina is home to Caribbean Adventure Tours.

Never been kayaking before? No worries. Caribbean Adventure uses ocean kayaks, which sit on top of the water and are virtually impossible to tip over. Your guide provides you with a quick lesson, a life jacket, bottled water and snacks. This tour is geared for kids of all ages.

Kayaking is easy and fun for kids of all ages.

Through out the entire trip, we stayed in shallow water, close to shore. As we paddled out of the calm harbor, Mike, our guide, told fascinating stories about the wrecked and abandoned boats, which, like their owners, have a colorful history.

Salt River is home to an abundance of wild life which we witnessed on this trip. Snowy egrets feeding their young, an iguana sun-bathing in the branches of the mangroves, pelicans looking on and osprey eying their prey.

Mike displays a unique type of jelly-fish.

Tall tales still remain just like the old boats left behind.

Below our kayaks it was a whole different story. There are oysters growing on the roots on the mangroves, bright orange feather dusters swaying in the current and vivid green jelly fish pulsating through the water.

Our guide picked up a jellyfish to describe their unusual way of processing chlorophyll, which gives them their green color, and how they push water in and out of their body to glide through the water.

A little less than half way through the trip, we made a stop to go ashore and stretch our legs. As we walked inland a few feet, a quick rain shower passed over us as Mike described the different types of mangrove trees in the area.

He pointed out varieties of flora and fauna and let us touch, taste and smell some.

Getting back in our kayaks, we paddled in front of beautiful beachfront villas, all the while our guide recounting tantalizing history, facts and anecdotes about St. Croix.

This stop opened our eyes to the different variety of mangrove trees.

Ahhh! There is no better way to cool off than a dip in Caribbean Sea.

Our last stop ashore gave us the chance to swim, beach comb and explore. Before we headed back to the marina, Mike gathered the group to tell us the history of Columbus' visit in 1493, only to find out he never set foot on dry land!

As we kayaked back to the marina, the consensus of the group was the tour was not only educational, but also FUN! Our guide's sense of humor and trivia-style discussions made it interesting. After arriving at the marina, the group gathered for the last in the series of trivia questions. All of the points were tallied (as best as they can be) and the winner was awarded a prize sure to be remembered!

The Salt River National Park holds so much of St. Croix's history and natural beauty. Experiencing the historical and ecological aspects of Salt River by kayak was an adventurous, fun way to learn more about St. Croix and something that adults and kids enjoy equally. Want to learn more about Caribbean Adventure Tours? Click here.

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Here are a few helpful hints:

- Most people wear bathing suits under their clothes
- Wear sunscreen, sun glasses and a hat, even for the morning tour
- Wear water type sandals or booties (they are available to rent at the dive center)
- You will get wet. If you bring that new expensive digital camera, chances are it will get wet, too. If you don't want to take your chances, purchase a waterproof disposable camera (available at the dive center)
- Brush up on St. Croix history — the person with the most points at the end of the tour wins a prize!
- Best of all- NO KAYAK EXPERIENCE ""NECESSARY!"

A big thank you to Mike, our awesome tour guide, and Caribbean Adventure Tours for preserving and presenting the natural beauty St. Croix holds in hard to get to places!
To visit Caribbean Adventure Tours' website, click here.
To email the author, click here.

Photos and text by Anna Eason © gotostcroix.com