Things to do in St Croix: Bioluminescence!

Bioluminescence.  If you've never experienced this phenomenon then you shoudl deifnitely check it out the next time you're in St Croix.  If you've seen the movie "Life of Pi" then you know a bit a bout it.  Ya know when the water glows?  That's Bioluminescence! 

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living creature.  A more widely observed example is in insects like fireflies who light up at night and give off a kind of yellowish glow. In St Croix, bioluminescence is found in an organism that lives in some lagoons and bodies of water and the glow is a blueish hue rather than the yellowish tint the fireflies give off. 

Many kinds of animals use bioluminescence for various purposes .  For example, the firefly uses bioluminescence to attract mates.  Like a "Hey, I'm over here.  You like what you see?".  Some squid can actually spray a bioluminescent mist in order to confuse predators. Other animals use their glow to attract other animals in order to eat them!   All of it is amazing!

The dinoflagellates in the bio bays on St Croix employ bioluminescence to emit lights on other predators who are chasing them so that larger predators will go after the organisms chasing them.  In other words, "Don't look at me!  Go eat that guy over there!"

In St Croix, The Salt River Bay is where the glow can be found and it truly is amazing!  Pyrodinium Bahamense is the little guy we're after and he lives and thrives in the waters of this bay. The mangrove forest surrounding the bay gives structure to hide around and seems to be an important component for this creature and its unique trait.  Around the Caribbean, where there is bioluminescent glow, there is usually mangroves. 

The bay can be toured in a regular kayak or a clear one. Obviously the clear kayak is an even more unique experience but those trips book up quickly so book your trip in advance! Imagine this, you spend the morning deep sea fishing, then you dine on your catch for lunch, after that you spend some quality time resting on the beach soaking in some sun, followed by a nice authentically cooked local meal  THEN you see the BIO BAY!

So, in summary, the Bio bay is amazing! If you're going to St Croix, you should definitely check it out. It'll be a wonderful addition to your vacation in St Croix!

For this and other ideas for vacationing in St Croix, check us out: Bio Bay