Private Tour
Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Coors Light, Water, and Coke are provided, bring anything else you wish.
What To Expect
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
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.
Columbus Cove
Pirate Jean Martel's ship RENOWN wreck site.
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
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Disappointing is not harsh enough
Kathie W,
Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Never ever written a poor review but..always a first paid for a private boat and he had us waiting wanting to add another two and we were already squished. He blamed Viator. After the third attacking comments about our President Trump I said enough. Boat goes around a very small marina around around the same boats My Friend asked does your dog like to give kisses he says Kisses for me not u (rudely said too). Go at your own risk
Fun and informational, Stan is your Man
Explorer753794,
Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stan Joines is incredibly knowledgeable and we enjoyed his storytelling and the actual sail. We live in St. Croix and took my parents who were visiting. If you like history, beautiful views, and calm water, Stan is your man! I highly recommend this tour.
Two hours of history on the waters where it all took place!
Sara K,
Mar 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We learned so much history and spent an easy two hours on the gorgeous bay and mangrove. Even dipped into the ocean. Saw many turtles pop their heads up. Great way to learn some about many hundred of years of history of St. Croix and the Caribbean while getting time on the water. Stanford is a descendant of the “pirates” he shares story about. Highly recommend this excursion!
True History of Pirates
LLLofPA,
Jun 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wasn’t sure what to expect but this sailing tour proved to be one of the highlights of our vacation. The Captain’s knowledge of local pirate history is unmatched. We are still repeating some of his fantastic stories with friends here at home. Ask to see the bag of cannonballs! This is a tour suitable for nearly all age groups, not just for kids. So happy we did this!
Best part of my trip.
Kathy C,
May 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stan is a wonderful story teller! Riveted by the history and breathtaking scenery, it just flew by. I cannot recommend enough.
Something you need to do in St Croix USVI
mummys problems,
May 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the highlight of my St Croix USVI vacation! Captain Stan and Oscar (his incredibly cute dog) did a great job telling me the pirate history of the area and his families ties to the history! Capt Stan made sure to have cold water/soda if I wanted any. And don't forget Capt Stan wrote a book about this! I definitely recommend buying the book, there are signed copies at the marina. Overall a great way to spend a couple hours!
Great Sunset Cruise
John A,
Apr 6, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00Learning about the history of the area and being on the water was great. The Captain is a skilled sailor with amazing knowledge of St. Croix's history.
Pleasant sail
Navigate42711156825,
Mar 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Stanford got the time mixed up so off to a questionable start. He told us a lot of the pirate history of the island and an enjoyable sail. His dog Oscar is very cute and a good sailor also. You don’t see any shipwrecks as the remains are under water. We never received a free drink.
Sailing, history, and all around good time
Cheryl P,
Mar 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I had a fantastic time! Captain Stan was very knowledgeable about the history of St. Croix. We learned so much about the local indigenous people, the buccaneers and the pirates who lived/visited the island all while having a beautiful sail throughout the salt river bay.
Perfect way to spend an afternoon
Vern M,
Feb 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Stan and his first mate Oscar the dog, delivered a most enjoyable afternoon on Salt River Bay. Stan is a knowledgeable historian, engaging storyteller, not to mention a ninja sailor, check out his final approach. Highly recommend this to anyone seeking a casual, comfortable sail with witty friendly company.
Related Experiences
Operated by Stanford Joines