Day three began in Christianstead Harbor on the island of St. Croix with the crews of the boats slowly organizing themselves and waking up. After breakfast the entire group gathered on S/V Inconceivable and planned out the activities for the day. Half the group would spend the morning on the island in the town of Christianstead; while the other half went to Buck Island National Monument for snorkeling. The first group in town was able to go shopping for souvenirs and good things to eat. Both groups were able to visit Ft. Christiansvaern, which was originally constructed by the Dutch settlers in Christianstead.
The group reconvened for lunch where a local marine biologist and researcher at the park service gave us some information on the wildlife and ecosystems that inhabit Buck Island. While snorkeling the group got to see all of these working together, the coral reefs create a barrier which protects other marine life and gives fish a place to hide. While on the reef we saw Barracudas, Crabs, Turtles, Puffer Fish, Blue-Tang, and even two sharks.
After a quick meal, we took an open-air taxi ride on St Croix to Salt River, which is really not a river but is actually an ocean inlet, where we would go kayaking in a bioluminescent bay. We partnered up and began the paddle from the docks to the main bay. The bioluminescence originated from microscopic organisms which have enzymes and proteins that react when agitated, making them glow. This bay was full of these organisms causing the tips of the oars to be illuminated as we paddled.
We completed our day by going to Fliers where we sampled their various desserts and ice cream!
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