virgin kayak tours reviews

Virgin Kayak Tours

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“ Nice cruise over to the bio bay and really impressive bioluminescence compared to the one in Puerto Rico. ” in 6 reviews

“ He was also a great overall guide, showing us everything the Bio Bay had to offer. ” in 3 reviews

“ We saw Sea Turtles and Brian and Johnnies history and oceanographic tutorials were awesome! ” in 6 reviews

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Salt River Marina

St. Croix, VI 00820

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Virgin Kayak Tours, of St Croix, offers unique and custom kayak excursions in the clear waters of the Caribbean. We also offer tent cabin camping and week long adventure packages for couples! Cane Bay is the hot spot on St Croix, and we offer affordable lodging for all budgets! …

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We did the bioluminescence tour and absolutely loved it. Kevin and Jimmy were our guides and made it easy and fun. You just show up, and they take care of everything. Jimmy was full of fun facts about history, boats in the harbor, and what we were seeing that night. The pedal kayaks are way more enjoyable than paddling kayaks. We would definitely do this again!

This was one of the best kayak tours I have ever done. The kayaks are pristine, easy to maneuver and fun. The foot pedaling made my day as I have pain in both of my hands. What a relief to not have to use them to paddle. The guides were amazing especially Alison with her detailed history telling of the island and the science behind the bioluminescence. What a joy and a highlite of our trip.

Virgin Kayak Tours was recommended to us by 2 trusted local businesses, and we were not disappointed. They were kind enough to give us the option to cancel a tour the week earlier because the weather would have impacted the experience (I don't think every tour operator would have done that), and this tour couldn't have been more spectacular - from the stars to the bioluminescence, it was such an amazing experience. We had 9 people in our group, from 11 to 70, and we all loved it!

100% recommend! My friend and I went on the sunset tour and it was absolutely amazing. The pedal kayak are SO much easier and really allow you to enjoy the experience more. We were supposed to miss the bioluminescence but were extremely lucky that there was heavy cloud cover and we were able to see it! Our tour guide was really wonderful. He was extremely entertaining and knowledgeable. What we really liked was that he gave us some time to explore the bioluminescent bay on our own without constantly talking like some other tours do. It allowed you to really get lost in the moment and beauty of nature.

This was quite a disappointment for my partner and me when we went. The tour was WAY too big and this meant that launching and docking took forever, few people could hear, the group moved very slowly, and we got to spend very little time in the bioluminescent bay. My read is that the company figured they could make more money by simply increasing the size of each group without making any other changes to scale up to an increased tour size. Here are the key elements to know about our experience: 1. The 8:45pm tour should probably not exist. We were on this tour and it was 9:30pm by the time my partner and I were in a boat on the water. It was around 9:50pm by the time the group got to bioluminescent bay and when our very large (20-25 people) group only caught 1 jellyfish among all of us, the tour guide mentioned that the jellyfish are usually done for the night by that time. Thus, it does not make any sense that there would be an 8:45pm tour. 2. The bioluminescent bay was not very impressive. In the most active part, there was a cool glow and stream of sparkling specks that showed up behind the net when it was dragged in the water. It was not at all what I was expecting (nor my partner, who is from Puerto Rico and has actually seen bioluminescent bays before). Even setting aside the other negatives of our experience, I would not recommend this based on the bioluminescence on its own. The only time I *might* recommend it if everything else were improved would be if it's raining, since the guide said it lights up the whole bay as the raindrops strike the surface of the water. 3. As mentioned earlier, the "8:45-10:45pm" tour consisted of the group getting on the water at 9:30pm because it was such a ridiculously large group (that we suspected was just a way to try to make more money because they had ordered additional boats and they had arrived recently). After peddling around for 10-15 minutes waiting for our turn, we were finally able to dock at 10:55pm... and there were still another 6-8 boats behind us waiting to finish. They had to prioritize those who were taking a taxi because it had been waiting at since 10:45pm and the tour guides said they had seen taxis leave before while folks were docking. 4. Be aware that this is not traditional kayaking. They have Hobie kayaks that are entirely powered by foot pedals. I had never experienced this before and it was interesting, just not what we had expected. Also worth noting that if you aren't wearing water shoes or sandals that are kept on your feet and won't flop, you will be made to go barefoot and the pedals are a bit uncomfortable for bare feet. 5. Because of the ridiculously large group size and the fact that there was only one tour guide (the other two employees were just bringing up the rear making sure no one wandered off or fell behind), only 20% of the group could hear anything that was being said throughout the experience. All of our boats kept bumping into each other because we were all trying to cluster together to hear what was being said and even then, most of the group could not hear the tour. The info was interesting and so this was a huge shame for those who couldn't hear.

Loved it! The whole family, Brian, Brianna, and Johnny, were great hosts/tour operators. I was especially impressed with the pedal operated kayaks -- I had never used before. They made scooting around the bay a breeze, even with 15-20 mph winds and moderate chop! While the water was as cold as it gets in the tropics (right after winter solstice) and it wasn't the flamboyant display you get in other seasons, we were enchanted with what we saw. We had bioluminesce in three forms: dinoflagellates, jellyfish, and fireflies. The weather was perfect, and the night time excursion was a unique experience I will always treasure.

This tour is an absolute must do adventure if you are on the island. The kayaks themselves are extremely stable and easy to maneuver with their foot powered paddling and their hand rudder controls. The bioluminescent creatures in the bay are a trip. They love to show off their bioluminescence for your enjoyment. Not only are there dinoflagellates and fireflies/lighting bugs, there are also jellyfish that blink a bright blue light. You can hold them in your hand briefly before returning them to their home. The lights we saw were really bright tonight just when dragging your fingers in the water. We didn't get to meet Brain or Jill, but Jill's nephew was our guide. He was outstanding. His knowledge of the bay was very impressive. He was also a great overall guide, showing us everything the Bio Bay had to offer. I would recommend him to anyone. It was such a good time that we would love to do it again another night when we are back on the island. Hope to see you there!

Because it was a new moon we particularly want to do this on Monday, 12/14/2020 so this was our first excursion booked for our week on St. Croix! John, the owner and operator, was very friendly and informative and safety conscious. It was not the first place we had called, but since it was a new moon other outfits were already booked. John had an assistant in training, Brian, that accompanied the four of us and himself on the tour of the bio-luminescent bay. Since we were such a small group, there was no reason John couldn't have respected our multiple requests to get a bit closer so we could hear what he had to say. AND, he had a great deal of interesting facts to share. We hated missing out! John is extremely knowledgeable and a fun guide...if you could hear him. All of his kayaks are rigged with a unique peddle system which is quite efficient. Our daughter has been a whitewater raft guide and was looking forward to paddling a kayak not peddling, plus my knee was not cooperating, so I paddled half of our trip. Between the noise of the paddling, the breeze and the crashing waves on the reef, it was VERY difficult to hear John. He seemed oblivious to our dilemma. This definitely affected our enjoyment. Brian was extremely helpful in filling us in and getting the rudder up so we could paddle. John spent more time peddling around the various sailboats anchored in the bay then he spent time talking about the bio-luminescent bay. Just saying, with only the 4 of us in 2 kayaks, we should have heard his spiel. BOTH men could not have been nicer though and, yes, we would recommend it.

Really friendly staff and great equipment- loved the foot powered hobies! Nice cruise over to the bio bay and really impressive bioluminescence compared to the one in Puerto Rico. The bioluminescent jellyfish (non-stinging) was a cool surprise :-) Plenty of time and knowledgeable guides made for a great evening!

Very cool. Great kayaks... I want to buy one now! The bay tour at night was awesome! Friendly guys working it and a small enough group to talk to the guide a bit and keep track of my wife and daughter. Very neat and educational. Kevin and John were great during the tour and Jill was very friendly helping us schedule it on short notice. I'd come back and do it again.

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VIRGIN KAYAK TOURS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Awesome Experience!! - Virgin Kayak Tours

• Caribbean    
• U.S. Virgin Islands    
• St. Croix    
• St. Croix - Attractions    
• Virgin Kayak Tours

We did the Sunset and Moonrise tour, since it was close to a full moon. It was great. Two kids had... read more

Awesome experience for our family! Love the kayaks, and JT was a thoroughly informed guide from... read more

Awesome Experience!!

We really wanted to experience the Bio- bay and all it had to offer by Kayak during our visit on St. Croix. Although we were not in St. Croix at the optimal time to view the bioluminescence, Jill and Bryan made it happen! They were very honest and straight forward on what to expect. We decided to give it a go regardless and we had a blast!! Even with what would be considered poor conditions we did get to experience the bioluminescence. (Thanks to Bryan and Jill’s persistence) In addition we were able to experience countless other cool sights and sounds while on our Bio Bay kayak tour.

Virgin kayaks places a premium on a safe and memorable experience. They only offer the bioluminescent tour when the moonrise will not diminish the glow. Two guides accompanied our group, one in the lead and the other in the back to ensure we stayed together. The pedal kayaks make for easy maneuverability, and Bryan makes launching and disembarking comfortable. Their location right at Salt River is convenient. This is the second tour we've taken with Virgin Kayaks. I am very pleased with their personal and conscientious attention, their knowledge, and their ability to handle the dynamics of a group.

This was our 2nd year doing the biobay tour with Virgin Kayak and will do it again the next time we visit St Croix (depending on the moon). The pedal kayak's are so much fun and easy to maneuver through the water. We got in the water this year and what a blast that was. Bryan is so knowledgeable about the biobay and the history of St Croix - you get a fun evening of activity and a history lesson at the same time. Thanks again for a great time.

I was staying very close to tour shop and walked over and ask if I could sign up for trip - they said they were full but I could check back at 5 and see if there were some no shows - I said find but if I need to do all that since I was staying about 100 yards away and I would be filling a cancellation I wanted a discount - OMG you would not believe the comments I got about a discount - Very rude

Good Day Wayne, I am sorry that you feel that I was rude to you, but I sincerely have to disagree with you on what constitutes rudeness. I do remember our conversation, and I have to say, that while I was a little insulted by your offer to give me $20.00 for you and your wife to go out on the tour, that really had nothing to do with the true issue at hand. I give discounts for a number of reasons when people ask for them: military discounts; local rates; repeat customers; group discounts; and people who sign up to fill in for the " no shows" at the last minute. Giving a small discount is something we do quite regularly. What you perceived as rudeness, was our refusal to allow you to participate while under the influence of alcohol. We understand that this is the Caribbean, and there is a relaxed attitude toward drinking down here. We all enjoy a drink now and again, but there can be no drunkenness where our business is concerned. I remember your behavior as having had too much to drink. We just cannot tolerate any sign of alcohol influence. I have turned away three people in the course of 18 years of business, and I remember each of you very clearly. While it is a very uncomfortable conversation to have, it is a necessary one. We can never allow someone who is under the influence of alcohol to go out on our tours, and we never will. I am sorry that you feel I was rude to you, and I apologize for that, but, it really was for your best interest. Warm Regards, Bryan Updyke Owner Virgin Kayak Tours

A fun night time kayaking tour of biobay. They have pedal kayaks which make it easier to get where you are going and more fun. Knowledgable guides. Sometimes hard to hear the information they are giving - maybe a small speaker /headset would've helped.

Jill & Bryan are the most knowledgeable tour guides I have ever met! They have an amazing operation and are super friendly. I had the best time with their Biolum tour! Their kayaks are peddle ones and they are fabulous! Highly recommend VIRGIN!

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VIRGIN KAYAK TOURS (St. Croix) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Virgin Kayak Tours

Tour The Bioluminescent Bay in ease and comfort, in a state of the art Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayak!  Virgin Kayak is a full paddlesports center located in Salt River Bay National Park, at The Salt River Marina. We offer Kayak and SUP rentals, as well as Bioluminescent Bay kayak tours, Sunset & Moonlight kayak tours, Salt River Bay National Park daytime historical kayak tours, and even SUP tours! Our tours of Salt River Bay focus on ecology, Pre-Columbian history, and the Bioluminescence, and you will definitely see our passion shine through on every tour. We strive to pass on an awareness for the preservation of St Croix’s natural and historical resources through kayaking and water sports. Book your tour online now!

Location: North Shore Phone: (340) 514-0062

With the award winning Hobie Mirage pedal kayaks, it's like going for a walk, on top of the sea. The Hobie kayak's innovative, state of the art design, allows for everyone to easily cruise the waters of St Croix. Hobie Mirage kayaks are foot pedaled, giving you a hands free experience, and the ability to cut through the wind and currents with ease, making your tour relaxing and effortless. A hand operated rudder control, and recumbent high back seats make this the ultimate ride.

Minimum age: 6 years old  |  Maximum Weight/person: 260 lbs per person

Bioluminescent Bay Tour

St Croix Bioluminescent Bay kayak tours are relaxing, peaceful and low key. St Croix kayaking takes you to one of only ten super glow biobays left in the world. Found in tropical mangrove estuaries, biobays are disappearing from over-development and light pollution. St Croix kayak tours make it easy to cross the bay for everyone, even in the strongest winds, because of our innovative Hobie Mirage kayaks. St Croix kayaking meets at our shop just prior to sunset. Once it gets dark, we kayak across the to Biobay, where you'll witness the magical underwater lights, like gold dust or lightening bugs. These tiny single celled organisms, called Dino-flagellates, sparkle in the water when agitated. Check our website for the best Biobay Tour Dates.

Salt River Bay Daytime Eco Tour

This daytime tour brings you through all areas of Salt River Bay. You'll learn about the ecology of the Mangrove Estuary, the Tainos and Kalinagos, migratory birds, the encounter with Columbus, the earthen fort, and the Taino Ball Court. We'll pedal the whole bay, while learning the vast history of the area. It makes for a fun yet relaxing day.

Nighttime Sunset & Moonlight Tour

It's time to relax and enjoy the nature of St. Croix at night. Calm and serene is what you'll feel out on this kayak tour. When the moonlight gets too bright for bioluminescent kayaking, we still enjoy the peaceful wonder of nature. On our Sunset and Moonlight kayak tour, we'll catch the end of the sunset casting beautiful colors over Salt River Bay. We’ll watch for cattle egrets, pelicans, and herons coming home for the night. We'll kayak out to the reef to see the sunset and maybe spot a green turtle coming up for air. Once the stars begin to shine, you'll learn about the night sky and the constellations. We kayak over to the St. Croix bioluminescent bay, and if we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of these tiny, magical creatures. Enjoy a relaxing ride across the bay back to the shop being guided by the moonlight. Truly a peaceful evening. Meeting times vary depending on sunset.

Book your tour online today!

• Half day and Full Day rentals available
• Maps and information about Salt River provided
• Rented equipment must remain within Salt River
• Advanced reservations required
• All equipment must be returned by 5pm
• Customer will be charged for any damaged or lost equipment

​Minimum age: 8 years old  |  Maximum Weight/person: 250 lbs

Whether you take a half day tour of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, an evening Bioluminescent Bay tour, or a Nighttime/Monnlight tour, we think you'll love it! We are a small, family owned and operated kayak outfitter, showing visitors and locals the beauty of St Croix since 1998. Over the years, we have worked closely with the National Park Service, The Department of Parks and Natural Resources, St Croix Environmental Association, The Kalinago Tribe, The St Croix Archeological Society, and local historians to give you the best tour we can give.

Owners: Patti and John Thompson II

CHECK BACK SOON TO LEARN ABOUT THE THOMPSONS

​Managers: Alison Sobeck and John Thompson III (JT)

​CHECK BACK SOON TO LEARN ABOUT ALISON AND JT

​Guides: Jon Bowman, Greg Herald

CHECK BACK SOON TO LEARN ABOUT OUR AMAZING GUIDES​

Founders: Bryan and Jill Updyke

Bryan moved down to St Croix in 1990, just after Hurricane Hugo: a category 5 hurricane; the worst recorded in St Croix history. He purchased a wrecked house and over the following year, put it back together again. It wasn't until 1995, when Jill went on a post graduate vacation to St. Croix, that the two met. Bryan likes to say "I was waiting with my tail wagging!" They were married in the garden at their house, and later welcomed their daughter Bryanna to the family.

In 1997, they read a news article on The Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks, and opened the first Hobie Kayak Dealership in the Virgin Islands. Over the years they founded: The St. Croix Kayak Club; The Caribbean Indigenous Arts and Crafts Museum; commissioned The Cra Cra, a Kalinago dug out canoe; opened AYAY ART; built and founded Cane Bay Campground; became advocates for Salt River Bay National Park by removing abandoned vehicles and trash, and erecting signs; taught Pre-Columbian history and art to local schoolchildren; found the fabled Maroon Cave; and held pottery seminars in the Taino tradition.

In August of 2015, they moved their location to Salt River Marina, where they have incorporated much of Bryan's art. There is a display of original Taino Indian artifacts, as well as Bryan's Pit Fired Ceramics, handmade headdresses, paintings, and wood totems. There are several Kalinago dug out canoes on display. They also acquired a collection of original Taino artifacts, that they dream of someday housing in a permanent exhibition. They have an interest and passion in sharing their love and knowledge of Pre-Columbian art, history and lifestyles.

• Tours last approximately 2-2.5 hours, unless otherwise noted
• Please DO NOT put any bug spray on your arms or hands
• Minimum age of 6 years old
• Maximum weight of 260 lbs per person
• Life jackets will be provided
• Lockers are available for your personal belongings

What to Bring

• Clothes/shoes that can get wet. We do have a limited number of water shoes available or you may go barefoot!
• For daytime tours, please wear sunblock, a hat, and/or other sun protection and bring a light snack
• Cash to tip your guide(s)
• Your sense of adventure!

Our Location

We are located in Salt River Marina, in Salt River Bay National Park on the North Shore of St. Croix

Read More about Virgin Kayak Tours

Bioluminescent Bays of St. Croix

St. Croix is home to not one, but TWO of the Caribbean’s rare bioluminescent bays!  Both Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve and Altona Lagoon offer visitors a chance to witness nature’s “living lights” at night. For those of you not familiar with this concept, a bioluminescent bay (or bio bay) is a…

New Owners, Same Businesses

As time marches on, some well established St. Croix businesses, many that have been around for decades, are changing hands. Don’t worry, that’s not a bad thing! With new owners taking over, you get to keep many of the things you love about the original business while also seeing some updates and improvements. On that…

Virgin Kayak : Paddlesports in Salt River

Located in Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, Virgin Kayak Tours offers more than their name implies. Virgin Kayak is the only Hobie dealership on St. Croix, and the only tour company offering Hobie Mirage pedal kayak tours of Salt River and the Bioluminescent Bay. Now, they have expanded their operation to offer stand up…

Location: North Shore Phone: (340) 514-0062 Visit Website Kayak Tours SUP Tours Rentals & Sales About Us Details & Restrictions Kayak Tours Our Kayaks With the award winning Hobie Mirage pedal kayaks, it’s like going for a walk, on top of the sea. The Hobie kayak’s innovative, state of the art design, allows for everyone…

Kayak Among the Mangroves of Salt River

‘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 National Park and Ecological Preserve. There are currently two kayak companies which launch in Salt River and…

Drive the Scenic North Shore Coast

St. Croix offers many scenic drives, but in my opinion the drive along the North Shore coast is the most picturesque. North Shore Road winds along the northern coast of the island between Salt River Bay and the way to the eastern tip of the rainforest. As you drive alongside the blue Caribbean Sea you…

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Virgin Kayak Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

VIRGIN KAYAK TOURS EST. 1998

Kayak in st. croix, usvi tours & rentals.

Explore St. Croix’s beautiful Salt River Bay by kayak or paddleboard. Join a guided tour or book a rental for a self-guided adventure.

A Memorable Experience For Anyone

Going kayaking with Virgin Kayak Tours in St. Croix is like walking on water in a peaceful setting.

We use award-winning Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks, which offer a fun experience for everyone. These unique kayaks are reminiscent of walking on the sea because pedaling keeps Caribbean trade winds from slowing you down – whether you’re a beginner, pro, or senior citizen. These are great for children, too! 

Our kayaks are perfect for our Bioluminescence Kayak, Sunset and Moonlight, and Historical and Ecological Day tours. We also provide rentals for self-guided kayak and SUP tours.

As a dedicated family-owned and operated kayak outfitter, we've shown visitors and locals St. Croix's beauty since 1998.

Over the years, we’ve worked closely with the National Park Service, The Department of Parks and Natural Resources, the St. Croix Environmental Association, The St. Croix Archeological Society, and local historians to give you the best kayak tour of St. Croix.

Why Pedal Kayaks?

Many wonder why we chose Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks over see-through paddle kayaks. 

Hobie’s innovative, state-of-the-art design makes it easy for anyone to kayak St. Croix’s beautiful waters and have an enjoyable experience. They’re sturdy, comfortable, durable, and easy to operate.  

The Hobie Mirage kayak won Scientific American's Product of the Year in 1998 and has gained momentum ever since. Hobie Mirage Kayaks are foot-pedaled, giving you a hands-free experience and the ability to easily cut through the wind and currents.

The drive-foot pedals let you explore St. Croix’s Salt River Bay while relaxing and enjoying your experience. Free hands let you take lots of pictures, too! 

The kayaks also have hand-operated rudder controls, recumbent high-back seats, and cupholders for extra comfort. 

Many people who try the Hobie Mirage Kayak never want to go back to a traditional paddle kayak!

Explore Paddleboard and Kayak Tours in St. Croix

Bioluminescence Kayak Tours

Explore St. Croix’s bioluminescent bay for a magical experience. This is our most popular tour!

SUP Adventure Tour

Enjoy a tour of the Salt River Bay on a paddleboard. We customize the experience so it’s perfect for beginners and experts. 

Sunset & Moonlight Biobay Tour

Appreciate a peaceful evening, even when the moon is too bright to see the bioluminescence.

SUP & Kayak Rentals

Create your own experience on a self-guided tour with our SUP and kayak rentals.

Historical & Ecological Day Tour

Learn about St. Croix’s Salt River Bay history and ecology with this relaxing daytime tour.

Madonna’s biggest-ever concert transforms Rio’s Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor

RIO DE JANEIRO — Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro’s vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.

It was the last show of The Celebration Tour, her first retrospective,  which kicked off in October in London .

The “Queen of Pop” began the show with her 1998 hit “Nothing Really Matters.” Huge cheers rose from the buzzing, tightly packed crowd, pressed up against the barriers. Others held house parties in brightly lighted apartments and hotels overlooking the beachfront. Helicopters and drones flew overhead, and motorboats and sailboats anchored off the beach filled the bay.

“Here we are in the most beautiful place in the world,” Madonna, 65, told the crowd. Pointing out the ocean view, the mountains and the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city, she added: “This place is magic.”

Madonna performed her classic hits, including “Like A Virgin” and “Hung Up.” For the introduction to “Like A Prayer,” her head was completely covered in a black cape, a rosary gripped in her hands.

The star paid an emotional tribute to “all the bright lights” lost to AIDS as she sang “Live to Tell,” with black and white photos of people who died from the illness flashing behind her.

Later, she was joined on stage by Brazilian artists Anitta and Pabllo Vittar.

Rio spent the last few days readying itself for the performance.

An estimated 1.6 million people attended the show, G1 reported, citing Rio City Hall’s tourism agency. That is more than 10 times Madonna’s record attendance of 130,000 at Paris’ Parc des Sceaux in 1987. Madonna’s official website hyped the show as the biggest ever in her four-decade career.

In recent days, the buzz was palpable. Fans milled outside the stately, beachfront  Copacabana Palace hotel , where Madonna is staying, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pop star. During the sound check on the stage set up in front of the hotel, they danced on the sand.

By midday Saturday, fans crowded in front of the hotel. A white-bearded man carried a sign saying, “Welcome Madonna you are the best I love you.”

Flags with “Madonna” printed against a background of Copacabana’s iconic black and white waved sidewalk pattern hung from balconies. The area was packed with street vendors and concert attendees kitted out in themed T-shirts, sweating under a baking sun.

“Since Madonna arrived here, I’ve been coming every day with this outfit to welcome my idol, my diva, my pop queen,” said Rosemary de Oliveira Bohrer, 69, who sported a gold-colored cone bra and a black cap.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable show here in Copacabana,” said Oliveira Bohrer, a retired civil servant who lives in the area.

Eighteen sound towers were spread along the beach to ensure that all attendees can hear the hits. Her two-hour show started at 10:37 p.m. local time, nearly 50 minutes behind schedule.

City Hall produced a report in April estimating that the concert would inject 293 million reals ($57 million) into the local economy. Hotel capacity was expected to reach 98% in Copacabana, according to Rio’s hotel association. Fans hailing from across Brazil and even Argentina and France sought out Airbnbs for the weekend, the platform said in a statement. Rio’s international airport had forecast an extra 170 flights during May 1-6, from 27 destinations, City Hall said in a statement.

“It’s a unique opportunity to see Madonna, who knows if she’ll ever come back,” said Alessandro Augusto, 53, who flew in from Brazil’s Ceara state — approximately 1,555 miles from Rio.

“Welcome Queen!” read Heineken ads plastered around the city, the lettering above an image of an upturned bottle cap resembling a crown.

Heineken wasn’t the only company seeking to profit from the excitement. Bars and restaurants prepared “Like a Virgin” cocktails. A shop in the downtown neighborhood famed for selling Carnival attire completely reinvented itself, stocking its shelves with Madonna-themed costumes, fans, fanny packs and even underwear.

Organization of the mega-event was similar to New Year’s Eve, when millions of people gather on Copacabana for its fireworks display, local authorities said. That annual event often produces widespread thefts and muggings, and there was some concern such problems might occur at Madonna’s show.

Rio state’s security plan included the presence of 3,200 military personnel and 1,500 civilian police officers on stand by. In the lead-up to the concert, Brazil’s navy inspected vessels that wished to position themselves offshore to follow the show.

A number of huge concerts have taken place on Copacabana beach before, including a 1994 New Year’s Eve show by Rod Stewart that drew more than 4 million fans and was  the biggest free rock concert in history , according to Guinness World Records. Many of those spectators also came to see Rio’s fireworks show, though, so a more fitting comparison might be to the Rolling Stones in 2006, which saw 1.2 million people crowd onto the sand, according to Rio’s military police, the newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo reported at the time.

Ana Beatriz Soares, a fan who was at Copacabana on Saturday, said Madonna has made her mark across the decades.

“Madonna had to run so that today’s pop artists could walk. That’s why she’s important, because she serves as an inspiration for today’s pop divas,” Soares said.

“And that’s 40 years ago. Not 40 days, 40 months. It’s 40 years,” she said.

The Associated Press