The Team
Meet Your Guides
Certified naturalists, wilderness guides, rescue divers, and lifelong St. Croix residents. Every BushTribe guide knows the island the way it takes years to learn.
Ty McRae
Originally from the farmlands of Idaho, Ty arrived on St. Croix in 2008. After earning degrees in Environmental Science and Geographic Information Systems, he made the island his permanent base and specialized in outdoor education. With a strong focus on youth outreach, he has worked with the Boys and Girls Club, summer camps, and after-school programs across St. Croix. His high energy and genuine enthusiasm make every trip a living classroom.
Leah Santini
Leah arrived on island in 2014 to guide with BushTribe. She holds a degree in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and brings twelve years of wilderness guiding experience across kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. When she is not leading a tour, she can usually be found underwater, bonding with moray eels.
Travis McRae
Travis arrived on St. Croix in fall 2008 in search of new ideas, culture, and adventure. Born and raised in Idaho, he has an agricultural background and a history of outdoor and recreational work. After landing on the island, he embraced the sailboat lifestyle and got involved in after-school programs and summer camps. His personal commitment to learning every corner of St. Croix means he always has something worth sharing with guests from all over the world.
Chris Kierstead
Chris is a born leader and an avid adventurer who makes sure everyone in his group has a great time. If he is not in a kayak, he is exploring the ocean depths. He has an expansive working knowledge of St. Croix and genuinely enjoys sharing it with anyone who will listen.
Adrian Rogers
Adrian was born in Northern California. From a young age he was drawn to outdoor pursuits including hiking, mountain biking, and extreme rock climbing. After relocating from Spain to St. Croix eight years ago, he established himself as a local entertainer, trained rescue SCUBA diver, and kayak tour guide. He met Ty McRae while they were both guiding in Salt River National Park, and they have been running trips together ever since, with a shared focus on education, exploration, and keeping every adventure safe.
BushTribe in Motion
See the Team in Action
Mangrove tunnels, open water, glowing bays at night. This is what an average day looks like for the BushTribe crew.
The Next Generation
Guides in Training
Malakai
Malakai, also known as Captain Mal, has a clear affinity for ocean adventures and exploring the island. He always has a smile on his face and is ready to go at a moment's notice.
Orion McRae
Only four years old and already showing real leadership skills. Orion helps set up and tear down the kayak gear whenever he can. He is still working on communication, driving, and backing up the trailer. At this rate, he will be one of St. Croix's finest guides.
Essential Personnel
The Crew
Not technically certified. Absolutely indispensable.
Mowgli
Mowgli is a little over a year old and a natural in the water. Found at the dump when he was just a cub, he has never looked back. He is eager to load into the kayak on any given morning and always wants to retrieve the stick. Still learning the ropes, but getting it quickly.
Diego
Born and raised on St. Croix. Just four years old. One of the highest-trained employees at BushTribe. Standing a mere half a foot tall, Diego displays potent leadership qualities and an endless wealth of knowledge about indigenous flora and fauna. An irreplaceable asset on any extreme adventure.
Ready to head out with the team?
Browse the full list of adventures and pick your trip.