Celebrate St. Croix: Salt River Bay

There are some places on St. Croix that I never get tired of visiting, and Salt River is one of them. No matter how many times I’ve been there, it always feels like it has something new to offer, some small detail I didn’t notice before or a story I hadn’t heard yet. It’s one of those spots that reminds me why this island is so special. The landscape is beautiful, of course, but it’s more than that. There’s history here. There’s culture here. And there’s a kind of quiet presence that you can feel the moment you arrive.

If you haven’t been to Salt River National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve or if it’s been a while, I want to share what makes this place worth slowing down for. And if you already know and love it, maybe this will help you see it with fresh eyes the next time you go.

A Place Full of Stories

Salt River Bay is one of those rare places where you can stand in one spot and feel layers of time all around you. Today it covers more than 1,000 acres of protected land and water, but long before it became a national park, it was home to different Indigenous cultures, the site of early European contact, and later a place connected to colonial activity.

Many people know the bay as Columbus Landing, because on November 14, 1493, Columbus’ crew arrived here during his second voyage. That moment is considered the first written record of conflict between European explorers and Indigenous peoples on what is now U.S. territory. There’s still debate about whether Columbus himself stepped ashore or sent a scouting party, but that moment in history is tied to this very place.

But the story of Salt River doesn’t begin with Columbus. Archaeologists have been studying the area since the 1800s, and their work has uncovered evidence of human life going back thousands of years. One of the most unique discoveries is the only confirmed Taino ceremonial ball court in the Lesser Antilles. These ball courts, used for games and ceremonies, show how connected Salt River was to Indigenous cultures across the Caribbean.

To walk through Salt River is to walk through many eras at once, and you don’t need a guidebook to feel that. The land itself carries the stories.

Nature Working in Its Own Rhythm

While the history at Salt River Bay is fascinating, the natural side of this place is just as impressive. The park protects one of the largest mangrove forests in the Virgin Islands, something that’s not only beautiful but also incredibly important.

Mangroves help young fish grow and stay protected, they support wildlife, they stabilize the shoreline, and they keep the water clean. The seagrass beds and coral reefs nearby play their own part, creating a healthy home for fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.

And then there’s the submarine canyon at the mouth of the bay. It drops nearly 350 feet and has caves, ledges, and deep-water corals. It’s rare to have a canyon like this so close to shore, and it’s one reason divers and marine researchers are drawn to the area. Even if you’re not diving, just knowing what’s beneath the surface adds to the wonder of the place.

Salt River Bay isn’t only about what you see on the surface, it's also about everything happening quietly below it.

Ways to Experience Salt River Bay

If you’re planning a visit, here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy the park:

Kayak Tours

I always recommend this first. A kayak tour lets you slip quietly through the mangroves, see wildlife up close, and hear stories about the history and ecology from local guides. It’s peaceful, informative, and a great way to see the bay from a different perspective.

Snorkeling and Diving

The reef edges and the canyon draw snorkelers and divers from all over. If you snorkel, stay within marked areas and be gentle around the coral, it’s fragile and incredibly important to the health of the island.

Walking Trails

There are trails that take you near mangroves, along the shoreline, and past historical features. You’ll see signs explaining the cultural and ecological significance of different spots, which helps connect the whole story together.

Educational Programs

Salt River Bay is an active site for both archaeological and ecological research. When you visit, you’re helping support the ongoing work to document and protect the area’s heritage.

Visitor Information

Hours are:

• Nov 1 – Jun 30: 9 AM – 4 PM (weekdays)

• Jul 1 – Oct 31: 10 AM – 3 PM (weekdays)

The visitor center is closed for now, so plan ahead and bring what you need.

Salt River Bay isn’t just another beautiful place on the island. It’s a key part of St. Croix’s natural protection system. The mangroves help prevent shoreline erosion. The reefs protect the coast. The estuary supports fish populations and healthy water quality. When we take care of Salt River, we’re taking care of the island.

But it’s not only about nature. The land holds deep stories of Indigenous communities, of difficult encounters, of survival, and of change. Standing on the shoreline or paddling through the mangroves, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of that history. And yet Salt River is also peaceful. It’s a place where you can sit quietly and listen, and somehow it still feels generous.

One of my favorite things about Salt River Bay is how it encourages curiosity. You can go ten times and still find something new, a small fish darting between roots, a shift in the light on the water, an old stone that makes you wonder what once stood there. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down.

Tips Before You Go

To make your visit easier, here are a few practical reminders:

• Book a guided kayak tour if you want the fullest experience

• Use reef-safe sunscreen (it really makes a difference)

• Bring water, sun protection, and anything else you need

• Follow park guidelines, especially near sensitive areas

• Plan ahead, since the visitor center is closed

• Leave no trace, so we preserve this place for others

Your Turn

Salt River Bay means something different to everyone who visits it, and I love hearing those stories. If you’ve been there, I’d love to know your favorite memory, something you learned, or a moment that stayed with you. And if you’re planning a trip soon, feel free to reach out I’m always happy to share tips or help you plan the perfect visit.

Salt River is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Maybe that’s why I keep going back.