Salt River Bay on St. Croix protects more than 2,000 years of human history alongside mangroves, coral reefs and estuarine habitat.
The National Park Service says the site preserves the only known ceremonial stone-lined ballcourt or plaza in the Lesser Antilles and archaeological evidence spanning major periods of human settlement.
Why it matters
Salt River Bay is also associated with the 1493 encounter between members of Columbus’s second voyage and Indigenous people, including the earliest recorded armed resistance by Amerindians to Europeans on what is now U.S. territory.
Visiting responsibly
Stay within authorized visitor areas and do not disturb archaeological features or mangrove habitat. Access to specific facilities and water activities can change, so check current NPS guidance.
Official source
National Park Service — Salt River Bay.
FAQ
Why is Salt River Bay archaeologically important?
It preserves evidence of Indigenous settlement and the Lesser Antilles’ only known ceremonial stone-lined ballcourt/plaza.
