Salt River Bay is a pristine and beautiful area. Mangrove lagoons, lush forest and waterways are worth a drive to look and enjoy the scenery. Salt River is the only documented site under the U.S. Flag where Christopher Columbus' fleet landed on the voyage of 1493 to the New World. Columbus had spotted a settlement on the shores of Salt River and sent a group to explore and look for potable water. A skirmish ensued between the Caribs and the explorers.

Today the site of Columbus’ landing is a National and Territorial Park. Salt River is the site of many ecological and historical treasures. The St. Croix Environmental Association conducts tours, and kayak sightseeing is available. The Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve encompasses the largest remaining mangrove forest in the USVI.