With colonial and prehistoric archaeological sites to explore, St. Croix’s Salt River Bay National Historic Park is truly a treasure, both above and below the surface. The park offers a beautiful submarine canyon and spectacular coral reefs and is home to hundreds of species of fish, invertebrates and crustaceans, as well as other magnificent marine life. Let’s take a look at five of the most beautiful dive sites around this incredibly varied area.
West Wall
While its outer edge drops off all the way to 300 feet, the West Wall is cut with canyons and grooves, and is an excellent place to encounter large pelagics, including the occasional hammerhead, lots of jack and permit, and schooling barracuda and mackerel. Sometimes called The Pinnacles, this site is steep and rugged, and is washed by a constant light current. Even so, it begins in just 20 feet of water, and has areas which are suitable for all divers.
You’ll find large stingrays and a never ending colorful parade of small tropical fish here, all swimming against a brilliant tapestry of coral, sponges, and lovely gorgonians. Watch for turtles returning from their deep dives, and keep an eye out for dolphins, as well. This beautiful multi-level site is huge; you can make several trips and continue to be amazed each time.
Jimmy’s Surprise
Suitable for experienced divers only, this huge pinnacle is washed by currents which can be strong at times, and rises up from the seabed at 95 feet, to within 45 feet of the surface. Covered in huge barrel sponges and gorgonians at its base, with layers of sea fans and cup coral, beautiful soft coral and patches of smaller sponge up its side, it is home to groupers, large moray eels and big lobsters. Shoaling fish swirl about in colorful profusion, and the occasional hammerhead can be seen at times. You’ll find smaller sharks here, as well as pufferfish and porcupine fish.
East Wall
Presiding over a chasm thousands of feet deep, the East wall begins in 40 feet of water, and is the site where Christopher Columbus and his fleet of 17 ships moored to explore the island which would later be known as St. Croix. Covered in gorgeous green and pink colored black coral as well as brilliant orange and yellow sponges, various hard corals, and lovely sea fans, the wall is also the site of an old Hydro Lab, which was stationed here for several years due to the sheer abundance of aquatic life. You’ll find fish in all shapes, sizes and colors, as well as reef sharks and turtles, plus enormous crabs and lobsters. While newer divers will enjoy the reef at the top of the wall, only those with excellent buoyancy control should explore the face of the wall itself.
Rust-Op-Twist
Named for the old rusty pipes that once fed an onshore shrimp farm, Rust Op Twist is an excellent site for all divers. With maximum depth at 90 feet and beautiful anemones filled with purple Pederson shrimp, lush gorgonians and magnificent sponge and coral growth, the site is easy to navigate, thanks to the pipes. Although it has lower visibility than the other sites in the area, it is still an excellent place for underwater photography. You’ll find loads of black triggerfish, plenty of flounder, and the occasional turtle here, as well as countless crabs, slipper lobsters, and other small creatures.
Pinella’s
With scorpionfish and gurnards, lots of banded coral shrimp, and tiny juvenile spotted drums everywhere, Pinella’s is a wonderful site for all divers. Maximum depth is just about 40 feet, and the shallow spur and groove coral reef formation combined with areas of patch reef and well-lit sandy bottomed spaces create a habitat where it is possible to find everything from sleepy nurse sharks and large stingrays to schools of small butterfly and angel fish.
These are just a few of the fantastic dive sites St. Croix has to offer. There are many friendly dive operators in the area to choose from, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation onshore. Be sure to book in advance, as tours can fill up fast!