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Virgin Islands National Park adventures

Virgin Islands National Park Adventures

Virgin Islands National Park protects nearly 60% of Saint John Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, tropical forests, and rich cultural history renowned for snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

7,200 + 5,600 submerged acres
Acres Protected
Approximately 20 miles
Miles of Trails
Approximately 350,000 visitors
Annual Visitors
1956
Year Established

About Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park
 

Virgin Islands National Park covers approximately 7,200 acres of land and an additional 5,600 acres of submerged territory on the island of Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The park features a diverse landscape including white-sand beaches, coral reefs teeming with marine life, tropical hardwood forests, and rugged hills reaching elevations of over 1,200 feet. Established in 1956, the park preserves the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the island, including pre-Columbian archeological sites dating back over a thousand years, sugar plantation ruins from the colonial era, and historical maritime artifacts. Visitors can explore a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging ridge routes like the Reef Bay Trail, which leads to petroglyphs and a waterfall. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities, especially around the park’s underwater trail system highlighting vibrant reefs, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Other recreation opportunities include kayaking, camping at Cinnamon Bay or Salt Pond, and wildlife viewing, including endemic species of birds and reptiles. The park’s warm tropical climate makes it accessible year-round, though the winter months bring slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Virgin Islands National Park is celebrated for its exceptional natural beauty, environmental diversity, and a blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration, making it a top destination in the Caribbean.

Highlights

Highlight

Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkeling Trail, renowned for its clear water and coral reefs

Highlight

Reef Bay Trail featuring petroglyphs, a waterfall, and sugar plantation ruins

Highlight

Cinnamon Bay Beach with its white sand and calm waters ideal for swimming and kayaking

Highlight

Salt Pond Bay, a less crowded beach with excellent snorkeling and hiking opportunities

Notable Natural Features

Trunk Bay Underwater Trail

A marked underwater snorkeling trail featuring signs that describe the marine ecosystem and coral species surrounding the cove.

Reef Bay Petroglyphs

Ancient rock carvings created by the Taino people, accessible via a moderate hike through tropical rainforest.

Cinnamon Bay Campground

A developed campground near a calm beach with facilities including showers, picnic tables, and water access.