Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is located within the United States Virgin Islands, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. It specifically encompasses the waters surrounding the islands of St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. The monument spans approximately 12,708 acres and was designated in 2001 to protect and preserve the diverse coral reef ecosystems that exist in the area.
The historical background of the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is closely tied to the islands' rich cultural heritage and the importance of the coral reefs to the local communities. These reefs have been vital to the islands' indigenous populations for centuries, providing a source of sustenance, livelihoods, and cultural significance. The designation of the monument recognizes the ecological value and fragility of these reefs, ensuring their long-term preservation for future generations.
Visitors to the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument can engage in an array of activities that showcase the beauty and biodiversity of the area. Snorkeling and diving are immensely popular, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant coral formations, fish species, and other marine life that reside in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. The monument also offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and sailing, providing stunning views of the reefs from above the surface.
Besides the national monument, the Virgin Islands offer numerous attractions in its vicinity. St. Thomas, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife, is a popular destination for tourists. The island boasts historical sites like Fort Christian, as well as shopping districts and cultural festivals that showcase the local art and music scene. The island of St. John offers pristine beaches and hiking trails through its pristine national park, highlighting its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. On St. Croix, visitors can explore historic landmarks, such as Christiansted National Historic Site and the Cruzan Rum Distillery, which offers fascinating guided tours.
Whether diving into the underwater wonderland of the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument or exploring the unique cultural offerings nearby, a visit to this part of the Caribbean promises an unforgettable experience of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is located within the United States Virgin Islands, a tropical paradise nestled in the Caribbean Sea. Situated off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, this spectacular underwater treasure stretches across the Virgin Islands—a group of approximately 90 islands and cays, including the main islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The monument encompasses 12,708 acres of pristine coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, making it a vital ecological hotspot. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, abundant marine biodiversity, and picturesque white sandy beaches, the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument truly embodies the natural beauty and splendor of this revered Caribbean paradise.
Hurrican HoleSt. John, VI 00830Driving DirectionsPhone: 3407766201Web: Link
The best time to visit Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument would be during the months of January and April. During January, the average maximum temperature is 84°F, the average minimum temperature is 73°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 2.2 inches. In April, the average maximum temperature increases to 86°F, the average minimum temperature is 76°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 2.2 inches. These months offer pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities with comfortable temperatures and relatively low precipitation levels.
Some of the activities you can do in Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument are: Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Boating Motorized Boating Fishing Paddling Kayaking Swimming Fly Fishing Saltwater Fishing Sailing Stand Up Paddleboarding SCUBA Diving Snorkeling Saltwater Swimming
Learn about these topics at Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument: Animals Birds Fish Tortoises and Turtles Unique Species Rare Endangered Coasts, Islands and Atolls Maritime Oceans Coral Reefs Ships and Shipwrecks Estuaries and Mangroves The Tropics
Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument Visitor Center is located in Cruz Bay.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Cruz Bay Visitor Center.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-10 | 2026 Procedures for Hurricane Hole Storm Mooring Permits in Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument today announced procedures for mariners registering their vessel in Hurricane Hole for the 2026 hurricane season. Applications must be received by the park by May 15. More |
| 2025-04-30 | Virgin Islands National Park seeks high school age students for paid summer jobs Applications are being accepted for the park's Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) summer employment program until May 15, 2025. The YCC session dates for Virgin Islands National Park are June 16, 2025 to August 1, 2025. Participants work on a variety of projects, like trails maintenance and repair, natural resource conservation, and visitor outreach and education. The pay is $15 per hour for a 32-hour work week. More |
| 2024-08-15 | Virgin Islands National Park Status Update ST. John, U.S. Virgin Islands— Post storm clean up efforts after the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto are under way. Ports reopened as of 11:00 AM Thursday August 15, 2024. Virgin Islands National Park began assessing and mitigating storm damage on the morning of Wednesday August 14, 2024. The local Incident Management Team (IMT) was activated before the storm's arrival on Sunday August 11, 2024. The Team discussed yesterday's storm damage assessments at their morning briefing and have concluded that the clean-up process may take a little longer than estimated to restore the park fully to a pre-storm state. Staff and visitor safety is the main priority for the park. The park is prioritizing clearing roads, parking lots, and beaches of hazard trees and debris. The following park sites will reopen for normal business hours as planned on Friday August 16, 2024: Cruz Bay Visitor Center and bookstore and the Trunk Bay Fee Station. Caneel Bay entrance will remain closed at this time. More |
| 2024-08-14 | Virgin Islands National Park Post Ernesto Operations Update: Clean-ups and Closures ST. John, U.S. Virgin Islands— The tropical storm watch for the U.S. Virgin Islands has been lifted as of 2PM Wednesday August 14, 2024. Virgin Islands National Park has been making assessments of storm damage in the park since late morning August 14, 2023. The park plans to assemble a team to begin post storm clean up on Thursday morning, August 15, 2024. The following park sites will remain closed until Friday August 16, 2024: Cruz Bay Visitor Center, Trunk Bay Fee Station, and Caneel Bay. More |
| 2024-03-13 | Virgin Islands National Park Hosts a Public Resume Writing Workshop for Federal Jobs The National Park Service (NPS) announces a Public Session on Resume Writing for Federal Jobs will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Virgin Islands National Park. The session will be held at the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, St. John, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. More |
| 2024-03-08 | Penelope Del Bene Named Superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park units The National Park Service (NPS) today announced the selection of Penelope “Penny” Del Bene as superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, effective April 7. More |