Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is a prominent natural attraction located in the United States Virgin Islands. It encompasses a significant portion of the island of St. John, covering approximately two-thirds of its southern region, and spans over 7,000 acres. Established in 1956, the park aims to preserve the island's stunning biodiversity, pristine beaches, and historical remnants.

With its lush tropical forests, breathtaking coral reefs, and shimmering turquoise waters, Virgin Islands National Park offers visitors an array of activities and landscapes to explore. Hiking enthusiasts can embark on numerous well-maintained trails, such as the Reef Bay Trail, which winds through dense forests, past ancient petroglyphs, and ends at a picturesque beach. Another popular trail is the Bordeaux Mountain Trail, leading to the highest peak on St. John and rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

For those looking for underwater adventures, the park provides exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The underwater ecosystem teems with vibrant marine life, including colorful coral reefs and tropical fish, making it an ideal destination for underwater exploration. Trunk Bay, often hailed as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, offers a stunning underwater snorkeling trail showcasing the area's abundant aquatic diversity.

Virgin Islands National Park boasts a rich historical heritage as well. The Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins provide insight into the island's colonial past, where visitors can learn about the harsh realities of the sugar industry and the lives of enslaved Africans who toiled on these plantations. Additionally, Cinnamon Bay Archaeological Site showcases pre-Columbian petroglyphs and remnants of the island's indigenous culture, offering a glimpse into St. John's ancient history.

Adjacent to the park, visitors can explore the charming town of Cruz Bay, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse dining options, and locally owned shops. The island also offers pristine, secluded beaches for relaxation and sunbathing, including Maho Bay and Hawksnest Bay.

Overall, Virgin Islands National Park is a captivating destination that combines the extraordinary natural beauty of the Caribbean with its rich historical heritage. Whether visitors choose to hike through lush forests, dive into vibrant reefs, or learn about the island's past, this national park continues to enchant tourists from around the world.

Virgin Islands National Park is located on the easternmost tip of the United States, in the Caribbean Sea. Specifically, it encompasses more than two-thirds of the picturesque island of St. John in the United States Virgin Islands. With a total land area of 12,630 acres, the park stretches from the magnificent coastlines and turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the rugged interior peaks and lush rainforests. The park's strategic geographical location grants it a unique blend of diverse ecosystems, including pristine coral reefs, scenic beaches, and dense forests teeming with exotic wildlife. Enveloped by this tropical paradise, Virgin Islands National Park offers visitors an awe-inspiring and truly unforgettable natural experience.

Address & Contact

1300 Cruz Bay Creek
St. John, VI 00830
Driving Directions
Phone: 3407766201
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park is from January to April. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 84°F to 86°F, and the average minimum temperatures range from 74°F to 76°F. The average monthly precipitation remains relatively low, ranging from 2.2 to 2.8 inches. This timeframe offers pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities and exploration.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Virgin Islands National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Kayaking Swimming Fly Fishing Saltwater Fishing Cultural Demonstrations Sailing Stand Up Paddleboarding SCUBA Diving Snorkeling Craft Demonstrations Saltwater Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Virgin Islands National Park: Animals Birds Archeology Transportation Fish Tortoises and Turtles Trails Water Trails Unique Species Waterfalls Rare Endangered Ruins Enslavement Maritime Oceans Coral Reefs Plantations Piracy and Privateering Ships and Shipwrecks Estuaries and Mangroves Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Cruz Bay Visitor Center

Visitor and Information Center for Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Cruz Bay Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Virgin Islands National Park

Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground

The campground offers bare tent sites, eco-tents, and cottages. Amenities include restrooms, showers, food and beverage service, watersports rentals, beach wheelchairs, and more.
Fees (US$): 50.00 (Bare site), 190.00 (Eco-Tent), 210.00 (Eco-Tent Family), 190.00 (Eco-Tent Bunk), 215.00 (Eco-Tent Oceanside), 245.00 (Eco-Tent Family Oceanside), 230.00 (Cottage), 280.00 (Terrace Cottage), 315.00 (Terrace Cottage Oceanside), 275.00 (Cottage Oceanside)
Total Campsites: 121
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Cold- Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal