Things to Do at Virgin Islands National Park

Complete Guide to Virgin Islands National Park in St. John's

About Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park covers two-thirds of St. John's 20 square miles, protecting coral reefs, pristine beaches, and tropical dry forest where sugar plantations once exported wealth built on enslaved labor. Established in 1956, the park encompasses hiking trails that wind through ruins of 18th-century estates, past stone windmills and slave quarters that nature is slowly reclaiming with wild tamarind and century plants. Underwater, the coral reefs team with parrotfish, sergeant majors, and sea turtles that cruise through crystal-clear water where visibility often exceeds 100 feet. Park entry costs $30 (valid for 7 days) and includes access to all hiking trails and beaches, though snorkel gear rental runs $15 per day at Trunk Bay. Visit early morning when the trails are coolest and you're most likely to spot hermit crabs, geckos, and the bananaquits that flit through the forest canopy.

What to See & Do

Trunk Bay

The park's most famous beach with an underwater snorkel trail that's perfect for beginners. Yes, it gets crowded, but the 225-yard marked trail with underwater plaques explaining the coral and fish is genuinely helpful.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins

Remarkably well-preserved 18th-century plantation ruins where you can actually walk through the windmill, slave quarters, and factory buildings. The self-guided trail gives you a real sense of the island's complex history.

Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument

The underwater portion of the park that's accessible from multiple beaches. Francis Bay and Leinster Bay tend to be less crowded than Trunk Bay but offer equally impressive snorkeling.

Reef Bay Trail

A 2.2-mile hike through tropical forest down to a secluded beach, passing ancient petroglyphs and sugar mill ruins along the way. The trail can be challenging on the way back up, but it's worth it for the solitude.

Cinnamon Bay

A long stretch of beach that's excellent for swimming and has decent facilities. The bay also serves as a good starting point for several hiking trails, including the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The park is open 24/7, though visitor center hours are typically 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Some facilities and restrooms have limited hours.

Tickets & Pricing

No entrance fee for the park itself, though some activities like guided tours might have fees. Ferry transportation to St. John will be your main cost.

Best Time to Visit

December through April offers the driest weather and calmest seas, though it's also peak season. May through November can be rainier but less crowded - just avoid hurricane season (August-October).

Suggested Duration

You could easily spend 3-5 days here if you're into hiking and snorkeling. A single day gives you time for one good beach and maybe a short hike, but you'll likely want more time.

Getting There

Fly into St. Thomas first. Land at Cyril E. King Airport, then grab a taxi or rental car to Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook ferry terminals for the connection to St. John. The ferry ride to Cruz Bay takes 20-45 minutes depending on your departure point. Red Hook wins on convenience. More frequent departures and a shorter ride, though Charlotte Amalie works better if you're already staying in that part of St. Thomas. Once you reach St. John, rent a car or use safari taxis to explore the island. Fair warning about the roads. They're steep and winding-take your time navigating them, especially if you didn't grow up driving mountain curves.

Things to Do Nearby

Coral World Ocean Park
Located back on St. Thomas, this marine park offers close-up encounters with sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish if you want a more structured marine experience.

Paradise Point Skyride
A cable car ride on St. Thomas that gives you panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie harbor and the surrounding islands - particularly nice at sunset.

Blackbeard's Castle
Historic watchtower in Charlotte Amalie with pirate history and decent views over the harbor. It's a bit touristy but the history is interesting.

Magens Bay Beach
Often called one of the world's most beautiful beaches, located on St. Thomas. There's an entrance fee, but the heart-shaped bay and calm waters are worth it.

Hassel Island
A smaller national park unit accessible by kayak or boat from St. Thomas, with hiking trails and historical ruins that see far fewer visitors.

Tips & Advice

Bring reef-safe sunscreen - regular sunscreen is actually prohibited in the Virgin Islands to protect the coral reefs

Pack water and snacks for hiking trails, as there aren't many facilities once you leave the main beaches

The roads on St. John are steep and narrow, and remember you'll be driving on the left side - take it slow and be patient

Check ferry schedules in advance, especially if you're planning to return to St. Thomas for a flight - the last ferries run earlier than you might expect