| Virgin Islands National Park Travel Planner | |
Things to Do:
Annaberg and Trunk Bay are the most frequently-visited locations in the park, but there are a number of other areas to visit depending on your interests and available time. A good place to begin your visit is at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center (340-776-6201), which is a short walk from the public ferry dock on the island of Saint John. The visitor center, which is open daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm, offers exhibits, a park video, brochures, maps, and books. Park rangers can help you plan your trip, which may include island hikes, historical tours, snorkeling, cultural craft demonstration, and evening campground programs. Advance registration and transportation fees are required in some cases.
Exploring the Park
Some
visitors choose to explore the park on their own, while others prefer a two-hour safari
bus island tour with a private tour guide. Self-guided and ranger-guided tours
take visitors through the ruins of Annaberg Sugar Mill, one of St. John's
best-preserved examples of the island's cultural past during the colonial and
post-emancipation era.
Swimming
The white sand beaches of the Virgin Islands have a reputation for being
among the most beautiful in the world. Among the park's best include Hawksnest Bay, Trunk Bay,
and Cinnamon Bay, all at the north end of the island, and Saltpond Bay at the
southeastern tip of the island.
Underwater Enjoyment
The Virgin Islands rank as one of the premier diving and snorkeling
destinations in the Caribbean. Trunk Bay offers a 225-yard, self-guiding
snorkeling trail marked by underwater signs that identify coral reef life.
Several dive shops rent snorkel and scuba gear and run trips to offshore reefs.
Visitors can also enjoy the
crystal blue waters on a charter day-sail or boat snorkeling tour which are
offered by private operators and can be booked in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
Boating &
Sailing
Charter operations provide excursions lasting from a few hours to several
weeks. Caneel Bay, Francis Bay, and Maho Bay are popular anchorages for
overnight stays. Contact the park for information about moorings and their use
as well as other boating rules and regulations. Boats are limited to 14 nights
in park waters during a 12-month period. Powerboat rentals are available in Cruz
Bay and Coral Bay on Saint John or in Red Hook on Saint Thomas.
Hiking
Park trails range from easy walks to difficult climbs. Visitors can obtain a
trail guide at the park visitor center. Guided park hikes of Reef Bay Valley
(five hours) provide opportunities to visit petroglyphs and the ruins of Saint John's
last active sugar mill. During the winter months especially, the Francis
Bay Trail is an excellent place for bird watching. Among the 160 known species on
the islands include the West Indian whistling-duck and the yellow-billed cuckoo.
Available Facilities - Facilities at Trunk Bay include showers, a snack bar, a water sports shop that rents snorkeling equipment and beach chairs, and a small gift shop staffed by Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park volunteers. Cinnamon Bay campground there are many services available including an activity desk, toilets, changing areas, showers, telephones, restaurant, general store, and beach shop. The beach shop at Cinnamon Bay rents snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks, sailboards, and small sailboats. and provides lessons.
The peak visitor season at Virgin Islands National Park is from December through April.
