DK Travel : Virgin Islands : Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

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Green mountains meet white, sandy shores at this showcase of the National Park Service, which occupies two-thirds of St. John’s area. A mix of native and introduced species thrive among its varied vegetation, which ranges from moist subtropical forests to semi-arid scrublands. The park’s inhabitants include gecko and iguana lizards, sea turtles, bats, reef fish, and more than 30 species of tropical birds. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and scuba-dive pristine reefs, or hike past stone ruins left from the days of sugar and slavery.
The park and tour operators offer organized trips, but you can easily strike out on your own

Top 10 Sights

1. Virgin Islands National Park Visitor’s Center

Start your visit to the park here. Rangers are on hand with maps and brochures, and advice on how best to use your time. Displays explain the park’s natural and cultural history. A small store sells books and gift items.
2. Salomon Beach

Hike downhill from behind the Visitor’s Center for 20 minutes to the only beach within walking distance of Cruz Bay. Worth the effort for a few hours at the soft, sandy beach or snorkeling the nearby rocks and reefs.
3. North Shore Road (Route 20)

Don’t miss a drive along this gorgeous route. Overlooks let motorists safely view the spectacular sea and mountain vistas (seeNorth Shore of St. John). Pick up a map at the Visitor’s Center before setting out.
4. Hawksnest Bay

Seagrapes and palm trees fringe this stunning strand of sand. Snorkel the patchy reefs that sit just offshore, stroll along the water’s edge, or simply while away hours on your beach towel. Facilities include basic toilets, a changing room, and simple pavilions (seeHawksnest Beach).
5. Trunk Bay Beach

The park’s busiest beach, Trunk Bay features an underwater snorkel trail with signs to explain the sights. It’s popular with cruise ship tours, so come early or late for solitude (seeTrunk Bay Beach).
6. Annaberg Plantation

A huge stone windmill is the centerpiece of this restored 18th-century sugar plantation, which includes a sugar factory, a tiny jail, and the remains of a slave village. Ranger talks here highlight the island’s agrarian past (seeAnnaberg Plantation).
7. Salt Pond Bay

Sun or snorkel at this sandy beach, or, for some adventure, hike up Ram Head for its fine views. Follow the signs on the beach’s south side. The only facilities here are an outhouse and picnic tables.
8. Lameshur Bay & Beach

It’s a bit of a drive to Lameshur on a mostly paved road, but it’s worth the trip if you crave a sparsely populated beach. The snorkeling, particularly on the east side of the bay, is superb, while the ruins in the west are fun to explore. An outhouse provides the only facilities.
9. Reef Bay Hike

With park rangers, trek down this trail to the old Reef Bay Estate, past flora, fauna, and a natural pool inscribed with ancient petroglyphs. A boat meets hikers for a ride back to Cruz Bay (seeReef Bay Trail).
10. Explore the Nooks & Crannies in a Kayak

Rent kayaks at Cinnamon Bay Campground or Maho Bay Camps (seeMaho Bay Camps, St. John) to explore the park’s nautical byways. Kayaks are easy to maneuver, and you won’t mind a spill because the water is warm. Pull the kayak up on shore to spend time snorkeling.

Practical Information

The park’s beaches are open 24 hours, but for safety’s sake, limit your visit to daylight hours. Explore the park during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours. The midday tropical sun burns bright at this latitude. While you’ll find restaurants in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, options inside the park are limited to pricey restaurants at Caneel Bay Resort and more pedestrian ones at Cinnamon Bay Campground and Maho Bay Camps. Trunk Bay has a snack bar that sells burgers. Bring your lunch or snacks for a picnic under the palm trees. VINP Visitor’s Center: Rte 20 at the Creek, Cruz Bay 340-776-6201 www.nps.gov/viis Open 8am– 4:30pm daily