Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is located in the Caribbean east of Puerto Rica and northwest of Antigua. The Virgin Islands is one of the territories of the United States with the park being managed by the US National Park Service.  

The park covers an area of 23 square miles (59.64 sq km) accounting for 60% of the island of St. John, most of Hassel Island, and about 9 square miles (23 sq km) of neighboring ocean waters.

The Virgin Islands are renowned for stunning beaches, spectacular snorkeling and diving, and opportunities for exploring exquisite rainforests. It is a tropical paradise that draws visitors for weeklong stays as well as passengers who explore the national park and the Virgin Islands as ports-of-call during a cruise adventure.

The Virgin Islands and the national park are characterized by turquoise crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand beaches, and lush green tropical rainforest.  These collectively work together creating a tropical paradise.

The Virgin Islands National Park features 5 exquisite bays that are all accompanied by fabulous soft sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. The five bays include:

• Trunk Bay
• Cinnamon bay
• Honeymoon Bay
• Maho Bay
• Salt Pond Bay

The foundation of the national park lies with the abundance of coral reefs that are prevalent around most of the national park and ocean waters in the area.  This would give way to the marine wildlife that lives amongst the reefs.

The rainforest and island terrain are home to deer, pigs, iguana, mongoose, tortoise, and varying frog and crabs.  Wild donkeys are also found roaming about the park.

The national park integrates history into the natural environment while also protecting several historic ruins.  Some of the ruins include the Reef Bay Sugar Factory, petroglyphs, Annaberg district windmill, and the Catherineberg Sugar Mill.

Photos

Virgin Islands National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

Beaches and coral reefs are the most commonly reported highlights of the national park. You can frequently find them listed among the world’s top beaches.  But the tropical rainforest and views from lookout points over the island and coastlines are also pretty captivating.

Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is probably the most photographed and visited bay and beach in the national park. The first half of the beach features white sands, crystal clear water, and access to the coral reef which has been declared a national monument within the national park.  The second half of Trunk Bay is accounted for by Burgesman Cove.

Cinnamon Bay

Cinnamon Bay is a second bay with another long slice of white pristine soft sandy beach.  This bay is also popular for snorkeling and experiencing the underwater haven around the Virgin Islands.  However, it is mostly enchanting because of the pristine beach that welcomes sunbathers with open arms.

Salt Pond Bay

Salt Pond Bay is a nice soft sandy beach; however, it is more inviting because of the adventure.  It is accessed by hiking a 4-mile (6.4 km) trail through the rainforest. It is a great place for snorkelers to explore fringing reefs, seagrass, and a deep coral reef located further out in the center of the bay.

Virgin Islands National Park Trails

There are miles and miles of hiking opportunities found on more than a couple of dozen trails that allow visitors to explore the beaches, forests, and rolling hills of the national park.