Things to do nearVirgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, protects pristine coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical forest covering most of the island.
Virgin Islands National Park was established in 1956 after philanthropist Laurance Rockefeller purchased land on St. John and donated it to the American people, preserving more than half the island from development at a time when Caribbean tourism was beginning to accelerate. Today the park encompasses roughly 7,000 acres of land and an additional 5,600 acres of submerged lands and waters, making its coral reef ecosystems among the most legally protected in the Caribbean. On land, visitors move through a layered landscape shaped by centuries of Danish colonial sugar production, and the crumbling stone walls of plantation windmills and factory buildings appear at intervals along the trails, particularly along the Reef Bay Trail, the park's longest and most storied route.
Snorkelers and divers find a world of elkhorn coral, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and reef fish in the bays that indent the island's northern shore. Trunk Bay, with its marked underwater snorkel trail, is the most visited, while Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay offer quieter alternatives with their own distinct character. The park's visitor center in Cruz Bay provides maps, ranger programs, and exhibits on the island's natural and cultural history.
Above the beaches, the forested interior holds surprising quiet, and the sound of bananaquits and other native birds carries through the trees on the winding ridge trails. Virgin Islands National Park stands apart from most American national parks in the sheer sensory contrast it offers, where a single afternoon can move from coral reef to colonial ruin to panoramic ocean view, all within a few miles of each other.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Virgin Islands National Park
Visit Trunk Bay early in the morning, well before midday, to enjoy the underwater snorkel trail before tour boats arrive and the beach fills with day visitors.
Bring reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen, as the park prohibits chemical sunscreens to protect the coral ecosystems in its protected waters.
Hike the Reef Bay Trail on a ranger-led program to see pre-Columbian petroglyphs carved near a freshwater pool deep in the forest.
Try the fresh fish at the open-air restaurants lining Cruz Bay's waterfront, just a short walk from the national park visitor center.
Pack plenty of water for any inland trail, as shade is limited on the exposed ridgeline paths and heat builds quickly even in the cooler months.
Top tours & experiences near Virgin Islands National Park
St. John 3-Reef Snorkeling Cruise
Snorkel three St. John reefs with breakfast, lunch, and an open bar
St. John National Park Snorkel Cruise
Two-reef catamaran snorkeling with meals, drinks and gear
Private St. Thomas Yacht Charter to St. John Snorkel
Build your own private yacht day from St. Thomas, with snorkeling and lunch onboard
Snorkel Cruise to St. John Virgin Islands National Park
Cruise to St. John for snorkeling in Virgin Islands National Park plus lunch and open bar
Virgin Islands National Park Private Snorkel Charter
Private island hopping on a smooth, shaded power catamaran
3.5-Hour Charter in Virgin Islands National Park
Private Aquila catamaran with drinks, snorkeling gear, and a customizable island route
St. Thomas Sunset Private Charter
Cruise St. John’s north shore aboard a smooth private catamaran at sunset
St. John Food Boat & Snorkeling Cruise
Cruise St. John’s shores with snorkeling, food-boat stops, and an open bar
3.5-Hour Virgin Islands National Park Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel two sites in Virgin Islands National Park with drinks and snacks
Private St. Thomas & St. John Snorkel Charter
Customize a shaded private catamaran day of snorkeling, beaches, and island cruising
Full-Day St. Thomas Private Charter
Customize a private island-hopping day aboard a smooth, stable power catamaran
Full-Day St. John Private Charter
Explore the US Virgin Islands aboard a private 36-foot power catamaran
Virgin Islands National Park Snorkeling Charter
Private shaded catamaran cruising with flexible St. John snorkeling stops
Sunset Turtle Snorkeling Cruise From St. Thomas
Sail, snorkel reefs and look for turtles with pizza and drinks included
Sea Turtle Kayak & Snorkel Tour in St. John
Paddle St. John’s North Shore and look for sea turtles at Scott Beach
Virgin Islands National Park Sunset Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel, pizza and an open-bar sunset dance party
Guided 3-Hour Hike & Snorkel in Virgin Islands National Park
Hike to Honeymoon Beach and snorkel while looking for sea turtles
St. John Kayak & Snorkel Tour With Sea Turtles
Paddle St. John’s North Shore, snorkel coral reefs, and picnic by the beach
St. John Cruise With Lime Out Taco Bar Stop
Cruise St. John’s coves and snorkel stops with a floating taco bar break
Afternoon Jeep Tour of St John
Explore St John’s remote side beyond Virgin Islands National Park
3-Hour Jeep Tour of St John
Explore St John’s remote destinations beyond the national park
37' Powerboat Charter in St. Thomas
Cruise the US Virgin Islands with snorkel gear and cabin comforts
Trunk Bay Beach Tour in Virgin Islands National Park
See St. John’s scenic overlooks and unwind at Trunk Bay Beach
Hurricane Hole Self-Guided SUP & Kayak Snorkel Rental
Paddle and snorkel Hurricane Hole’s sheltered mangrove bays at your own pace
Private 55' Sailing Charter in St. Thomas
Private yacht sailing with lunch, open bar, snorkeling, and a flexible island itinerary
55' Sailing Yacht Charter in St. Thomas
Sail, snorkel, and choose your St. John or Christmas Cove route
Trunk Bay Beach Tour in Virgin Islands National Park
Beach time and scenic St. John stops at Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay Beach Tour From St. Thomas
Scenic St. John stops and time to swim at Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay Beach Tour in Virgin Islands National Park
Discover St. John vistas and unwind at Trunk Bay Beach
Trunk Bay Beach Half-Day Guided Tour From St. John
A guided beach escape with scenic St. John photo stops
Explore Trunk Bay & Virgin Islands National Park
Relax at Trunk Bay and take in Virgin Islands National Park views
Trunk Bay Beach Tour With Scenic Stops
Explore Trunk Bay's reef and Virgin Islands National Park
Guided Lime Out Island Tour in St. John
Secluded beaches, guided snorkeling, and Lime Out on a private St. John tour
Frederiksted Food Tasting Tour
Explore Frederiksted through local food tastings with round-trip transportation
Sea Turtle Kayak & Snorkel Tour in St. John
Paddle St. John's North Shore and look for sea turtles below the surface
Guided Hike & Snorkel Tour in Virgin Islands National Park
Hike to Honeymoon Beach and snorkel St. John's coral reefs