We visited Virgin Islands National Park for the first time back in 2018 (and even created a comprehensive guide about it) and had some mixed feelings for sure. Show
On the one hand, Virgin Islands National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful location with everything you could imagine an island paradise having. Crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, palm trees, sunshine, jungle ruins, and more. On the other hand, we were fairly surprised by the amount of damage done to the park by Hurricane Maria. Most of the photos we saw of the park were not representative of what we found when we visited and that was a real eye-opener. One of the biggest differences we found was with the palm trees that lean out over the water which St John is famous for had been almost entirely been destroyed (we found one beach with a few left). Is Virgin Islands National Park Worth Visiting Post-Hurricane?With that being said, we had an absolutely incredible time in the park and still highly recommend it to everyone. We spent weeks in the park itself visiting all of the main attractions photographing all of the most stunning features to give you an up-to-date (post-hurricane) idea of what the park is like. Maho Bay, Virgin Islands National ParkIf you’re visiting the park be sure to check out our full Virgin Islands National Park Guide! Things to Know Before Visiting Virgin Islands National ParkPlease, Wear Sunscreen.
Map & Guidebook
Sandals are your friend.
Goggles and flippers for the win.
Underwater camera housing… to ruin, or not to ruin.
Rash guards are great for extra UV protection, especially after that inevitable burn.
Do not touch our dear friend, the sea turtle.
Where to StayVisiting Virgin Islands National Park? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on visiting Virgin Islands National Park for tips. Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite place to stay on St John. Due to the long term closure of Caneel Bay (the only resort in the park destroyed by the 2017 hurricanes) and the ensuing battle with the park service over the future management of the property, the closest hotels & resorts are back in Cruz Bay. Things to Do Virgin Islands National Park13. Camping at Cinnamon Bay CampgroundGreat news here folks! After years of rehabilitation following the devastating affects of a series of hurricanes, Cinnamon Bay Campground has re-opened for campers offering the only camping in Virgin Islands National Park! The new grounds are pretty amazing with a variety of services including bare sites for tents, tents rentals, luxury eco-tents, and even cottages. I highly recommend checking out this camping area and reserving a campsite as early as you can. 12. Summit the Caneel Hill Trail for SunsetCaneel Hill Trail is one of the most popular trails in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John featuring panoramic views of Cruz Bay, Trunk Bay, & the surrounding islands. The trail (which leads to the top of Margaret Hill) is a spectacular sunset spot, perhaps the best in all of Virgin Islands National Park. The hike up to the viewpoint is moderately difficult at nearly 1700ft of elevation gain and plenty of rocks and roots to trip over. Length: 4 miles We explored Caneel Hill after Hurricane Maria and cover what it looks like now in this post. For more about Caneel Hill Trail including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Caneel Hill Trail post. Caneel Hill | Things To Do US Virgin Islands National Park11. Hike Out to Ram HeadRam Head is a beautiful, rocky bluff that represents the southernmost point on the island of St. John in Virgin Islands National Park. The point is accessed by Ram Head Trail via the Salt Pond Trail. The route to the point is pretty unique starting on an unpaved road before passing through a beach, wrapping around Salt Pond, another beach, and finally the grassy/rocky Ram Head point. Length: 2.3miles We explored Ram Head after Hurricane Maria and cover what it looks like now in this post. For more about Ram Head including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Ram Head post. Ram Head | Things to do Virgin Islands10. Tour the Catherineberg RuinsThe Catherineberg Plantation Ruins in Virgin Islands National Park are among the best-preserved on all of St. John. The Catherineberg sugar mill is the one of the largest in the virgin islands. In its hay-day, Catherineberg produced sugar and rum. We explored the ruins after Hurricane Maria and cover what it looks like now in this post. For more about Catherineberg Ruins including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Catherineberg Ruins post. Catherineberg Ruins | Things to Do Virgin Islands National Park9. Kayak to Whistling CayWhistling Cay is one of the lesser visited spots in Virgin Islands National Park, St John. The cay itself sits in the middle of a spectacular coral reef and is visible from folks soaking in the sun from Maho Bay. The most popular way to access the cay is by kayak which can be rented on Maho Bay. For more about Whistling Cay including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Whistling Cay post. 8. Watch the Sunrise at Annaberg RuinsThe Annaberg Plantation Ruins in Virgin Islands National Park are stunningly beautiful and among the best-preserved on all of St. John. The Annaberg sugar mill is the largest in the virgin islands. In its hay-day, Annaberg produced sugar, rum, and molasses. We explored the ruins after Hurricane Maria and cover what it looks like now. For more about Annaberg Plantation Ruins including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Annaberg Plantation Ruins post. Sunrise at Annaberg Ruins | Things to Do Virgin Islands National Park7. Snorkeling in Francis BayFrancis Bay is an often overlooked bay in St John’s Virgin Islands National Park that is just as stunning as the more popular Maho Bay & Trunk Bay. The bay is located just north of Maho Bay and shares a coastline. For those looking for a more laid back vibe, away from the crowds, Francis Bay is your cup of tea. Crystal blue water, white sands, with a backdrop of St. John’s lush canopy make up this breathtaking destination. We encountered several pelicans on the hunt over here as well as a boardwalk bird sanctuary. For more about Francis Bay including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Francis Bay post. Francis Bay | Things to Do Virgin Islands National Park6. Discover Ancient Ruins on the Reef Bay TrailThe Reef Bay Trail in Virgin Islands National Park connects some of the park’s most popular and beautiful sites including several spectacular ruin sites, ancient petroglyphs, a waterfall, and a stunning beach. The first mile or so of the trail is quite steep as it descends into the jungle but eventually levels out winding its way through ruins and marvelous tropical foliage headed toward its terminus at Reef Bay. Length: 4.4 miles We explored the the trail after Hurricane Maria and cover what it looks like now in this post. For more about Reef Bay Trail including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Reef Bay Trail post. Reef Bay Trail Ruins | Things to Do Virgin Islands National ParkReef Bay Ruins | Things to Do Virgin Islands National Park5. Take in the Breathtaking Sights of Waterlemon CayWaterlemon Cay is one of the most heavily photographed points in Virgin Islands National Park, St John. The iconic island sits in the middle of a spectacular coral reef outlined by sand and brilliant, clear turquoise water. Visitors enjoy hiking the Leinster Bay trail around the bay as well as swimming and snorkeling out to it. Waterlemon Cay is located near the Annaberg Plantation ruins. The hiking trail that leads visitors to the popular viewpoint shares a parking lot with Annaberg. For more about Waterlemon Cay including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Waterlemon Cay post. 4. Spend a Day Relaxing on Honeymoon BeachHoneymoon Beach (located next to Salomon Beach) is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. This beach is home to some of the last remaining leaning palms the island was once famous for prior to Hurricane Maria in 2017, along with crystal blue waters, white sands, and a snack shack (that has booze). Honeymoon Beach is located adjacent to the currently-shuttered, luxurious Caneel Bay Resort. The trailhead to the beach is easily accessed via the main park road and is full of wonderful things to do. For more about this stunning spot including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Honeymoon Beach post. Leaning palm at Honeymoon Beach | Things to Do Virgin Islands3. Explore the America Hill RuinsThe America Hill Ruins in Virgin Islands National Park are among the most beautiful and most intact ruins on all of St. John. Getting to the ruins requires a hike (starting at Cinnamon Bay) but it is well worth the effort. From the top, hikers are treated to spectacular panoramic views of Maho & Francis Bays. We hiked this trail after Hurricane Maria and we think the views from here were actually improved by the hurricane (at least there’s one positive impact). The trailhead to America Hill Bay is easily accessed via the main park road and is full of wonderful things to do. For more about America Hill Ruins including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our America Hill Ruins post. America Hill Ruins | Things to Do Virgin Islands National Park2. Kayak & Chill at Maho BayMaho Bay is one of the most beautiful and serene bays in the world, let alone Virgin Islands National Park. As compared to the more popular and more heavily photographed Trunk Bay, Maho has a more laid back vibe. The bay was once full of beautiful leaning palm trees that leaned into the ocean but since hurricane maria in 2017 nearly all of those trees are gone. Even still, Maho Bay is a jaw-dropping spot, well worth the visit. Crystal blue/turquoise water, white sands, sea turtles, and palm trees comprise this stunning destination. Visitors als can rent kayaks here and swim with sea turtles. The bay is easily accessed via the main park road and is full of wonderful things to do. For more about Maho Bay including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, underwater trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Maho Bay post. 1. Experience the Beauty of Trunk BayArguably the most iconic location in all of the Caribbean, Trunk Bay representing the epitome of the idyllic island paradise. Palm trees, crystal blue waters, sea turtles, snorkeling, and even the famous “underwater trail” await you at this beautiful white sand destination. Trunk Bay is easily accessed via the main park road and is full of wonderful things to do. For more about Trunk Bay including best time to visit, snorkeling tips, underwater trail info, transportation, photos, and more, see our Trunk Bay post. Trunk Bay Sunset | Things to Do Virgin Islands National ParkPlanning a trip to Virgin Islands National Park? Learn how to do it right with our comprehensive Virgin Islands National Park Guide that covers what to see, campgrounds, lodging, dining, seasons & weather, and so much more. Summary of the 10 Best Things to Do in Virgin Islands National Park
Getting to Virgin Islands National ParkClosest Airport: STT – Cyril E. King Airport (distance – 13 miles from Cruz Bay) The fastest way to get to Virgin Islands National Park is by plane, flying into St. Thomas’s Cyril E. King Airport Airport. Cyril E King Airport on the neighboring island of St Thomas (also part of the US Virgin Islands so no passport required for Americans) is the closest (and most affordable) place to fly into to get to Virgin Islands National Park. Rental Car: St Thomas (Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, more) Ferry to St. JohnFerry: After flying in to St. Thomas you’ll need to catch a ferry over to St. John. This can be done in one of two places currently: Charlotte Amalie, or Red Hook (furthest from the airport but closest to St John). The cost per adult to ride the ferry is $20 each way. Best Time to Visit Virgin Islands National ParkThe best season to visit Virgin Islands National Park is Winter when temperatures are still warm and both humidity and crowds are down. Winter is also known as the rainy season but rain typically comes and goes quickly in the Virgin Islands. This is a great time of year to visit as well as winter marks the end of Hurricane season. Who doesn’t dream of tropical islands during the dead of winter? Can’t just be me… I would recommend visiting anytime between December through April. Driving in Virgin Islands National ParkVirgin Islands National Park has no official park shuttle to get around the park. To get around the park visitors will need to bring their own mode of transportation. Currently a car is the best mode of transport in the park and can tourists not from the island should find a rental car from St Thomas and take the ferry to St John. Alternatively, there are a few taxi services that operate on the island, mostly open air “safari-style” vehicles. Many of these taxis run on a fairly regular basis from Cruz Bay to many of the top tourist spots on St. John. Me making some friends on the road in Virgin Islands National ParkAbout Virgin Islands National ParkSituated along the outskirts of the Caribbean on the island of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park is a picture perfect tropical paradise featuring crystal-blue waters, world class snorkeling, jungle ruins, white sand beaches, sea turtles and so much more. Virgin Islands represents one of only a handful of truly tropical National Parks in the system and is the closest one to the East Coast.
Further ReadingIf you’re interested in visiting Virgin Islands National Park be sure to check out our visually-stunning comprehensive guide before you go here: Virgin Islands National Park Guide What activities can you do at the Virgin Islands?Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the land and in the water, including swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving; sailing, kayaking and windsurfing; and camping, hiking, bird watching and archaeology.
What Virgin island has the most to do?Thomas is the busiest and most commercialized of the three islands. It also has a reputation for being more upscale, with plenty of duty-free shopping, high-end dining, and golf.
Which US Virgin Island is best for nightlife?St. Thomas has the best nightlife in the Virgin Islands! Many bars and clubs play a mixture of popular Caribbean music and American hits. In Havensight has many bars and restaurants, often with all kinds of music playing, live bands, TV's for watching sports, pool tables.
What are the US Virgin Islands famous for?The U.S. Virgin Islands are known for their white sand beaches, including Magens Bay and Trunk Bay, and deepwater harbors along the Anegada Passage, including Charlotte Amalie (the capital) and Christiansted.
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