Virgin Islands National Park

Two-thirds of St. John, under water as much as on it.

Trunk Bay's marked snorkel trail is the famous beach. Cinnamon Bay, ram head, and petroglyphs fill the rest. The park is the island. Cruz Bay is the door U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Location

18.34° N, 64.75° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

December–April

Trip planner

A Virgin Islands National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Virgin Islands National Park is a U.S. National Park in U.S. Virgin Islands. Two-thirds of St. John, under water as much as on it.

When to go

December–April is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with trunk Bay snorkel trail. Then cinnamon Bay or Maho for turtles. If you have a second day, ram Head trail. Keep one spare hour for a jeep into the quieter north shore coves.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Ferry from St. Thomas. Taxis and jeeps are how you beach-hop; the island is steep.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Ines D.

10/10

Start early in Virgin Islands National Park

Ram Head trail. A jeep into the quieter north shore coves. Give Virgin Islands National Park days, not hours, and go in December–April. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Dec 6, 2025

Owen H.

8/10

Virgin Islands National Park is bigger than the postcard

Cinnamon Bay or Maho for turtles. Two-thirds of St. John, under water as much as on it. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. December–April is the window I would book again.

Nov 5, 2025

Kenji T.

10/10

Start early in Virgin Islands National Park

Trunk Bay snorkel trail. Cinnamon Bay or Maho for turtles. Give Virgin Islands National Park days, not hours, and go in December–April. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Oct 4, 2025