A traveler's guide to Virgin Islands National Park
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.
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.
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.
If you only remember this
- 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.