Virgin Islands National Park
Snorkel coral reefs, hike through tropical forest, and visit historic sugar works on Saint John in the US Virgin Islands.
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Virgin Islands National Park covers about 60% of Saint John in the US Virgin Islands, along with nearby ocean and almost all of Hassel Island. Cruz Bay is the park’s gateway port and the location of its visitor center. Coral reefs almost completely surround the park, and its beaches and protected bays draw snorkelers and divers. On land, trails cross tropical forest and lead to sugar works, coastal viewpoints, and the island’s southern tip.
The park suits travelers who want time in the water as well as hikes and history. Trunk Bay has an underwater snorkeling trail along its coral reef. Maho Bay has calm, shallow water, while Salt Pond Bay has reefs reached by a short trail from Route 107. At Annaberg, see a partly restored sugar factory and windmill. Ferries connect Cruz Bay with St. Thomas and other nearby islands. December through April is the main tourist season and the driest part of the year. The climate is tropical, with little change between summer and winter.
Virgin Islands National Park in five
- Start from Cruz BayThe park visitor center is in Cruz Bay, the gateway port on Saint John. Ferries from Red Hook on St. Thomas run hourly.
- Choose a beach by its waterMaho Bay has calm, shallow water where sea turtles and stingrays can be spotted. Salt Pond Bay has reefs for snorkeling and a short trail from Route 107.
- Carry water for the Reef Bay TrailThe strenuous round trip is more than 6 miles from Centerline Road. A ranger-guided hike includes a boat ride back to Cruz Bay.
- Take the Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon BeachThe trail starts behind the park visitor center and runs 1 mile to the beach. Kayaks and snorkel gear are rented at the beach.
- Check seasonal lodging datesCinnamon Bay Campground is open from November through August; Caneel Bay Resort is open from November through July.
Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park
See all attractions in Virgin Islands National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- US entry rules apply; requirements depend on nationality Read more
- Emergency
- 911
- Tipping
- Expected for restaurant service
- Time
- UTC−4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry season
- AprilDry season
- MayHurricane season
- JuneHurricane season
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustHurricane season
- SeptemberHurricane season
- OctoberHurricane season
- NovemberHurricane season
- DecemberDry season
Right now in Virgin Islands National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 34°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 30 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 41%
St. John
12:14 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today29°27°41%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 41%.
- Wed29°28°45%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Thu29°25°42%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 42%.
- Fri28°25°77%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 77%.
- Sat28°27°74%Saturday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 74%.
- Sun28°26°47%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 47%.
Updated 09:40 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.119 USD
Rates from Nov 3, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Virgin Islands National Park
Rules for Virgin Islands National Park, checked
- Check US entry requirements for your nationality with the US Department of State before traveling.
- Do not feed or disturb wildlife in the park.
- Stay on open trails. The park visitor center is in Cruz Bay.
- The Atlantic hurricane season runs during much of the year. Check official weather alerts before setting out.
Plan around Virgin Islands National Park
Plan your stay on the island that contains the park
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan ferry connections and transport around the islands
Read the guideWhere to stayCompare accommodation options for your trip
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan how to pay and manage trip expenses
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your nationality
Read the guideVirgin Islands National Park FAQ
How do you get to Virgin Islands National Park?
Take a ferry to Cruz Bay on Saint John, the park’s gateway port. Ferries from Red Hook on St. Thomas run hourly; services also connect from Charlotte Amalie and other islands.
What is the best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park?
December through April is the main tourist season and the driest part of the year. The rest of the year falls within the Atlantic hurricane season.
Which beach is best for snorkeling in Virgin Islands National Park?
Trunk Bay has an underwater snorkeling trail along its coral reef. Salt Pond Bay is a protected south-shore bay with reefs, reached by a short trail from Route 107.
Can you hike to Honeymoon Beach?
Yes. Follow the 1-mile Lind Point Trail from behind the park visitor center in Cruz Bay. Kayaks and snorkel gear are rented at the beach.
How long is the Reef Bay Trail?
The strenuous round trip is more than 6 miles from Centerline Road. A ranger-guided hike includes a boat ride back to Cruz Bay.
Where can you see the park’s historic ruins?
Annaberg has a partly restored sugar factory and windmill. The Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail is a 0.5-mile loop past the ruins of a sugar factory.