National Park
Virgin Islands National Park
Go beyond Virgin Islands National Park's stunning white-sand beaches. Hike to historic plantation sites to learn about a challenging past when sugar and enslaved labor dominated life on the island. Visit the Indigenous Taino's ancient petroglyphs. Snorkel coral reefs to discover hidden marine life. Two-thirds of the island of St. John is national park, making it a unique destination for visitors.
Plan your visit
- Best Time To Visit
- December–April
Highlights
- Why Visit
- The park spans coastal and marine environments around Saint John, protecting critical coral reefs, beaches, and cultural landscapes on a compact island system. It is a place where land and sea interlock, offering a field laboratory for understanding Caribbean ecosystems and their human history. The scale of preserved shorelines, wetlands, and archaeological sites on a single island makes careful planning essential. WiFi is limited and not guaranteed, so come prepared to rely on maps and offline resources, and respect the rules that keep these resources intact.
- Top Things To Do
- Trunk Bay snorkeling trail
- Maho Bay kayaking and turtle watching
- Annaberg Plantation ruins
- Reef Bay Trail to petroglyphs and a waterfall
Areas to plan around
- North Shore
- Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay beaches; access to Trunk Bay area nearby
- Cruz Bay & Gateway
- Cruz Bay Visitor Center; main access point to the park; shopping and dining options
- Historic and Trail Core
- Annaberg Plantation ruins; Reef Bay Trail access with cultural artifacts
- Lodging & Campground Reach
- Cinnamon Bay Campground; limited inland lodging; beachfront options
Getting there & around
- Getting There Airports
- Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas; ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John
- Getting There Driving Distances
- Not applicable; access via ferry from St. Thomas
- Getting There Entrances
- Cruz Bay entrance; Cinnamon Bay area access; Maho Bay access
- Getting Around Shuttles
- Not applicable; no internal park shuttle required
- Getting Around Reservations
- Vehicle reservations not required
- Getting Around Parking
- Parking can be challenging at Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay; arrive early (9–10 AM often fills)
Where to stay
- Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
- Cinnamon Bay Campground
- Where To Stay Campgrounds
- Cinnamon Bay Campground
- Where To Stay Gateway Towns
- Cruz Bay
Safety & wildlife
- Safety Bear Country
- There are no bears. Follow general wildlife safety: secure food and dispose of waste properly to deter non-native animals
- Safety Weather
- Sun exposure and heat risk; stay hydrated; use sunscreen; swim with awareness of currents
- Safety Altitude
- Varies; coastal trails rise to moderate elevations
- Safety Leave No Trace
- Pack out trash; stay on trails; minimize impact on reefs and beaches
- Safety Permits Needed
- Backcountry permits are mandatory for designated backcountry areas
- Wildlife Overview
- Marine life and tropical insects; no bears; jellyfish and stingrays common in water, watch for insects on trails
- Wildlife Where To See
- Maho Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Trunk Bay vicinity
- Wildlife Safety
- Swim with caution; respect marine life; avoid encroaching on wildlife; keep distance from sea creatures
Trip strategy
- Itinerary Strategy
- Day 1: Cruz Bay gateway anchor; Day 2: Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay; Day 3: Reef Bay Trail and Annaberg
- Entrance Hacks
- Not applicable; no entry gate; arrive early to secure parking; rely on Cruz Bay for services
- Basecamp Logic
- WEST SIDE: Cinnamon Bay area offers camping and beach access; EAST SIDE: Cruz Bay area provides more services and dining; split stay if possible
- Crowd Calendar
- Peak crowds December–April; shoulder May–June and September–November; hurricane season June–November brings heavier rains
- Tips Advice
- No entrance fee; parking fills early
- Shuttles are not mandatory; have a car or taxi plan
- Drones prohibited
- Keep distances from wildlife; secure food
More details
- Park Code
- viis
- Tagline
- Virgin Islands National Park – Saint John, US Virgin Islands
- Quick Facts Entrance Fees
- No entrance fee
- Nearby Services
- Cruz Bay offers restaurants, shops, and rental agencies; access via ferry from St. Thomas
- Family Friendly Notes
- Calm bays like Maho Bay are suitable for families; many beaches offer gentle swims and snorkeling for older children; plan for limited facilities in remote areas
- Photography Tips
- Shoot beach scenes in early morning light; avoid blocking traffic on main roads; underwater photography around reef zones
- When To Visit Peak Season
- December–April
- When To Visit Shoulder Season
- May–June, September–November
- When To Visit Winter
- Park operates year-round; hurricane season is June 1–November 30 with heavier rains and winds
- When To Visit Road Opening
- Roads accessible year-round; no seasonal plow schedule
- Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals
- Not applicable; no bears in the park
- Weather Info
- Mostly Perfect! The Tradewinds (the Easterlies) dominate the weather in the Virgin Islands, blowing east to west across the tropical Atlantic. The winter tends to bring stronger winds and less rain, and the summer tends to bring more rain and lighter winds. Be sure to check the forecast often during hurricane season or winter swell events.
- What To Bring Essential Gear
- Water, sun protection, hats, light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy footwear
- What To Bring Clothing
- No cotton; wool/synthetic fabrics preferred; for tropical heat bring quick-dry layers
- Review Summary
- Visitors note open access with no entry fees; parking can be a bottleneck at popular beaches; snorkeling at Trunk Bay and kayaking at Maho Bay are common highlights; ensure planning for limited WiFi and remote cell coverage
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for Virgin Islands National Park?
No. There is no entrance fee.
Do I need a permit to backcountry camp?
Yes. Backcountry camping requires permits and is limited to designated campgrounds.
Is parking guaranteed at popular beaches?
Parking is limited; arrive early, especially at Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay.
Are pets allowed on beaches or trails?
Pets are not allowed on park beaches or trails; they may be allowed in campgrounds and developed areas on a leash up to 6 feet.
Are drones allowed in the park?
Drones are prohibited in Virgin Islands National Park.
Trails
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Plantation ruins, steep approach, flat walkways. 600 enslaved Africans' story. Windmill, quarters. 1-2 hours of reflection.
Caneel Hill Trail
Steep 1-mile uphill to island views. Rocky footing and grit required.
Francis Bay Trail
Easy boardwalk loop through mangrove salt pond. Birds, accessibility, tropical forest. 30-90 min, zero elevation. Hydrate hard.
Hike the Lind Point Trails
Rocky coastal walk to bay views with zero shade. Hydrate hard. 20-40 min.
Gateway towns
Anna’s Retreat
Mid-range lodging hub 15.5 km west. Hotels, guesthouses, solid dining scene keeps visitors fed.
Charlotte Amalie
Island capital with colonial charm and waterfront shops. Main lodging hub for Virgin Islands National Park.
Cruz Bay
Ferries, shops, and restaurants—this is where the island's logistics happen, steps from the park.
Road Town
Capital hub with lodging and services for park-bound travelers. Everything you need, 15.6 km away.
Recommended gear
Sources
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.