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U.S. Virgin Islands / Islands

Virgin IslandsNational Park

Coast & islandsProtected since 1956
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Virgin Islands National Park scenery
NPS Photo View image source
A PLACE WORTH GETTING TO KNOW

Welcome to Virgin Islands.

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.

15.1Kacres of parkland
471.1Krecreation visits, 2025
Jan · Feb · Marnearby climate picks

Seasonal access & reservations

No reviewed guidance for this selection. Check the park's official planning pages; missing coverage does not establish access.

Selected guidance only; separate from climate comfort and current conditions.

Official conditions Not checked

The conditions feed has not been connected for this park.

Check current conditions at NPS ↗
MAKE TIME FOR THE GOOD PART

How long to stay in Virgin Islands.

PARKWISE FIELD NOTES
3park days

Our suggested first visit

Allow 2–4 days for a first look. A useful base: St. John.

Most visits focus on St. John. Ferries, parking, weather, and ocean conditions affect daily plans.

A day-by-day starting point

  1. 01
    DAY 1

    North-shore beaches

    Get oriented at the visitor center and explore a suitable north-shore beach. Snorkel only within your experience and current sea conditions.

    Explore activities & planning details
  2. 02
    DAY 2

    History & forest

    Visit open cultural sites and choose an appropriate established forest walk. Arrange transport before committing to a one-way route.

    Places to research for this dayAnnaberg area established forest routes
    Explore activities & planning details
  3. 03
    DAY 3

    A quieter island day

    Explore another accessible bay or cultural landscape, allowing time for ferries and changing weather. Keep swimming and boating optional.

    Explore activities & planning details

Editorial recommendations, reviewed 2026-10-17. Full park days, excluding travel to and from the region. A first-visit outline for a general traveler; adapt to mobility, fitness, season, reservations, and current conditions. These are suggested days, not reserved activities or guaranteed routes.

Water activitiesRanger programs

Ranger Programs and Guided Tours!

Official NPS activity guide.

Photo courtesy of Parnicza/NPS.

Reef Bay Guided Hike

The Reef Bay Hike is a STRENUOUS hike. There is NO PARKING for program participants at the Visitor Center. This is an interpretive guided hike that will explore the history and culture of St. John including a visit to the petroglyph site sacred to the indigenous Taino people. Stacked stone walls and the remains of a sugar plantations and factory facilitate a group discussion about the history of the people of St. John and the Caribbean spanning approximately 1,000 years. The Reef Bay Guided Hike is just under 3 miles one way; under some of the oldest and tallest trees on the island. It is a strenuous hike in a remote location over uneven and rocky terrain. Be sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water (2-3 liters), lunch, and mineral based sunscreen. A beautiful 40-minute boat cruise will return us to the dock at Cruz Bay. Check-in is at the Visitor Center begin at 07:45AM. There is no parking for program participants at the Visitor Center. NOTE: It is rare, but water conditions, weather, medical emergency, or other factors may prevent the boat from picking up hikers, requiring a trek back up to the trailhead. If you are not able to hike the described terrain round trip, approximately 6 miles , you should NOT register for this guided hike. This guided hike is a collaboration between Virgin Islands National Park and Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. There is a fee associated with this activity and reservations can be made here. Cancellation Policy: Customers who have paid for an event, seminar or hike will receive a 50% refund or credit with 48 hours’ notice of cancellation. They will receive a full refund or credit in case of cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hours will not be refunded

Ram Head Guided Hike

Night Sky in the Park

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park

Our partner organization, The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, offers both official Events & Seminars in addition to Campground Chats at Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground . These include hikes, cultural seminars and demostrations, nature and turtle talks, boat trips and more. To learn more about the seminar series visit the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park website.

Safari bus (taxi) drivers offer two-hour or three-hour guided tours of the island, including the park. These tours usually begin and end at the public ferry dock in Cruz Bay. They stop at overlooks for panoramic views of beaches and surrounding hillsides and at remnants of Annaberg and other sugar plantations.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

Interactive Map

Official NPS activity guide.

Virgin Islands National Park includes much of the water and sea floor surrounding St. John. If you are visiting by boat or operating a vessel in National Park waters, please familiarize yourself with the policies and regulations about these marine resources. This map provides you with an interactive way to familiarize yourself with the resources. You can also view the Superintendent's Compendium for detailed information.

When visiting the marine environment of the Virgin Islands, many visitors have questions such as:

Where is the best snorkeling ?

Where anchoring is permitted?

Are there areas to avoid in a boat?

What size boat can use the moorings , and what do the different colors mean?

How much and where are mooring fees paid?

By placing a check in the legend box in the map below, park visitors are provided with the answers to these questions (and more) and are shown locations for safe and fun snorkeling, diving and boating in the park. To enter fullscreen mode, click on . If you are accessing the map from within the Park or Monument, click on to find your location on the map.

LayerDescription
AnchoringAnchoring permitted in either of two designated anchorages: offshore Francis Bay and Lind Point. Click on the features to see the areas and learn what size vessels can anchor in what areas within Virgin Islands National Park. In all cases, when dropping an anchor in an allowable anchorage, no part of the anchor or chain can be in contact with coral. "Look below before you throw." All anchors must be dropped only in sand. If you are not positive that you are dropping your anchor in sand, DO NOT DROP THE ANCHOR. Vessels over 210 feet length overall (LOA) are prohibited from anchoring in the park.
Avoid AreasThe operator of a boat needs to be aware of surroundings to avoid damage to the marine life, boat, and people. This layer shows the location of swim areas - boats are prohibited from operation in these areas. It also shows the location of Johnson's Reef, a shallow reef on the northshore. Boats need to operate outside the markers which outline this reef.
Beach AccessThese are the locations of beach access channels. These are pathways for small vessels to access a few beaches. Vessels under sail or motor less than 26' LOA may access beaches inside Boat Exclusion Areas where beach access channels have been provided. A red and green buoy designates these channels. Vessels under sail or motor must stay inside these channels. Vessels that can be pulled completely out of the water may be kept on the beach while the occupants are using the beach, all other vessels must immediately leave the boat exclusion area after picking up or dropping off passengers.
BoundariesThis layer shows the location of park boundaries as well as areas within park boundaries where anchoring is permitted.
Fee Pay StationsThere is a self-registration fee of $26.00 per overnight for anchoring or mooring between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Golden Age/Access Passport holders pay half price. Overnight fees must be paid prior to spending the night. Overnight stays in the Park waters are limited to 30 nights in a particular calendar year, and no more than seven consecutive nights in one bay. Payments are deposited in an envelope (found at this station) within this floating pay station. Floating Fee Stations are found at Leinster Bay, Francis Bay and Caneel Bay. Land-based fee stations are found Cruz Bay Visitor Center (near the flag pole), Salt Pond Beach and on the VIERS dock in Lameshur Bay.
Snorkeling AreasOver 40% of Virgin Islands National Park is underwater. Mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, fringing and patch reefs offer an ample and diverse array of snorkeling opportunities. However, defining the "best" is highly subjective, based on factors such as individual snorkeling - swimming abilities, water and wind conditions and the marine life particular to a given site. This guide describes a variety of potential snorkeling areas so that you can determine what's best for your own interest and expertise. It highlights areas easily accessed by road or trail and is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to all St. John snorkeling spots. The information in this section comes from the Virgin Islands National Park pamphlet of the same name, by Virgin Islands National Park Interpretative Ranger Don Near.
Visitor Center AreaThe NPS visitor center is located in Cruz Bay. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, except closed Christmas day. Telephone: 340-776-6201. Men's and women's bathrooms are available as well as a dinghy area, 3 hour daytime anchorage and sea plane ramp.
LayerDescription
AnchoringAnchoring permitted in either of two designated anchorages: offshore Francis Bay and Lind Point. Click on the features to see the areas and learn what size vessels can anchor in what areas within Virgin Islands National Park. In all cases, when dropping an anchor in an allowable anchorage, no part of the anchor or chain can be in contact with coral. "Look below before you throw." All anchors must be dropped only in sand. If you are not positive that you are dropping your anchor in sand, DO NOT DROP THE ANCHOR. Vessels over 210 feet length overall (LOA) are prohibited from anchoring in the park.
Avoid AreasThe operator of a boat needs to be aware of surroundings to avoid damage to the marine life, boat, and people. This layer shows the location of swim areas - boats are prohibited from operation in these areas. It also shows the location of Johnson's Reef, a shallow reef on the northshore. Boats need to operate outside the markers which outline this reef.
Beach AccessThese are the locations of beach access channels. These are pathways for small vessels to access a few beaches. Vessels under sail or motor less than 26' LOA may access beaches inside Boat Exclusion Areas where beach access channels have been provided. A red and green buoy designates these channels. Vessels under sail or motor must stay inside these channels. Vessels that can be pulled completely out of the water may be kept on the beach while the occupants are using the beach, all other vessels must immediately leave the boat exclusion area after picking up or dropping off passengers.
BoundariesThis layer shows the location of park boundaries as well as areas within park boundaries where anchoring is permitted.
Fee Pay StationsThere is a self-registration fee of $26.00 per overnight for anchoring or mooring between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Golden Age/Access Passport holders pay half price. Overnight fees must be paid prior to spending the night. Overnight stays in the Park waters are limited to 30 nights in a particular calendar year, and no more than seven consecutive nights in one bay. Payments are deposited in an envelope (found at this station) within this floating pay station. Floating Fee Stations are found at Leinster Bay, Francis Bay and Caneel Bay. Land-based fee stations are found Cruz Bay Visitor Center (near the flag pole), Salt Pond Beach and on the VIERS dock in Lameshur Bay.
Snorkeling AreasOver 40% of Virgin Islands National Park is underwater. Mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, fringing and patch reefs offer an ample and diverse array of snorkeling opportunities. However, defining the "best" is highly subjective, based on factors such as individual snorkeling - swimming abilities, water and wind conditions and the marine life particular to a given site. This guide describes a variety of potential snorkeling areas so that you can determine what's best for your own interest and expertise. It highlights areas easily accessed by road or trail and is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to all St. John snorkeling spots. The information in this section comes from the Virgin Islands National Park pamphlet of the same name, by Virgin Islands National Park Interpretative Ranger Don Near.
Visitor Center AreaThe NPS visitor center is located in Cruz Bay. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, except closed Christmas day. Telephone: 340-776-6201. Men's and women's bathrooms are available as well as a dinghy area, 3 hour daytime anchorage and sea plane ramp.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

boating

Official NPS activity guide.

Pay Your Mooring Fees Online!

Visitors are encouraged to use the recreation.gov mobile app to pay overnight mooring fees. You can download the mobile app by scanning the QR code to the right. Once you've downloaded the app, you can scan the QR codes which are located at each of the overnight mooring pay stations that are located throughout the park. For more information on the locations of pay stations, please see our Interactive Marine Map . Additionally, recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America.The recreation.gov app makes it easy to:

Book a weekend getaway or plan a cross-country road trip

Find and reserve thousands of campsites

Register for permits, tickets and lotteries

Review details of past and upcoming trips

This video will walk you through the process of paying overnight mooring fees with the rec.gov mobile app.

Safe and Legal Use of NPS Mooring Systems and Designated Anchorages

This video contains all the most important information mariners need to know about using the mooring systems in Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.

This video contains all the most important information mariners need to know about anchoring in Virgin Island National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.

Interactive Marine Users Map

Use the Interactive Marine Map for hands-on boating information in Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. Use the checkboxes in legend located in the bottom right corner to toggle on or off the marine features you're interested in locating.

Superintendent's Compendium

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

fishing

Official NPS activity guide.

Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources Fishing Guide.

Fishing or take of any kind in the Coral Reef National Monument

Striking coral, damage to the mangroves, sea grass or any natural resources.

Taking of Nassau Grouper and or Goliath Grouper

Spear fishing. Spear fishing equipment must be broken down for transit through NPS or Monument waters.

Fishing from any moorings except Cabritte Horn designated fishing moorings

Fishing within Boat Exclusion areas or mooring fields.

Fishing between 8:00am and 5:00 pm at the NPS Redhook dock, Cruz Bay finger pier or bulkhead.

Commercial fishing, including day charters.

Fish traps of non-traditional West Indian design. Fish traps must be of traditional West Indian design, with biodegradable door, and be tagged and registered in accordance with Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) policy.

Use of soldier/hermit crabs and undersized, or out of season, whelks for bait.

Please note: if heading to Coral Reef National Monument Fishing or take of any kind is prohibited, except by NPS issued permit for use only on designated fishing moorings.

SpeciesOpenClosedDescription
Nassau & Goliath GroupersProhibitedAll yearNPS &Territorial waters
Blue Runner,Mackerel, Tuna & Bonitos (permit required)January 1 - September 30October 1 - December 31Only when on Cabritte Horn fishing moorings
Bait fish (permit required)Hurricane Hole3 gallons per person per day
ConchNovember 1– May 31 per yearMinimum size 9" long. Max allowed is two per person per day
WhelkOctober - March 31 per yearMinimum size 2-7/16" diameter. Max allowed is 1 gallon per person per day in shells.
Caribbean Spiny LobsterAll YearMinimum size 3.5" carapace, No females with eggs, by hand or snare only, Max allowed 2 per person per day.
Blackfin, Black, Vermilion, & Silk SnapperJanuary 1 - September 30October 1 - December 31NPS &Territorial waters
Yellowedge, yellowfin, & Tiger GroupersMay 1 - January 31February 1 - April 30NPS & Territorial waters
Mutton & Lane SnappersJuly 1 - March 31April 1 - June 30NPS &Territorial waters
Tarpon & bonefishingRestricted to Catch & Release with hook and line only
SpeciesOpenClosedDescription
Nassau & Goliath GroupersProhibitedAll yearNPS &Territorial waters
Blue Runner,Mackerel, Tuna & Bonitos (permit required)January 1 - September 30October 1 - December 31Only when on Cabritte Horn fishing moorings
Bait fish (permit required)Hurricane Hole3 gallons per person per day
ConchNovember 1– May 31 per yearMinimum size 9" long. Max allowed is two per person per day
WhelkOctober - March 31 per yearMinimum size 2-7/16" diameter. Max allowed is 1 gallon per person per day in shells.
Caribbean Spiny LobsterAll YearMinimum size 3.5" carapace, No females with eggs, by hand or snare only, Max allowed 2 per person per day.
Blackfin, Black, Vermilion, & Silk SnapperJanuary 1 - September 30October 1 - December 31NPS &Territorial waters
Yellowedge, yellowfin, & Tiger GroupersMay 1 - January 31February 1 - April 30NPS & Territorial waters
Mutton & Lane SnappersJuly 1 - March 31April 1 - June 30NPS &Territorial waters
Tarpon & bonefishingRestricted to Catch & Release with hook and line only

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

snorkeling

Official NPS activity guide.

Photo courtesy of Parnicza/NPS

Enjoy the Beautiful Waters of Virgin Islands National Park

Where's the Best Snorkeling?

Beaches Within Virgin Islands National Park

Photo courtesy Parnicza/NPS

Salomon/Honeymoon Bay, two white-sand beaches, can be accessed by a short hike from the Virgin Islands National Park sign off North Shore Road, Caneel Bay or by boat. A narrow reef follows the shoreline east of Honeymoon to Caneel Bay. In the clear water off the rocky point in between the two beaches, you will find several species of coral (brain, lettuce leaf, elkhorn, mustard hill, and pillar corals). Many colonies of finger coral can be found on the fringing reef west of Salomon. These reef areas provide shelter for a wide variety of colorful fish and other marine creatures.

Photo courtesy of Caroline Rogers/NPS

Photo by Parnicza/NPS

North and South Haulover bays are unique as there two bays: one bay on the north shore and one on the south. Both are pebble beaches with little sand. There is some parking along the road. For the south side, just walk across the street. The rocky shoreline transitions into boulders and coral as you head out either side of the bay. You will find a wide variety of fish and other creatures in these areas.

To reach the north shore follow the short trail on the north side of the road. Other ways to help protect coral reefs.

NPS information imported 2026-10-17. Confirm current details at NPS

Open an activity to read its details here. Source links open in a new tab; check current conditions and permit requirements before travel.

GET YOUR BEARINGS

Trails, places & parking.

GeoJSON

Official NPS features and USGS park boundaries, imported 2026-10-17. An inventory snapshot, not live trail or parking availability.

Loading official park features…
TrailsPoints of interestParkingZoom with buttons or pinch. Toggle layers on the map.

Map coverage varies. Trail names may represent segments, connectors, or shared park units; mapped lines are not a hiking recommendation. Use official conditions and navigation resources before heading out.

THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DAY

Explore on the ground.

Open research directory
Filter recorded trail attributes

30 matching named trail records

Trail / mapped routeSurfaceRecorded uses
Annaberg- Brown Bay Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Bordeaux Mountain Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Cabritte Horn Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Caneel Water Catchment Spur Inventory record · 2 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Charlotte Amalie Ferry Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.WaterFerry
Cinnamon Bay Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Cowell's Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Drunk Bay Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Europa Bay Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Francis Bay Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
L'Esperance Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Lameshur Bay Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Leinster Bay Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Lind Point Caneel Hill Spur Trail Inventory record · 1 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian
Lind Point Trail Inventory record · 4 source segments; not a route distance.UnknownHiker/Pedestrian

NPS public GIS inventory, imported 2026-10-17. “Existing” is an inventory classification, not confirmation that a trail is open. Segment counts are not route distances. Parking records do not indicate space availability, fees, or accessibility certification. View government source ↗

KNOW THE SEASON

A year near Virgin Islands.

About the data

Climate for Road Town, 16 km from the park reference point. 1991–2020 normals. Source elevation: 9 m.

Daytime highNighttime lowOctober: 82° / 79°
68°74°79°84°90°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Daytime high82°
Precipitation126 mm
Daylight11.6 hrs
Wind20.3 km/h

Mountain, rim, valley, and coastal conditions can differ sharply from the source town. Check park forecasts and current conditions before travel.

Monthly climate data 12 months · °F
MonthHighLowRain / snow waterWet daysDaylight
78°76°28 mm8.811.0 h
77°75°20 mm6.711.4 h
78°76°21 mm6.011.9 h
78°76°34 mm7.512.4 h
80°78°72 mm12.612.9 h
82°79°54 mm11.513.1 h
82°80°76 mm14.713.0 h
82°80°94 mm16.112.6 h
83°80°122 mm17.012.1 h
82°79°126 mm17.111.6 h
81°78°117 mm15.911.1 h
79°77°46 mm10.910.9 h
RESEARCH WITH THE SOURCE IN VIEW

The practical field guide.

Official NPS excerpts imported 2026-10-17. Fees, permits, road access, and operations can change; use the source link to confirm the latest information.

Essential informationNPS guide
Read the current official guide

Cultural Research & Preservation

Things to Avoid While in the Water.

Plants to Avoid While Hiking

Welcome to Virgin Islands National Park!

Virgin Islands National Park is comprised of 7,259 acres of terrestrial habitat, which is about 60%, of the island's land mass. The park also includes 5,650 acres of adjacent submerged lands. The park owns the ridge tops to the reefs providing protection and preservation for tropical and migrating birds, fish, corals and other marine life, as well as some 800 species of plants.

This park is open every day! Check our Operating Hours and Seasons page for the up-to-date visitor center hours and offerings. Plan like a Ranger! Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions here.

Remember Drive on the Left & Walk on the Right

We drive on the left here in the Virgin Islands. Pay extra attention when making turns, pulling out into traffic or crossing the road. When walking on the side of the road please walk facing traffic which would be the right side of the road.

Physical Address

Operating Hours & Seasons

Check out the latest forcast.

Visitor Centers

Internet & Cellular Access

Internet & Cellular Access Details

Camping & overnight staysNPS guide
Read the current official guide

Camping within Virgin Islands National Park is permitted only by reservation in designated camping locations at Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground. Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground is accepting reservations! Visit Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campround's official website to make reservations and see available amenities. After a long closure due to hurricane recovery and rebuilding damaged infrastructure, the campground reopened on January 22, 2022. The management of Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground, which includes the food and beverage concessions at Trunk Bay Beach, transitioned to a new concessions operator, CinnOpCo, LLC, in May 2019. Visitors can email Cinnamon Bay at info@cinnamonbayvi.com, call at 340-714-7144, or contact Park Concessions Specialist Elba Richardson, by phone at 340-776-6201 ext. 221 or via email at e-mail us with questions and concerns.

Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop and Accessible Boardwalk

Meander through the ruins of the historic Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation. Smell the scent of the leaves from the bay rum trees , which were once used to make the famous St John Bay Rum Cologne. The boardwalk and nature loop are located across the road from the entrance to the Cinnamon Bay Resort and Campground. The nature loop is an easy 0.5 mile hike.

Cinnamon Bay offers a long gently sloping snow white beach to stick your toes in, or go for a leisurely stroll. The crystal clear waters provide many delights for even a novice snorkeler. Turtles and fish of all sizes and colors can be seen here. Near the Cinnamon Bay Cay there is an underwater fish holding pen probably made by the Taino or their ancestors. There is even a submerged historic village and a sunken plane from 1940s to see. Spend a couple of hours trying to find them.

AccessibilityNPS guide
Read the current official guide

The visitor center for Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is located in Cruz Bay. There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms.

Beach access ramps can be washed out and inaccessible during storms and high swell events.

Trunk Beach has beach wheelchairs, wheelchair-accessible parking, restrooms, changing rooms and accessible paths to water.

Hawksnest Beach has wheelchair-accessible parking, restrooms, changing rooms, and accessible paths to water.

Photo courtesy of Parnicza/NPS.

Cinnamon Bay Self-Guided Trail offers a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk which winds through the historic ruins. The entrance is located across from the exit gate of Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground .

Francis Bay Boardwalk offers a wheelchair accessible boardwalk to a beautiful salt pond, perfect for bird viewing.

Annaberg Plantation features a wheelchair accessible path which meanders throughout the ruins.

Fees & reservationsNPS guide
Read the current official guide

An entrance pass is not required to access Virgin Islands National Park.

Other National Park Service sites may require an entrance pass or fee. Depending on your trip plans, an interagency pass may save you money.

2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to US citizens and residents (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

February 16 : Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday)

May 25 : Memorial Day

June 14: Flag Day/President Trump's birthday

July 3–5: Independence Day weekend

August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service

September 17: Constitution Day

October 27 : Theodore Roosevelt's birthday

November 11: Veterans Day

Expanded Amenity Recreation Fees

There are no entrance fees for either Virgin Islands National Park or Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. However, visitors to Trunk Bay are required to pay an Expanded Amenity Recreation Fee, per the table below:

Trunk Bay Expanded Amenity Recreation Fees

Individual Day Pass (16 years and older)*

Interagency Senior Pass

$2.50 for holder

Interagency Access Pass

*Individual Day Passes for Trunk Bay can only be purchased at the fee booth at Trunk Bay or online at recreation.gov .

Overnight mooring fees must be paid prior to spending the night. Overnight stays are limited to 7 nights per bay and no more than 30 nights per year. Payment stations can be found at the following locations: Cruz Bay Finger Pier, Caneel Bay, Francis Bay, Leinster Bay, Saltpond Bay, and Great Lameshur Bay.

Overnight Mooring & Anchoring

Regular overnight fee

Senior/Access Pass

Payment Instructions 1- Ensure the mooring space you intend to use is available. 2- Open the Recreation.gov app on your mobile device and sign-in. 3- Click the "scan" icon in the bottom menu options. (If prompted, allow camera access.) 4- Scan this QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. Enter campsite number 10214380 5- Fill in the proof of payment slip and deposit in iron ranger. For more information on moorings, boating, and best places to snorkel visit the Marine Visitor Use page.

National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes

Federal Lands Passes can also be purchased at the fee booth at Trunk Bay or at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center.

National Park Service Passes

Interagency Access Pass (Disability)

Military Active Duty Pass

Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US students

Interagency Annual Senior Pass

Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass

*A new program that provides free access for US military veterans and Gold Star Family members took effect in fall 2020 as a way to thank them for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters. Find detailed information about who qualifies, acceptable forms of identification, and how to download a Gold Star Family voucher. Cash payments for passes are accepted at Trunk Bay, but credit card payments are preferred. The Cruz Bay Visitor Center can only accept credit card payments.

Learn About Federal Lands Passes!

Trunk Bay Expanded Amenity Recreation Fees2024
Individual Day Pass (16 years and older)*$5.00
Interagency Senior Pass$2.50 for holder
Interagency Access Pass$2.50 for holder
Overnight Mooring & Anchoring2024
Regular overnight fee$26.00/night
Senior/Access Pass$13.00/night
National Park Service Passes2024
Interagency Access Pass (Disability)Free
Military Active Duty PassFree*
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US studentsFree
Interagency Annual Senior Pass$20.00
Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass$80.00
Trunk Bay Expanded Amenity Recreation Fees2024
Individual Day Pass (16 years and older)*$5.00
Interagency Senior Pass$2.50 for holder
Interagency Access Pass$2.50 for holder
Overnight Mooring & Anchoring2024
Regular overnight fee$26.00/night
Senior/Access Pass$13.00/night
National Park Service Passes2024
Interagency Access Pass (Disability)Free
Military Active Duty PassFree*
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US studentsFree
Interagency Annual Senior Pass$20.00
Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass$80.00
Getting thereNPS guide
Read the current official guide

From the airport you rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Redhook (east end) St. Thomas.

From there you can either take a car barge to St. John or the people ferry.

Here is a Google map to get from the airport to Cruz Bay, St. John.

Once on St. John you can easily walk from the ferry terminal to the Visitor Center and the Lind Point Trailhead.

The 1 mile long Lind Point Trail provides hiking access to Salomon and Honeymoon beaches.

Here is your Google map for that short trip.

If you choose to rent a car on St. Thomas here is a Google map to get you from the car barge to the Visitor Center.

Tips for Getting Around the Park

Safety & preparationNPS guide
Read the current official guide

In case of Emergency DIAL 911

From Cell Phone DIAL (340) 776-9110

There is so much to see and do in Virgin Islands National Park both on land and in park waters, and we want you to have the best experience possible. This page is here to inform visitors of potential hazards they might encounter in the park. Despite the fact that we don't have dangerous animals like lions, bears, alligators or snakes in our park, there are a few things that you should be aware of including poisonous plants, hazardous marine life, and potentially dangerous roads.

The following tips are here to help you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Do not leave valuables unattended.

Flag or Surf Conditions

Water Sports Equipment Rentals at Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay Beach will not be available.

Trunk Bay Bar and Beach Shop - Will open on a reduced schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (minimum hours)

Trunk Bay Snack Shack - Will open on a reduced schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (minimum hours) to accommodate any visitors going to Trunk for lunch.

Hiking & trailsOfficial link
Open the official park website

The official page did not return a usable snapshot. Use the source link or the park website to find the current guide.

Maps & orientationNPS guide
Read the current official guide

where to snorkel,

where can you anchor,

are there areas to avoid,

where to find a buoy and what size or color should you use?

Visiting with petsNPS guide
Read the current official guide

Service Animals

A service animal is one that is specifically trained to aid a person with a disability. * Service animals are welcome in the park but must follow many of the pet rules. * Service animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. * Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste appropriately. 36CFR 2.15 (a)(5) If you have any other questions about pets in the park please feel free to call the park 340-776-6201 or find a Ranger and ask them!!

Weather & seasonsOfficial link
Open the official park website

The official page did not return a usable snapshot. Use the source link or the park website to find the current guide.

Look closer at accessibility.

No structured outing assessments have been reviewed for this park yet. Check the official accessibility guide for your requirements.

Compare accessibility details →
KEEP THE WANDER GOING

While you’re in the region.

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