Virgin Islands National Park: A Caribbean Gem
Discover pristine beaches, lush trails, and historic ruins in this Caribbean national park. Explore St. John's natural beauty and rich history.
Encompassing approximately 60% of St. John and significant offshore areas, Virgin Islands National Park offers a blend of pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and historical ruins. Established in 1956, the park protects a rich tapestry of natural and cultural resources, inviting visitors to explore its scenic trails, vibrant coral reefs, and remnants of plantation-era life.
A brief summary to Virgin Islands National Park
- St John, VI
- +1340-776-6201
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early at popular beaches like Trunk Bay, as parking lots tend to fill up by mid-morning.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection when hiking, especially during the hotter months.
- Consider taking a taxi or safari to explore the island, as parking can be limited and roads are narrow.
- Check the operating hours of the Cruz Bay Visitor Center for ranger programs, maps, and activity schedules.
- Respect the coral reefs and marine life by avoiding contact and using reef-safe sunscreen.
Getting There
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Ferry
The most common way to reach St. John and the park is by ferry from St. Thomas. From Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, take a taxi to either the Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook ferry docks. Taxis from the airport to Red Hook cost approximately $15 per person plus $3 per bag. The Red Hook ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John, costs $6.00 each way and runs hourly, taking about 20 minutes. The ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay costs $12.00 each way and takes approximately 45 minutes. Once in Cruz Bay, the park's visitor center is a short walk from the ferry dock.
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Taxi
From Cruz Bay, taxis are readily available to access various points within the national park. Safari-style taxis, which are open-air vehicles, are a popular and convenient option. Taxi rates are set per person and per destination. As a general guideline, expect to pay around $8 to Trunk Bay, $9 to Cinnamon Bay, and $18 to Maho Bay from Cruz Bay. Confirm the rate with the driver before starting your trip. Keep in mind that taxis may wait to fill their vehicles with multiple passengers.
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Car Rental
If you prefer to explore the park at your own pace, consider renting a car on St. John. Car rentals are available in Cruz Bay. Be aware that parking within the park, especially at popular beaches, is limited and fills up quickly, often by 10:00 am. There are only two main roads, Centerline Road (Route 10) and North Shore Road (Route 20), that provide access throughout the park. Driving is on the left side of the road. Public parking in Cruz Bay is tight.
Discover more about Virgin Islands National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St John
2.4 km
Experience the serene beauty and vibrant culture of St. John, the jewel of the U.S. Virgin Islands, featuring stunning beaches and lush landscapes.
Little Thatch
5.6 km
Escape to Little Thatch Island in the British Virgin Islands for pristine beaches, tranquil waters, and a serene Caribbean getaway.
Lovango Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands
6.0 km
Discover Lovango Cay: A luxurious private island escape in the US Virgin Islands, offering pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, and upscale amenities.
Steele Point Estate
6.4 km
Discover the ultimate group getaway at Steele Point Estate, a luxurious retreat in the British Virgin Islands with breathtaking ocean views and top-notch amenities.
Omar's Fusion
6.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Omar's Fusion, a top restaurant in Soper's Hole, Tortola, known for its fresh seafood and live music.
VOYAGE Charters
6.9 km
Experience the beauty of the British Virgin Islands with luxury yacht rentals at VOYAGE Charters, your gateway to unforgettable sailing adventures.
Arawak West End
6.9 km
Discover unique island-inspired fashion at Arawak West End, where vibrant Caribbean culture meets stylish apparel and accessories for the perfect island vibe.
Pusser's Landing
6.9 km
Discover Pusser's Landing, a vibrant pub at Soper's Hole Marina, serving Caribbean cuisine and refreshing drinks with stunning waterfront views.
Soper's Hole Wharf & Marina
6.9 km
Experience the vibrant charm of Soper's Hole Wharf & Marina, where stunning views, delicious food, and unique shopping await in the British Virgin Islands.
DAY TRIPS BVI
6.9 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the British Virgin Islands with personalized boat tours from DAY TRIPS BVI, where adventure meets relaxation.
Omar's Coffee House
6.9 km
Discover Omar's Coffee House in Soper's Hole Marina for a delightful breakfast and brunch experience paired with stunning views in the British Virgin Islands.
West End Ferry Terminal
6.9 km
Connect to paradise from Tortola's West End: your gateway to the British Virgin Islands and beyond.
villa del mar tortola
7.7 km
Experience unparalleled luxury and breathtaking views at Villa del Mar Tortola, your perfect Caribbean retreat in the British Virgin Islands.
Tortola
7.8 km
Explore the stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture of Tortola, the jewel of the British Virgin Islands, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Smuggler's Cove
7.8 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Smuggler's Cove, a hidden beach paradise in the British Virgin Islands, ideal for relaxation and marine exploration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cinnamon Bay Trail
0.6 km
Hike through history and nature on St. John's Cinnamon Bay Trail, exploring sugar plantation ruins and enjoying panoramic Caribbean views.
Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins
1.0 km
Step back in time at Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins, exploring St. John's captivating history and the echoes of its sugar plantation era.
America Hill Great House Ruins
1.1 km
Discover St. John's history at America Hill Great House Ruins, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past.
Catherineberg Estate Ruins
1.2 km
Explore the historic Catherineberg Estate Ruins in St. John, offering a glimpse into the island's colonial past and stunning Caribbean views.
Cinnamon Bay Beach
1.3 km
Discover St. John's longest beach: Cinnamon Bay, a haven for snorkeling, watersports, history, and natural beauty in Virgin Islands National Park.
Petroglyphs
1.4 km
Discover ancient Taíno carvings, sugar mill ruins, and a pristine beach on St. John's iconic Reef Bay Trail in Virgin Islands National Park.
Maho Bay Beach
1.5 km
Discover St. John's Maho Bay Beach: a serene escape with calm waters, abundant sea turtles, and stunning natural beauty.
Trunk Bay
2.2 km
Discover Trunk Bay, St. John: voted one of the world's best beaches, offering pristine sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant snorkeling.
Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail
2.2 km
Explore St. John's Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail: a mesmerizing snorkeling adventure in a vibrant, protected marine ecosystem.
Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins
2.3 km
Discover St. John's history at the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins, a preserved landmark offering a glimpse into the island's plantation past within a stunning natural setting.
Trunk Cay, United States Virgin Islands
2.4 km
Discover an underwater paradise at Trunk Cay, St. John: Snorkeling trails, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life await!
Francis Bay
2.5 km
Escape to the serene shores of Francis Bay in St. John, where calm waters, rich history, and abundant wildlife create an unforgettable Caribbean experience.
Jumbie Beach
2.7 km
Discover Jumbie Beach: St. John's secluded paradise offering tranquility, clear waters, and stunning views, just steps from the iconic North Shore Road.
Oppenheimer Beach
2.9 km
Discover a serene St. John beach with calm waters, excellent snorkeling, and a fascinating history connected to J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Bordeaux Mountain Trail
3.0 km
Hike to St. John's highest peak on this challenging trail, rewarded with panoramic views and a glimpse into island history.
Essential places to dine
Ekaete Pink Corner
3.8 km
Discover the flavors of the Caribbean at Ekaete Pink Corner in Coral Bay - a delightful restaurant serving authentic dishes with stunning views.
Lime Out VI
4.0 km
Discover unforgettable flavors at Lime Out VI, a premier restaurant in Coral Bay offering fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
Patricias Beach Bar
7.6 km
Discover culinary delights at Patricias Beach Bar - a tropical grill haven in the heart of the British Virgin Islands.
1748 Restaurant
8.9 km
Experience exquisite Caribbean cuisine with stunning views at 1748 Restaurant in Long Bay, British Virgin Islands.
Tropical Fusion Beach Bar And Grill
9.0 km
Experience tropical flavors and breathtaking views at Tropical Fusion Beach Bar And Grill in Long Bay - a culinary gem in the British Virgin Islands.
Nardie's Beach Bar
9.4 km
Experience tropical bliss at Nardie's Beach Bar in Tortola - where delicious cuisine meets stunning ocean views.
La Flaca
9.4 km
Discover La Flaca: A charming fast food gem in Freshwater Pond serving delicious local flavors and international favorites amidst stunning island scenery.
Tramonti Restaurant
10.1 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Tramonti Restaurant in the British Virgin Islands—where flavor meets paradise.
Harris' Place
10.7 km
Discover authentic Caribbean flavors at Harris' Place in Jost Van Dyke—where every meal is a celebration of local culture and cuisine.
Sidney's Peace & Love
10.8 km
Discover Sidney's Peace & Love: A charming family-run restaurant in the British Virgin Islands offering fresh local cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
Alice's Restaurant
11.0 km
Discover Alice's Restaurant: A vibrant dining experience in Jost Van Dyke offering Caribbean flavors and breathtaking views.
Abes By The Sea Restaurant & Bar
11.0 km
Experience exquisite Caribbean flavors with stunning ocean views at Abes By The Sea on Jost Van Dyke.
D'CoalPot BVI Restaurant Bar & Grill
11.0 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors at D'CoalPot BVI Restaurant Bar & Grill in Tortola - where every meal is a celebration.
North Shore Shell Museum & Restaurant
11.2 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors at North Shore Shell Museum & Restaurant - where culinary excellence meets island charm.
Claude’s Big Stop Restaurant & Bar
11.2 km
Discover authentic Caribbean flavors at Claude's Big Stop Restaurant & Bar in Belle Vue - a true gem for food enthusiasts visiting the British Virgin Islands.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
VI National Park Store
4.7 km
Shop for unique souvenirs and support conservation efforts at the charming VI National Park Store in St. John.
Riteway Harbour Market
6.8 km
Experience the vibrant local flavors and fresh produce at Riteway Harbour Market in Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
BVI Island Surf and Sail
6.9 km
Experience the thrill of water sports at BVI Island Surf and Sail in the breathtaking British Virgin Islands, where adventure meets paradise.
Harbor Market
7.0 km
Discover local flavors and essential supplies at Harbor Market in Soper's Hole, your go-to supermarket in the British Virgin Islands.
Pink House Villas
10.9 km
Experience luxury and tranquility at Pink House Villas, your perfect Caribbean getaway in the British Virgin Islands.
Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, Villas & Beach Bungalows
11.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and stunning beach views at Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, Villas & Beach Bungalows in the British Virgin Islands.
BVI Adenture
11.2 km
Explore the best sporting goods in the British Virgin Islands at BVI Adventure, your one-stop shop for outdoor gear and equipment.
Hendo's Hideout
11.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and refreshing drinks at Hendo's Hideout in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, your ultimate tropical getaway.
Sugar & Spice Snack Bar
11.2 km
Experience the taste of the Caribbean at Sugar & Spice Snack Bar in Belle Vue, offering a delightful grill menu with stunning coastal views.
Gertrude’s Beach Bar and Grill
11.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Gertrude’s Beach Bar and Grill, where stunning views meet delicious grilled delights.
Soggy Dollar Bar
11.2 km
Experience the essence of Caribbean paradise at Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, where vibrant cocktails and stunning ocean views await.
Coco Loco
11.2 km
Discover the vibrant charm of Coco Loco, the ultimate beach bar in the British Virgin Islands offering stunning views and refreshing drinks.
Foxy's Giftshop
11.2 km
Explore the vibrant culture of the British Virgin Islands at Foxy's Giftshop, where unique souvenirs and delicious Caribbean cuisine await.
Foxy's, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
11.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and Caribbean culture at Foxy's, the quintessential beachfront bar in Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
JVD Grocery
11.3 km
Explore JVD Grocery in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke for an unforgettable shopping experience with local flavors and essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Windmill Bar
2.4 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and relaxing ambiance of The Windmill Bar in Cruz Bay, a perfect stop for grill lovers and tropical drink enthusiasts alike.
West End
6.3 km
Explore the natural beauty and vibrant culture of West End, a serene peninsula in the British Virgin Islands perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers.
Admiral's Bar
7.0 km
Experience the lively spirit of Admiral's Bar in the British Virgin Islands, where exceptional drinks and a vibrant atmosphere await every visitor.
Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar & Grill
7.6 km
Discover the vibrant taste of the British Virgin Islands at Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar & Grill, where delicious food and stunning views await.
Coco Locos
10.6 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Coco Locos Beach Bar in White Bay, British Virgin Islands, where refreshing cocktails meet stunning ocean views.
