This is a tropical national park, and the activities in Virgin Islands National Park differ quite significantly from what you can do in most other national parks. Sure, you can strap on a pack here and go for a hike to a stunning overlook. There’s nothing new there, but where else can you strap on your fins and go for a swim on a snorkel trail?
Here are some of Park Junkie’s favorite activities in Virgin Islands National Park.
More than 40% of the park is underwater and the waters of St. John are blessed with a series of deep bays and smaller coves. These areas are protected from the rougher waters of the Caribbean Sea, and enjoy a smooth surface, which is perfect for snorkeling.
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The waters of the Caribbean are home to a bevy of colorful fish and exciting sealife, along with fantastic coral reefs. Many of the reefs around St. John have been damaged by past visitors, so try to make sure you don’t get too close, as they don’t deserve further damage. Life is rough enough down there without you kicking them in the face. Also, try to use a reef safe sunscreen when you’re in the water.
St. John’s entire coastline could be considered ripe for exploration, but some areas are better than others, and of course, more protected, which leads to clearer water, as well as easier swimming. It is difficult to determine which areas are the “best” because conditions change daily, and some swimmers are stronger than others. The following areas are just a sample of what is available here.
Salomon & Honeymoon Bay
Located just to the north of Cruz Bay on the North Shore Road, these white-sand beaches are home to a narrow reef which runs along the shoreline toward Caneel Bay, which lies just to the east. Snorkelers can swim along with a variety of colorful fish who live in the protected waters of the reef and will see several species of coral, including brain, elk horn, mustard hill and pillar corals, along with finger coral and lettuce leaf.
Hawksnest Bay
A great area to observe Elkhorn Coral. These are federally protected corals, and are extremely fragile. Stay clear and observe from a safe distance. This beach can receive a bit of heavy surf if conditions are right, so be alert.
Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is home to one of National Geographic’s top ten beautiful beaches in the world, and holds the only Underwater Trail in our collection of 62 national parks. It’s a great way to learn to identify the various examples of marine life in the Caribbean waters. Lifeguards are posted on the beach, so this short, but informative trail is a great introduction into the underwater world. There is a small amenity fee to enter the beach area.
Cinnamon Bay
This popular bay is home to a small island, which provides shelter for a variety of sealife, including turtles, fish and perhaps even a lobster. For the observant snorkelers, keep an eye out for an ancient underwater fish trap. This stone structure was probably constructed by the Taino people, and was designed to trap, and contain fish so they could be harvested at low tide. In addition to the fish pen, a submerged village and a sunken plane are visible in this scenic bay.
Maho Bay
This is the place for turtles, and a great beach scene as well. A wide seagrass bed in the middle of the bay provides a comfortable home with plenty of food for the green sea turtles that live in these waters. We snorkeled here on a windy day, and still saw plenty of turtles. The eastern side of the bay contains a more rocky reef area, with a variety of fish, and even octopus, which hide in the rocky bottoms.
Francis Bay
Just to the north east of Maho Bay, is Francis Bay, which enjoys calm waters thanks to its west-facing orientation and the protection of Mary Point’s west reaching arm. This is a great beginner beach, and snorkelers can enjoy sightings of sea turtles and larger fish, along with patches of colonial anemones, gorgonians and tube sponges.
Leinster Bay
To the north of the Annaberg Ruins lies Leinster Bay. Its beaches can be accessed with a short hike to the east of the ruins on the Leinster Bay Trail. A shallow reef provides a habitat for a wide variety of tropical fish, along with sea turtles, gorgonians and Blue Chromis, a small blue fish that seems to glow in the tropical Caribbean waters.
Watermelon Cay
About a 10-minute hike past Leinster Bay to the east is Watermelon Cay. This area is a popular anchorage for sailboats, and is a spectacular snorkeling zone as well. The waters here teem with stingray, turtles and even small shark. In addition to these, you’ll be stoked to hear that Watermelon Cay is one of the only places on St. John that provides a habitat for large cushion sea stars, which are super cool! Use caution entering the water from rocky areas here, as there are plenty of long-spine sea urchins hanging out in the rocks. Ouch…
Salt Pond Bay
This was one of Park Junkie’s favorite snorkeling areas. The relatively quiet beach provides a nice zone to chill, while the rocky outcrop visible in the middle of the bay provides some of the best snorkeling in St. John. The area is replete with sea turtles, stingray and shark, along with a fabulous array of tropical fish.
Another bonus to snorkeling at Salt Pond Bay is its proximity to one of my favorite hikes on St. John. From the beach, it is about a 30 minute hike to the summit of Ram Head, a series of rocky bluffs that rise about 200 feet above the surrounding seas. The views from the top are some of my favorite on the island, and the access trail leaves from Salt Pond Bay. Hiking the trail and snorkeling the bay makes for a splendid day on the island.
Hiking in Virgin Islands
The park is not really known as a great hiking destination, but there are a number of trails that provide an escape into the jungle-like forests of the island, as well as some incredible ruins and viewpoints. Many of the island’s coolest destinations can only be accessed by trail, and you won’t want to miss a few of the best sights on the island.
Trail connects Coral Bay with Watermelon Cay. Nice trail, can be exposed to sun due to hurricane damage to vegetation. Spur trail above Watermelon Cay leads to cool ruin site. Can connect with Leinster Bay to Annaberg Ruin for excellent adventure.
Trail runs through thick forest from Lameshur to Reef Bay Trail. Can be used to access petroglyphs, and Reef Bay, or to connect to Centerline Road on Reef Bay Trail.
Perhaps most popular hike on the island. Trail leads through thick forest into valley with petroglyphs and two small waterfalls. Reef Bay Sugar Mill is one of island’s best preserved ruins, and is just off of beach. Hike can be connected to Lameshur Bay for extended route.
Trail departs Lameshur Parking area, leads to scenic overlook of southern coast.
Kayaking in Virgin Islands
The waters of the Caribbean are incredible, no doubt. Their simple tropical glow is enough to draw you into their depths. Of course, everyone knowns you can swim and snorkel here, but did you think of paddling in these waters? Well, you can… In fact, both kayaking and paddleboarding are possible in this island paradise.
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St. John’s northern shore is the most popular place for these activities on the island. The beaches are gorgeous, and the waters are usually quite accommodating. A few companies rent both kayaks and paddleboards, so you’ll have an opportunity to get out even if you didn’t bring your preferred vessel on your island vacation. A number of companies also offer guided tours, so you can go with the pros if you don’t want to feel alone out there.
If you want an adventure unlike that experienced by the majority of visitors to the Virgin Islands, try jumping in a kayak for a paddling circumnavigation of St. John. This looks like an appealing idea for a future trip! You can set out on your own, or Arawak offers a 4-day tour that circles the island. See the circumnavigation link below.
Well of course you can fish here… but onshore fishing is not as easy as you may assume, and you won’t be eating much of your catch. Many of the reef fish here are subject to Ciguatera Poisoning, which they somehow contract from the reef. Most fish that are caught in the shallow waters of the islands contain this toxin. So be aware! See the link below for information regarding which fish are known to contain the poison.
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But there are still fish to be caught, and it’s good fun. Oh, and offshore fishing… Well that is a big Hell Yeah!
The Virgin Islands are stationed just south of the Puerto Rico Trench, which at six miles deep, is the deepest spot in the Atlantic Ocean. Many large schools of small fish migrate through these waters, and that means that there are larger fish looking for a meal. Dophin (Mahi Mahi), Tuna, Wahoo, Blue and White Marlin, Sailfish… the list goes on…
If you have your own boat, you probably know what you’re doing, and can access the areas that will provide your adventure without aid. For those who don’t enjoy such resources, there is always a guide to put you in the mix.
I have not yet taken part in any fishing in these islands, but it looks like an exciting option of my next visit, both on and offshore. Here are a few options you can explore to find your prize catch.
Oh man… This is the bomb. Sailing is a dream, and sailing in these islands is a dream come true. You’ll never forget cruising the waters of the Virgin Islands, which are among the most beautiful on Earth. You can just glide right into the sunset on a tropical breeze.
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Someday I’ll have my own boat here, but till then, I’m resigned to begging permission to board someone else’s vessel and providing whatever form of payment is required. Get your head out of the gutter… It simply means I’ll buy the booze, or what have you…
My last visit provided an opportunity for a day sail on the Black Sheep, a 44′ catamaran with some friends, and that was good times. But the captain and his family have since left the islands to cruise around the globe, so I’ll be seeking a different option next time. If you know of an awesome charter company or boat, please let me know.
There are a number of options available, but they’re not always cheap. For the best deal, you’ll probably want to gather a crew of friends, new or old, and pitch in for the trip. No matter the cost, you’ll likely look back on the day with a dream in your eye.
If you’re a diver, there are plenty of options to get you through a few weeks of island time. Some of the island’s best sights are only available far underwater, so this looks like a fabulous option for a day well spent. I mean, snorkeling’s fun and all, but you don’t get to wear all that cool stuff…
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If you’re a diver, you’ll probably have an idea of where to look for the best options for diving in the islands. If you’re not, you could become one during your stay here. There just happens to be a dive center on St. John that will provide the training necessary to get your PADI certification.
The options listed above can be tackled on your own, but if your idea of a vacation is letting someone else deal with the details, you can always leave that business to an ecotour company, who will take care of the planning and deal with pick-ups and drop-offs.
The National Park Service offers a number of fun outings that can provide a bounty of information about the park and its history. Rangers lead a variety of activities including hikes, bird walks, sky watches, snorkel trips, kayak and paddle board trips, and I even hear of a ranger-led yoga session… who knew?
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YOU CAN DIE. Activities pursued within National Park boundaries hold inherent dangers. You are solely responsible for your safety in the outdoors. Park Junkie accepts no responsibility for actions that result in inconveniences, injury or death.
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