You don’t have to travel outside of the United States to relax on a white sand beach surrounded by cool, turquoise water. Located in the Caribbean land of St. John, the Virgin Islands National Park is a little treasure that offers its visitors pleasures.
The tropical feel is intensified by more than 800 species of subtropical plants that grow in the high elevation forests and mangroves. Impressive coral reefs full of fragile plants and animals live around the island.
The Virgin Islands are an exciting place to explore through activities like boating, sailing, snorkeling, and hiking. Discover the beauty of this national park and enjoy the benefits of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Story
Although Columbus saw the islands in 1493, humans inhabited the Virgin Islands area much earlier. Archaeological finds show that South Americans migrated north and lived in Saint John as early as 770 BC. The Taino Indians later used the protected bays for their villages.
In 1694, the Danes took formal possession of the island. Attracted by the prospects of sugarcane cultivation, they established the first permanent European settlement at Saint John in 1718 at Estate Carolina in Coral Bay. In the early 1730s, production expanded so much that 109 cane and cotton plantations were operating.
As the plantation economy grew, so did the demand for slaves. However, the emancipation of the slaves in 1848 led to the decline of the Saint John plantations. In the early 20th century, cane and cotton plantations were replaced by subsistence farming / farming and rum production.
The United States bought the island in 1917, and ways to expand tourism were explored in the 1930s. Rockefeller interests purchased land in Saint John in the 1950s and donated it to the Federal Government in 1956 to create a national park. On August 2, 1956, the Virgin Islands National Park was established. The park consisted of 9,485 acres on St. John and 15 acres on St. Thomas. In 1962, the boundaries were expanded to include 5,650 acres of submerged land, including coral reefs, mangrove shores, and seagrass beds.
In 1976, the Virgin Islands National Park became part of the United Nations designated network of biosphere reserves, the only biosphere in the Lesser Antilles. At that time, the park boundaries were expanded once again in 1978 to include Hassel Island located in the port of St. Thomas.
When to visit
The park is open all year round and the climate does not vary much throughout the year. Be aware that summer can be very hot. Hurricane season generally runs from June to November.
Get there
Take a plane to Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, (Find Flights) and then take a taxi or bus to Red Hook. From there, a 20-minute ferry ride is available across Pillsbury Sound to Cruz Bay.
Another option is to take one of the less frequently scheduled ferries from Charlotte Amalie. Although the boat takes 45 minutes, the pier is much closer to the airport.
Fees / Permits:
There is no entrance fee for the park, however there is a user fee to enter Trunk Bay: $ 5 for adults; Children 16 and under free.
Main attractions
Trunk Bay – Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with a 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail. A bathhouse, snack bar, souvenir shop, and snorkel gear rentals are available. Please note that there is a fee for daily use.
Cinnamon Bay: This beach not only offers a water sports center that rents snorkeling equipment and windsurfers, but also organizes day sailing, snorkeling and diving classes.
Ram Head Trail: This short but rocky 0.9 mile trail sits outside of Saltpond Bay and takes visitors into a surprisingly arid setting. Various types of cacti and plants of the century are visible.
Annaberg: Once one of St. John’s largest sugar plantations, visitors can tour the remains of the windmill and horse mill that used to crush sugar cane to extract its juice. Cultural demonstrations, such as baking and basket weaving, take place Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reef Bay Trail – Descending through a steep valley into a subtropical forest, this 2.5-mile trail displays sugar farm ruins as well as mysterious petroglyphs.
Fort Frederik – Once owned by the king, this fort was part of the first plantation built by the Danes. It was taken over by the French.
accommodation
A camp is located within the park. Cinnamon Bay is open all year. From December to mid-May there is a 14-day limit and a 21-day limit for the rest of the year. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 800-539-9998 or 340-776-6330.
Other accommodations are located on St. John. St. John Inn offers the least expensive rooms, while Gallows Point Suite Resort offers 60 units with kitchens, a restaurant, and a pool.
The luxurious Caneel Bay is another option located in Cruz Bay that offers 166 units for $ 450- $ 1,175 per night.
Areas of interest outside the park
Buck Island Reef National Monument: One mile north of St. Croix is a stunning coral reef that surrounds most of Buck Island . Visitors can take a marked underwater trail either by snorkeling or in a glass bottom boat and exploring the unique ecosystem of the reefs. Hiking trails are also on 176 acres of land with stunning views of St. Croix.
Open year-round, this national monument is accessible by charter boat from Christiansted, St. Croix. Call 340-773-1460 for more information.
Contact information
1300 Cruz Bay Creek, St. John, USVI, 00830
Phone: 340-776-6201.
