From pristine beaches and turquoise waters to lush hiking trails that lead to breathtaking overlooks, Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is a true Caribbean gem. We love this stunning national park and have explored its beauty multiple times over the years. To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together this complete guide to experiencing Virgin Islands National Park. Read more below on how to make the most of your trip!

Guides to Virgin Island National Park

Highlights of Visiting Vigin Islands National Park

• Pristine Beaches – Relax on stunning white sand beaches like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay.
• Crystal-Clear Waters – Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life – we had some of our best snorkeling ever on our visit!
• Scenic Hiking Trails – Explore trails leading to historic ruins and breathtaking viewpoints.
• Historic Sugar Plantations – Visit preserved ruins like the Annaberg Plantation to learn about the island’s past.
• Water Activities – Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing in the turquoise Caribbean waters.
• Underwater Snorkel Trail – Discover the famous Trunk Bay underwater snorkel trail with guided markers.
• Diverse Wildlife – Spot sea turtles, tropical fish, and native birds in their natural habitat.
• Sunset Views – Catch a breathtaking Caribbean sunset from overlooks like Peace Hill.
• Rich Cultural History – Learn about the island’s indigenous Taino people and colonial influences.

Things to Know About Visiting Virgin Islands National Park

Best Time to Visit Virgin Islands National Park

The best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park is December through April when the weather is warm, dry, and perfect for outdoor activities. Our favorite time is April, when the peak crowds start to thin out, but the waters are still calm and ideal for snorkeling. Holidays and spring break can be busy, so be sure to book accommodations and excursions in advance. The off-season from May to November sees fewer visitors, but be mindful of hurricane season, which peaks from August to October.

How to Get to Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Island National Park is located on St Johns. The only way to get to this island is by boat. You can fly directly to St Thomas and take a ferry to St Johns.

Once you get to the island, you will want to rent a car to get around. You can get around by taxi, but this will get expensive! Rental cars are in high demand and often require a 3-4 day minimum.

Need to Know About the Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands National Park covers a significant portion of St. John and includes multiple sections, from lush hiking trails to stunning beaches and historic ruins. While the most visited areas, such as Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, offer breathtaking scenery, they can also get crowded. For a quieter experience, consider exploring the remote East End or hiking the Reef Bay Trail to discover hidden waterfalls and petroglyphs.

The park does not require reservations, but popular beaches and trails can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the day is the best way to secure a spot.

A public ferry runs between St. Thomas and St. John, and rental jeeps or taxis are the best way to get around the park. Keep in mind that roads can be steep and winding.

Pets are allowed in some areas of the park but must be kept on a leash. However, they are not permitted on designated swimming beaches to protect wildlife and marine life.

How Much Time do you Need in Virgin Islands National Park?

Virgin Island National Park is a different park in many ways. You should plan a mininum of at least 2 days. This will give you enough time to drive across the island, do a short hike or two and still get plenty of time at the beach and to play in the water.

Lodging Near Virgin Islands National Park

The best place to stay is in Cruz Bay. This is the port town on the island and you can find hotels and house rentals as well as many restaurants. This is where we stayed and rented a car. You can also search on booking.com (see below) for resorts and hotels.

Looking for more information about planning a National Parks trip? See our National Park Planning Guide or follow us on Substack.