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Virgin Islands National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: U.S. Virgin Islands

Visit Official Park Website

šŸ“˜ Park Overview

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.

🌤 Weather Information

Mostly Perfect! The Tradewinds (the Easterlies) dominate the weather in the Virgin Islands, blowing east to west across the tropical Atlantic. The winter tends to bring stronger winds and less rain, and the summer tends to bring more rain and lighter winds. Be sure to check the forecast often during hurricane season or winter swell events.

šŸš— Directions

There are no airports on St. John so you must fly to the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport (code STT) and travel from there. From the airport you rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Redhook (west end) St. Thomas. From there you can either take a car barge to St. John or the people ferry. Once on St. John you can easily walk from the ferry terminal to the Visitor Center.

Images

Turquoise water laps white sandy shore fringed with lush green vegetation.

Renowned for its beauty, Trunk Bay is a visitor favorite.

Credit: NPS Photo

Queen Angel Fish

A Beautiful Queen Angel Fish

Credit: Judy Bucholz

A sunset colors the horizon as seen from an overlook above the bay.

Lind Point Overlook is a perfect spot to enjoy a Virgin Islands sunset.

Credit: NPS Photo

Four Stilts in the Francis Bay Pond

Four Stilts in the Francis Bay Pond

Credit: Caroline Rogers

A Sunset Paddle

A Sunset Paddle, a perfect end to your day.

Credit: Stephanie Guyer-Stevens

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Closed
Monday
8:15AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday
8:15AM - 4:00PM
Wednesday
8:15AM - 4:00PM
Thursday
8:15AM - 4:00PM
Friday
8:15AM - 1:30PM
Saturday
Closed

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Mar 3

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 84.7°F | Low: 76.5°F

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 24.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2.6

Sunrise: 06:36 AM

Sunset: 06:26 PM

Moon: Full Moon (100%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 74.8°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Mar 4

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 80.8°F | Low: 77.4°F

Humidity: 79%

Wind: 23.9 mph

Rain Chance: 72%

UV Index: 2.5

Sunrise: 06:36 AM

Sunset: 06:26 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 73.7°F

Cloud Cover: 72%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Mar 5

Cloudy

Cloudy

High: 79.3°F | Low: 77°F

Humidity: 79%

Wind: 25.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.2

Sunrise: 06:35 AM

Sunset: 06:26 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (97%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 73.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

āš ļø Rip Current Statement (Moderate)
ā–¼

Rip Current Statement issued March 3 at 4:22PM AST until March 6 at 6:00AM AST by NWS San Juan PR

Effective: Mar 3, 2026 3:22pm
Expires: Mar 4, 2026 5:00am

* WHAT...High Rip Current Risk, life-threatening rip current.

* WHERE...North- and east-facing beaches of northern Puerto Rico
and Sr Croix.

* WHEN...From Wednesday morning through late Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water, where it becomes difficult to
return to safety.

Park Alerts

Mosquito-Borne Diseases Information
The mosquito-borne Zika Virus has been confirmed on St. John, St. Thomas, St. Croix and Puerto Rico. People become infected after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

More Info

Trail Conditions Caution
Rain may cause trails to be slick and overgrown. Staff and Volunteer Trail Crews clear trails regularly. Visitors should use caution and report trail issues to viis_interpretation@nps.gov
Johnson's Reef Buoys are OFF STATION Danger
The aids to navigation around Johnson's Reef are currently off station. This means that the buoys that typically guide mariners through these waters are not in their expected locations. Mariners should exercise considerable caution when navigating the waters around Johnson's Reef. The absence or misplacement of navigational aids can lead to confusion, increased risk of grounding, and potential hazards. Use updated nautical charts and GPS systems to navigate carefully through the area.
Red Flag Day Dangerous Surf Alert for North Shore Beaches Caution
Use caution when near the water. Large breaking waves can cause dangerous conditions in the surf zone and strong rip currents.

More Info

Mosquito Borne Disease
Zika virus has been reported in the Caribbean. At this time it has not been reported in St. John. It is recommended that all precautions to prevent Mosquito-Borne diseases be taken when traveling in the Caribbean.

More Info

Please watch your belongings! Caution
Valuables have been stolen from several vehicles in the park. These incidents could happen anywhere on the island, so please take valuables with you or leave them at home or in your room. If you see someone acting suspiciously, call us at 1-866-995-8467.
Trail Conditions Caution
Rain may cause trails to be slick and overgrown. Staff and Volunteer Trail Crews clear trails regularly. Visitors should use caution and report trail issues to viis_interpretation@nps.gov
It’s once again the season for north shore swells and heavy rains.
As we approach winter and our Christmas winds start to build, north swells become more common. Beach sand can shift dramatically, creating washouts and drop-offs anywhere along the beach. Be cautious and watch your step as you walk on beaches.
Trail Hazards
Overhanging branches and fallen trees from Tropical Storm Erika may be present on Reef Bay and other park trails. Be aware of these hazards and hike these trails at your own risk. Park staff is working to clear the trails as quickly as possible.

Park Events

Reef Bay Guided Hike

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.

Location: Check-in at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center at 7:45AM. There will be a shuttle to the Reef Bay Trail Head at 8:15. The Reef Bay Tail is approximately 3 mi one way with a 1000 elevation change.

Date: Jan 5, 2026 12:00am to Apr 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ram Head Guided Hike

A Park Ranger will introduce you to the meaningful history of Ram Head, including events of the 1733 African Revolution, while you explore and connect with each other and the unique landscape of this popular hiking trail. The Ram Head Guided Hike is an intermediate hike just under 2 and a half miles. This trail is rocky and steep in some areas and the desert habitat provides little shade. The hike will leave from the Salt Pond Bay parking lot and will include traversing both Salt Pond Beach and Blue Pebble Beach before climbing to the peak of Ram Head. Be sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and mineral based sunscreen.

Location: Ram Head is the Southernmost point of the island of St. John. The area is an arid environment with little to no shade. Be sure to keep in mind proper hydration and UV protection when visiting this area.

Date: Jan 30, 2026 12:00am to Jan 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ram Head Guided Hike

A Park Ranger will introduce you to the meaningful history of Ram Head, including events of the 1733 African Revolution, while you explore and connect with each other and the unique landscape of this popular hiking trail. The Ram Head Guided Hike is an intermediate hike just under 2 and a half miles. This trail is rocky and steep in some areas and the desert habitat provides little shade. The hike will leave from the Salt Pond Bay parking lot and will include traversing both Salt Pond Beach and Blue Pebble Beach before climbing to the peak of Ram Head. Be sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and mineral based sunscreen.

Location: Ram Head is the Southernmost point of the island of St. John. The area is an arid environment with little to no shade. Be sure to keep in mind proper hydration and UV protection when visiting this area.

Date: Feb 20, 2026 12:00am to Feb 20, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ram Head Guided Hike

A Park Ranger will introduce you to the meaningful history of Ram Head, including events of the 1733 African Revolution, while you explore and connect with each other and the unique landscape of this popular hiking trail. The Ram Head Guided Hike is an intermediate hike just under 2 and a half miles. This trail is rocky and steep in some areas and the desert habitat provides little shade. The hike will leave from the Salt Pond Bay parking lot and will include traversing both Salt Pond Beach and Blue Pebble Beach before climbing to the peak of Ram Head. Be sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and mineral based sunscreen.

Location: Ram Head is the Southernmost point of the island of St. John. The area is an arid environment with little to no shade. Be sure to keep in mind proper hydration and UV protection when visiting this area.

Date: Mar 20, 2026 12:00am to Mar 20, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Folklife Festival
Come celebrate the revival of the Virgin Islands National Park’sĀ FolklifeĀ FestivalĀ as the park's offering to the community in commemoration of the national Freedom 250 celebrations. This two-day event will showcase theĀ cultural traditions of the Virgin Islands, with a special focus on Quelbe music. Ā  On Friday cultural demonstrators and vendors will be set up on the ball field, offering traditional foods and handmade crafts. Free water and select samples will be available. Ā  Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on demonstrations, including tyre palm broom making, wood carving, Quadrille dancing, mauby making, and Maypole, as well as enjoy a performance by the legendary Quelbe band, Ten Sleepless Knights.

Location: Cruz Bay Ball Park (next to the Visitor Center)

Date: Mar 27, 2026 12:00am to Mar 27, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Folklife Festival
Come celebrate the revival of the Virgin Islands National Park’sĀ FolklifeĀ FestivalĀ as the park's offering to the community in commemoration of the national Freedom 250 celebrations. This two-day event will showcase theĀ cultural traditions of the Virgin Islands, with a special focus on Quelbe music. Ā  Saturday’s activities will take place at the Annaberg Sugar Factory Ruins. Shuttle service from the Cruz Bay Visitor Center to Annaberg will be available beginning at 1:00 p.m. Ā  The celebration will feature guided tours, educational programs, and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about dumb bread making, drumming, Bamboula dancing, and Quadrille, and to enjoy a performance by St. John’s own Quelbe Resurrection Band!

Location: Annaberg Sugar Factory Ruin

Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ram Head Guided Hike

A Park Ranger will introduce you to the meaningful history of Ram Head, including events of the 1733 African Revolution, while you explore and connect with each other and the unique landscape of this popular hiking trail. The Ram Head Guided Hike is an intermediate hike just under 2 and a half miles. This trail is rocky and steep in some areas and the desert habitat provides little shade. The hike will leave from the Salt Pond Bay parking lot and will include traversing both Salt Pond Beach and Blue Pebble Beach before climbing to the peak of Ram Head. Be sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and mineral based sunscreen.

Location: Ram Head is the Southernmost point of the island of St. John. The area is an arid environment with little to no shade. Be sure to keep in mind proper hydration and UV protection when visiting this area.

Date: Apr 24, 2026 12:00am to Apr 24, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

šŸ“ Physical Address:
1300 Cruz Bay Creek
St. John, VI 00830

šŸ¤ Mailing Address:
1300 Cruz Bay Creek
St. John, VI 00830

šŸ“ž Voice Phone: 3407766201

šŸ“ž Fax Phone: 3406939301

āœ‰ļø Email: viis_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location


šŸ‘ Fun Fact
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