Virgin Island National Park

Main Attractions of the Park

1. Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is a popular beach in St. John. The beachside is glorified by the blue water, which stretches over a quarter mile of white sand. In the morning, the view is fabulous. You can easily reach Trunk Bay through the park’s main road to see the turtles and palm trees. 

The iconic underwater trail can be a unique experience throughout the trip. Reaching from the cruise bay, you will witness Hawksnest Bay, Honeymoon Bay, and Cinnamon Bay. Going further down from there will lead you to Watermelon Bay.

2.Salt Point Bay

Salt Point Bay is located at the southernmost end of St. John’s Island. In the middle of the island, there is a mountain. You may witness stingrays and turtles on the beach.

3. Caneel Hill Trail

The Caneel Hill Trail is a strenuous hike. You need to climb up the hill, where there is a platform that provides an outstanding view. You can see both sides of the island from there. You can experience the gentle breeze on sunny days. The trail is pretty dangerous as there are loose rocks and steepness, but it is a short hike. It is favorable for snorkeling. When the wind is blowing, the sea appears to be rowing, but the calm water also gives you tranquility.

4. Hawksnest Bay

Hawksnest Bay is suitable for snorkeling with its breathtaking view. You can relax there and enjoy the natural beauty. However, it is not the best for swimming. The beach is popular for Elkhorn coral reefs, which are federally protected. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are also seen there by visitors.

5. Annaberg Plantation

Annaberg Plantation is an ancient feature of Virgin Islands National Park. The Dutch settled in the Virgin Islands around the 1600s and 1700s. Then, sugar plantations became the main industry. They even imported slaves for their work. Annaberg Plantation is one of them. 

The ruins of the sugar plantation are still one of the visitor attractions. The Annaberg Sugar Mill is the largest and used to produce sugar, rum, and molasses.

6. Coral Reef National Monument

Some of the ocean surroundings of St. John have been protected by the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. There are many places that can be explored by boat for the day or overnight. You can either go snorkeling or do some hiking to gain the adventure.

1. Francis Bay

You can find Francis Bay just north of Maho Bay, with which it shares a coastline. Francis Bay provides you with the most stunning view. If you want a place that is not very crowded so you can relax, then Francis Bay is your perfect match. The bay is beautified by the crystal blue water, white sand, and the surrounding canopy of St. John. There you can see pelicans and a boardwalk bird sanctuary.

7. Waterlemon Cay

This place is well-known for photography, prominent for its turquoise water. It is located at the center of a coral reef surrounded by sand. The activities you can enjoy include snorkeling and swimming. There is a hiking trail around the bay known as the Leinster Bay Trail. The Annaberg Plantation ruins are closer to it. The hiking trails for sightseeing share a parking lot with Annaberg.

8. Maho Bay

The spectacular natural view makes this beach one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It has a laid-back vibe. The hurricane Maria of 2017 disrupted the beautiful palm trees of the bay. There is the facility to hire kayaks here. You can also swim to enjoy the crystal blue water and the sea turtles.

9. Reef Bay Trail

You should keep exploring this hiking trail as the number one item on your bucket list. The length of this trail is 4.4 miles and has an elevation of 1184 feet. This trail connects to some beautiful sights of the park such as ruin sites, ancient petroglyphs, a waterfall, and beaches. The first portion of the trail is steep but eventually becomes easy, reaching the tropical foliage.

10. Honeymoon Beach

Honeymoon Beach is the place where you can find the last remaining species of palm trees. The crystal water, white sand, and a snack shack make this bay spectacular. Honeymoon Bay is located near the Caneel Bay Resort. It is easily accessible by the main road of the park.