Top Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands including VI SNUBA Excursions, Trunk Bay Beach, Whistling Cay, Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, Annaberg Sugar Plantation, Reef Bay Trail, Leinster Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Hawksnest Beach, Salt Pond Bay.
1. VI SNUBA Excursions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 437 reviews
VI SNUBA has operated the SNUBA adventure in the US Virgin Islands for over 29 years. During this time Tammy and Frank have taken out tens of thousands of guests and would sincerely like to invite you to come and explore the tropical reefs of Trunk Bay, St. John with them. Trunk Bay is a top ten most beautiful beach in the world. SNUBA dive at any depth you desire from 1 foot down to a maximum of 20 feet. You will be an interactive member of the reef ecosystem, cruising with effortless freedom in a weightless environment. Participants will be able to relax and enjoy themselves while under the supervision of the world's most (really) experienced professionals. No experience for participants needed. Kids are more than welcome ((8 years and up). Reservations are a must!
2. Trunk Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,000 reviews
The good news: this world-class stretch of white sand and turquoise water is St. John's most photographed beach, which features a marked underwater trail for beginning snorkelers. The bad news: because of its popularity, it can get very crowded with cruise ship passengers and members of sightseeing tours.
Reviewed By Sinceshea - New Jersey, United States
We go to trunk bay from St Thomas quite often for the beautiful clear water, terrific snorkeling path and amenities such as bar, showers and lunch if desired. The snorkeling trail is comprised of monuments affixed to the ocean floor explaining what sights are in immediate view, i.e. coral, fish species etc. The monuments are some 20 feet deep however can be clearly seen in the crystal clear waters. Sargassum (sea weed) has plagued a number of beaches in the VI but not Trunk. After your visit to the beach, you can shower up and hit the great happy hour spots on St John. It’s a great day! Returning in 6 weeks again for the 5th time.
3. Whistling Cay
4. Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Take a stroll along the self-guided Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, which leads you through plantation ruins, tropical landscapes and scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Reviewed By MareO
There are many ways to experience the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail. You can do the short, easy, interesting walk around the sugar plantation ruins, or you can hike up to the top of the 1.8 fairly steep trail and/or take the American Hill Trail off of the Cinnamon Bay Trail to the ruins of an old guest house with an interesting history and a fantastic view. This was my favorite part and I highly recommend the American Hill Trail. If you are looking for a longer, more challenging hike, some of my friends went up the even steeper Maria Hope Trail, connected via the road and hiked down the Cinnamon Bay Trail.
5. Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 419 reviews
The most accessible and best preserved of its type, this once-working sugar plantation (circa 1870) was the site of boiling molasses and hardworking slaves harvesting sugarcane, and which now offers visitors regular tours and living-history demonstrations.
Reviewed By JessBOrganized - Salt Lake City, United States
Good signs explain what the buildings used to be and it’s fun to wander around. Nice easy walk. Leave car in the parking lot and snorkel at Annaberg Beach; best coral and fish snorkeling.
6. Reef Bay Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 449 reviews
This 2.2-mile hiking trail is one of the best on St. John: descend through a shady, moist forest and a dry forest, through visible remains of four sugar mills, pass by pre-Columbian petroglyphs, and end at a beautiful, pristine beach.
Reviewed By 789jennien
The length of this trail may seem like child's play and it may still seem that way as it is downhill most of the way...until your return hike back. We are relatively in good shape, but the hike back up the mountain is a doozy. However, it is so so so worth it. Little waterfalls, big trees, hermit crabs, and secret beaches make you feel like you're alone on the island. We had an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone that isn't afraid to break a sweat!
7. Leinster Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
A rocky, windswept bay on the northern coast of St. John.
Reviewed By Beachgirl42 - Woodstock, United States
This was one of our favorite hikes. Beautiful walk and hike in. Encourage going the entire trail up to the Great House! Passed some sweet donkeys along the trail. Brilliant views. Snorkeled at Watermelon Cay afterwords. Gorgeous.
8. Waterlemon Cay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 923 reviews
A short swim from Leinster Bay, you'll find some of the best snorkeling on this small island, with its plethora of marine life.
Reviewed By GJL79 - Walkersville, United States
This is our favorite place to snorkel on St. John's. Wear sneakers and walk on a gentle hike for about a mile, from the Sugar Mill parking lot and then enjoy the beautiful view. Swim around the tiny island just offshore. The live coral is beautiful and there are lots of fish, sea turtles, birds and starfish to observe. Be sure to use plenty of sunscreen so you do not get sunburned. If you plan to picnic after your swim, be sure to either hang your bag in a nearby tree, carry it in a thick plastic cooler or leave your food in your car. The mongoose steal food from backpacks and plastic bags when no one is around.
9. Hawksnest Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 605 reviews
This narrow, sea-grape-tree-lined stretch of sand is a popular beach on St John, especially for island residents, which offers gazebos for parties, barbecues or family get-togethers.
Reviewed By thouks1 - Fort Worth, United States
Ample parking right next to the beach, fine sand with decent snorkeling, snady bottom for swimming, gentle wave action, potential to swim over to Gibley / Oppenheimer Beach, picnic tables, restrooms and many beachside spots with shade. Only things missing are a beach bar and rental chairs, so bring your cooler, snacks and beach chairs.
10. Salt Pond Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 648 reviews
This scenic bay on St. John offers a secluded beach with good swimming and snorkeling, plus a graded hiking trail leading to and from the beach and picnic area.
Reviewed By BPKBroiler - McLean, United States
We made a great stop at Salt Pond Bay during our tour last week with Sonic Charters. It was a windy day, but Salt Pond was protected and the water completely calm. The beach itself is beautiful, with white sand and some shady areas with picnic tables if you are looking to bring a picnic lunch. There is a single, public bathroom, but no other services. We stopped at Lime Out in Coral Bay and took out lunch to eat on the beach. After lunch, we snorkeled in the crystal clear water and immediately found a stingray and two juvenile sea turtles. To the right side of the beach, there is excellent snorkeling with lots of fish and some coral. We definitely will return on our next trip.
