Top Things to do in Virgin Islands National Park
Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Discover the best top things to do in Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands including VI SNUBA Excursions, Trunk Bay Beach, Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, Reef Bay Trail, Hawksnest Beach, Salt Pond Bay, Jumbie Beach, Cinnamon Bay, Francis Bay Trail, Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail.
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. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Jumbie Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Located right across the bay from Trunk Bay, this small beach has great snorkeling and is an ideal spot to watch magnificent sunsets.
Reviewed By KathyS894 - Falls Church, United States
Jumbie is another one of the fabulous beaches on St. John, but it's a bit off the beaten path, so it's a quieter beach w/fewer people. While one can snorkel along the bank, we found the best snorkeling a bit further out, along the bank, but around the point. In the deeper water, we saw a nurse shark, Queen Triggerfish, Queen and Gray Angelfish, Jackknife Fish, grouper, and many more. Also more hard and soft corals in the slightly deeper water. Use care though - best to be a strong swimmer. Love Jumbie!
8. Cinnamon Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,169 reviews
Situated in the unspoiled island refuge, Virgin Islands National Park, this beach offers a variety of water sports from snorkeling and kayaking to sailing and windsurfing, plus a popular beachfront cottage and campsite complex.
Reviewed By SydVa
We loved this beach as much as Trunk bay. The views are incredible and the beach is longer than Trunk Bay. Not as heavily populated either. the Hurricanes have wiped out the campgrounds and showers, but they are working on restoring it as quickly as they can. In spite of the damage the views were amazing. When they have facilities up and running I imagine it will be as packed as Trunk Bay is. In the meantime enjoy it before all the folks find out what a gem this palce is!
9. Francis Bay Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
This nature trail is a good place for birdwatching.
Reviewed By Elephanteric - Fort Myers, United States
If you take the boardwalk instead of going directly to the beach from the parking lot or walk nearly all the way down the beach, you will come to a shaded picnic bench that is almost never occupied. When I was there with my family, we could see large, green turtles poking their heads above the water. We also snorkeled with them. This area is very secluded and is very beautiful. There are definitely bugs, so bring repellent. If you hike the full trail, you will also get to the bench. This area is great and genuinely my favorite beach on St. John and I loved seeing turtles, frigatebirds, and pelicans. Highly recommended.
10. Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 160 reviews
The world's first marked underwater trail located near the shoreline, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.
Reviewed By carolynl172 - Scottsdale, United States
We were one of the first to arrive here in the morning and brought our dingy onto the beach. We had the beach to ourselves and had a nice snorkel in the park. Was here in 1995 and there seem to be more fish then. Several people said the coral has been damaged by the hurricane, which is too bad. They have a nice bar and public showers and restrooms. There is also a snack bar that served yummy chicken salad wraps and hot dogs.
