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Virgin Islands National Park,
renowned throughout the world for its breathtaking beauty, covers approximately
3/5 of St. John, and nearly all of Hassel Island in the Charlotte Amalie harbor
on St. Thomas.
Within its borders lie protected
bays of crystal blue-green waters teeming with coral reef life, white sandy
beaches shaded by seagrape trees, coconut palms, and tropical forests providing
habitat for over 800 species of plants.
To these amazing natural
resources, add relics from the Pre-Colombian Amerindian Civilization, remains of
the Danish Colonial Sugar Plantations, and reminders of African Slavery and the
Subsistence Culture that followed during the 100 years after Emancipation - all
part of the rich cultural history of the Park and its island home.
While Annaberg and Trunk Bay are
the most frequently-visited park sites, Virgin Islands National Park’s diverse
beaches, coral reefs, historic ruins, and hiking trails provide endless hours of
exploration and enjoyment, as well as inspiration and opportunities for solitude
and reflection.
Visitors enjoy a variety of
activities on the land and in the water, including swimming, snorkeling and
scuba diving; sailing, kayaking and windsurfing; and camping, hiking and bird
watching.
Visitors can enjoy the
crystal blue waters on a charter day-sail or boat snorkeling tour which are
offered by private operators and can be booked in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
Some visitors explore the park on
their own, while others prefer a two-hour safari bus island tour with a private
tour guide.
To learn more about the island and its diverse plants, animals and people attend
a Park program:
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Scuba Diving
The Virgin Islands ranks as one of the Caribbean’s premier diving sites. Some
major points of interest include Whistling Cay, Haulover Bay, and Reef Bay.
Superb reef for both snorkeling and diving are found in and around most of the
anchorages, however, for the safety of yourself and others, scuba diving is not
permitted off designated swim beaches. When snorkeling, you will be exposed to a
new world of fascinating plants and animals. Some corals and sponges are
extremely fragile and easily damaged when touched or kicked. Others, such as
fire coral and sea urchins may inflict painful wounds and irritation. As the
saying goes, “take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
Several dive shops provide complete service from equipment rental and air tank
refills, to tours and instruction. Just ask around!
Snorkeling is the best way to
become familiar with the Park’s underwater world and all its resources. By
visiting anyone of St. John’s bays, you can easily take a glimpse of what each
has to offer.
“Located just an hour walk away”
A short walk along the Lind Point trail, takes you to Salmon Bay and Honeymoon
Beach. A rocky headland that separates the waters of Honeymoon and Salomon Bay
is a great spot to observe the locally rare black and white tunicates. Also
popular at this site are scattered populations of Elkhorn and some pillar
corals. As you go deeper, there are star corals and rubble that offer protection
for the abundant fish population found in these waters.
As you travel further along the North Shore road, the first beach you encounter
is Hawksnest. This bay has a few shallow reefs that extend from the sandy beach.
For the not so novice snorkler, these shallow reefs could easily be observed
from the shoreline. Fast growing Elkhorn coral, are speedily making a recovery
from the disease, hurricanes, and land development that has occurred in this
area in the past few years.
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U.S. Virgin Islands
guide
Caribbean guide
“Underwater Trail”
The Trunk Bay underwater trail is great for beginners, children, or anybody that
wants to learn about marine life. There are plaques, generally located 5 to 15
feet beneath you that give you a brief introduction about the coral and fish
that you may see along your way. Trunk Bay offers the added attraction of
lifeguards, toilets, showers, lockers, a gift shop and snack bar. Snorkel gear
rental is also available.
“Waterlemon Bay”
A 10-minute walk form Leinster Bay brings you to a narrow stretch of sand where
entry is gained to a shallow reef dominated by large star coral boulders. This
area provides a great habitat for parrotfish, tangs, and juvenile grunts.
Further out seaward; there are blue chromis, gorgonias, and an occasional
visiting turtle. As you swim out towards the cay, you come across fish like
juvenile barracudas, tarpon, rays, and perhaps a friendly juvenile nurse shark.
“On the South Side”
At Salt Pond Bay, a lengthy swim to the middle of the bay, beyond the boat
moorings brings you to two sets of jagged rocks that break the surface. A large
assortment of fish and corals cover the rocks to their bases in about 15 feet of
water. As you swim along the sides of the bay, there are more fish and coral,
each becoming more interesting the further out from the beach you go. Squid and
turtles are commonly seen in this area.
Great Lameshur Bay is rocky and the snorkeling sites are on the eastern side of
the bay. Large boulders form sea caves that are often abundant with snappers and
other fish. Tektite, the remains of an underwater living habitat for astronauts,
is located in this area, among the star corals in approximately 50 feet of
water.
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Camping is only allowed in areas specifically designated for
those purposes. Within Virgin Islands National Park, there
is Cinnamon Bay campground, operated by a park
concessionaire.
In addition, Maho Bay Campground, is a privately operated facility located
within the authorized boundaries of Virgin Islands National Park.
When visiting either of these locations you may encounter some members of the
local wildlife, such as the White-tailed deer, and donkeys. Deer are extremely
shy animals; however the donkeys will allow you to get pretty close. Be careful
and do not feed them. Feeding marine and terrestrial wildlife is prohibited and
may be dangerous to you. Fires are permitted only on grills at designated picnic
areas.
Also located at the Cinnamon Bay Campground is the Virgin Islands National Park
Archeological Lab. This lab is open to visitors, who may want to take a peak at
recently discovered artifacts, learn more about the archeological history of the
island, or volunteer in a dig.
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