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Throughout history, people seeking paradise on Earth have traveled, or dreamed of traveling, to a tropical island where they could find beauty, refreshment, and refuge. Among the earthly delights of the Virgin Islands National Park are tropical forests, wildlife, wildflowers, and breathtaking views. Just offshore, dazzling natural riches are preserved within the park's marine areas. Combined, the land and waters of St John are in many ways a world apart.
The island's remarkable variety of over 800 species of plants includes the teyer palm, which is St John's only native palm tree; the bay rum tree, whose aromatic leaves once provided the oil for the world-famous bay rum cologne; and rare, brilliant colored wild orchids. St John is a sanctuary for animals as diverse as corals, sea turtles, and reef fish, insect-and-fish eating bats; frogs; gecko, anole, and iguana lizards; and of course birds. More than 30 species of tropical birds breed on the island. They include the bananaquit, the black, parrot-like smooth-billed ani, and two species of Caribbean hummingbirds. Many warblers and other birds seen in continental United States in the summer spend their winters in the dense forests.
The white sand beaches of the Virgin Islands have a well-deserved reputation for being among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Picture-postcard beaches fringe Hawksnest Bay, Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Saltpond Bay and many of St John's other sheltered coves.
The coral reef is home for an extensive variety of animals. These include colorful members of the grouper family, parrot fish, tangs, grunts, snappers, butterfly fish, angles, damsels, squirrel fish, and wasses. The reef is also represented by invertebrates such as sponges, starfish, urchins, worms, crabs, lobsters and anemones.
Reefs have been compared to underwater cities. Alleys, streets and cul-de-sacs twist between high-rise coralline structures where vacant dwellers are virtually nonexistent. Wispy cleaner shrimps dance about to attract their more-than willing finned hosts. Moray eels, spiny lobsters, deflated porcupinefish, and crimson squirrelfish spend their days holed up in reef crevices.
At night, the city is transformed into an eerie nether world where octopuses slither about and parrotfish seek protection resting in their veil-like mucus cocoons. Coral polyps emerge from stony skeletal homes, stretching their tentacles out to feast on plankton.
Throughout both day and night, lacy-looking sea fans, sea whips, sea plumes, and other soft corals undulate in the current. At night, coral animals such as star coral, brain coral, pillar coral, and others extend their tentacles to feed and may be seen by observers.
Take the 15 mile tour by taxi or car rental over the Centerline Road and back via the North Shore Road reveals spectacular scenery.
Underwater Tour at Trunk Bay. There's a self guided trail underwater with etched glass plates ten feet under. Explore the wonders of corals and their occupants.
Annaberg Ruins has beautiful scenery and partially restored ruins of slave-run Annaberg sugar mill.
See the Hiking Page for hiking information on exciting tours and hikes.
Copyright © 1995 - 2007 Hillclimb Media
This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
