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The Visitor Contact Station in Cruz Bay and picnic areas at Trunk Bay and Hawksnest beaches are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessibility to beaches and trails is extremely limited due to the steep topography of the island. Cinnamon Bay campground has several accessible campsites. Call the Park for more information.
An island "tour" via safari bus requires two hours plus any travel time to and from St. Thomas. Frequent taxi service available to popular beach areas; allow three to five hours. Renting a vehicle for the day permits more extensive tours of island to areas which are less visited.
I recommend that you plan your trip and the areas you would like to see and then go and relax and make a day of it. Go and see all that is in the area and enjoy it. You spend more quality time and learn and see more than you could ever imagine.
Virgin Islands National Park covers about one-half of St. John Island and Hassel Island in St. Thomas harbor and includes quiet coves, blue green waters, and white sandy beaches fringed by lush green hills. Here, too, are early Carib Indian relics and the remains of Danish colonial sugar plantations.
Camping is restricted on park land to Cinnamon Bay Campground. Accommodations include bare tent sites, sites with tent-covered platforms already set up, and cottages.
See the Camping Page for more information.
Visitors must be at least 25 years old to rent a car. There are several dealers on St John. Remember to drive on the left. Seat belt laws are strictly enforced. Foreign drivers should obtain a temporary permit from the Department of Public Safety.
No admission fees. Donations are accepted. There is a donation box available at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center.
A same day use fee is collected at Annaberg and Trunk Bay. Children age 16 and under are admitted free; adults, $4.00; individual annual pass, $10.00; family annual pass, $15.00; Golden Age and Golden Access annual cardholders are admitted half price.
Park waters are open to fishing with hand-held rods. Fishing is not allowed in Trunk Bay and in buoy-designated swimming areas. Possession of spearguns within the park is prohibited. For world class deep sea fishing, charter boats are available in Red Hook, St Thomas.
See the Hiking Guide for more information.
There are a wide variety of restaurants and small grocery stores in the Cruz Bay area and in some of the outlying parts of the island as well.
There are a variety of hiking trails, including numerous old Danish plantation roads, that beckon you to discover the Virgin Islands National Park.
See the Hiking Page for more information.
Lodging in the Virgin Islands National Park is restricted to park land at Cinnamon Bay Campground.
See the Lodging Page for more information.
Pets are not allowed on Park beaches, in the campground or in picnic areas, but may be walked, (leashed) on trails.
Park Rangers, at the visitor center, are available to help plan your visit, which may include guided island hikes, historical tours, snorkeling trips, cultural crafts demonstrations, and evening campground programs. Advanced registration and transportation fees are required in some cases.
See the Activity Page for more information.
Don't let sunburn ruin your visit. Protect yourself from overexposure to the tropical sun with sunscreen lotion, hats and shirts. The sun's rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Beware of unfamiliar plants. Some plants, such as manchineel, are extremely poisonous.
Drive on the left as required by Virgin Islands law. Drive slowly and defensively on the twisting roads and watch out for wandering donkeys and livestock around the next curve. Remember to buckle up; it could save your life!
Watch the donkeys from afar. Despite their innocent appearance, wild donkeys can bite and kick. Do not feed or approach them, (or any other wild animal.)
Beware of heavy surf. Large swells, mostly in fall and winter months, are the number one cause of injury in the Park. Some bay bottoms drop off steeply from the shore, resulting in large waves that break at the water's edge. Undertows may also accompany large waves. Never swim alone. Respect all beach closure notices; they are there for your protection and the protection of Park resources.
Avoid climbing on walls of ruins or removing pieces of them. Ruins are often unstable and bodily injury could result. The historic buildings, and artifacts found on the ground, are precious cultural resources that the Park is mandated to protect for future visitors.
Watch your step while hiking Park trails. Many trails are steep and rocky. Enjoy the scenery, but be aware of the ground ahead.
Cruz Bay Visitor Center is only a five minute walk away from the public ferry dock. The visitor center is the ideal place to start your park explorations. The center contains exhibits, a park video, brochures, maps, and books.
See the Calendar Page for more information.
Light cotton clothes recommended. Lightweight trousers help protect against insect bites. Casual clothes sufficient for majority of dining establishments.
See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.
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This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
