Virgin Islands National Park Unveils Caribbean Reefs Beneath Ruined Sugar Plantations

When considering a trip to the beautiful Caribbean region, chances are you’re not thinking about paying s visit to a national park. Yet the Caribbean Islands lay claim to several significant protected areas, including six managed and maintained under the umbrella of the US National Park Service.

Of these, the Virgin Islands National Park is one of the most important. Covering around 60 percent of St. John, the smaller of the United States Virgin Islands' two main islands, it also preserves a significant number of submerged lands that protect sensitive coral reef systems and seagrass beds.

While relatively small compared to other US National Parks (St. John itself measures just nine miles long and five miles wide), Virgin Islands National Park is no less important. Located 50 miles east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea, it plays an important role in preserving a remarkable convergence of natural and cultural resources.

A Brief History of USVI

USVI’s colonial history started when Danish landowners established sugar and cotton plantations here beginning in 1718, clearing the native tropical forest and terracing hillsides for cultivation. By the 1760s, nearly 90 plantations operated on St. John, built on the backs of enslaved labor.

When, in 1917, the United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for its strategic location, St. John's economy had already collapsed. Things changed, however, when Laurence Rockefeller visited in the 1950s. He purchased 5,000 acres of land, which he then donated to the National Park Service in 1956, with Congress establishing the Virgin Islands National Park that same year.

Today, thanks to these forward-thinking preservationists, Virgin Islands National Park comprises nearly 13,000 acres of terrestrial and underwater habitats, including the ridge tops of the surrounding reefs with their rich diversity of marine life.

Caribbean Reefs and Plantation Ruins

And there’s so much natural beauty to appreciate here. Trunk Bay's Underwater Trail is one of the park's most popular features and consists of a marked snorkeling trail that winds through coral formations and elkhorn coral colonies in 12 feet of crystal-clear water. Interpretive signs mounted on the seafloor identify species, including blue tang, stoplight parrotfish, and four-eyed butterflyfish (expect to spend up to an hour following the route).

The park also protects early human influences on the island, too. The Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins preserve the most intact sugar production complex on St. John, including a stone windmill tower that stands 40 feet tall on a promontory overlooking Leinster Bay. Adjacent structures include the horse mill foundation, a boiling house with five copper kettle bases still visible, a rum still, and slave quarters. An interesting self-guided walking trail explains the sugar production process from cane cutting through molasses extraction.

Petroglyphs of Reef Bay is another must-see man-made feature: an ancient Taino ceremonial site along the Reef Bay Trail. These pre-Columbian rock carvings were etched into a cliff face beside a freshwater pool; experts estimate they were carved sometime between the 10th century and 15th century. They depict faces and geometric patterns that are still visible during dry periods when water levels drop.

Unique Natural Phenomena

The park protects critical sea turtle nesting habitats. Three species (hawksbills, greens, and leatherbacks) return annually to lay eggs on park beaches between April and November, with the island's north shore hosting the highest concentration of nests. Here, nesting females are able to lay between 100-200 ping-pong ball-sized eggs per clutch in chambers they’ve dug two feet deep into the sand.

Coral Bay's Hurricane Hole is another important park highlight and provides a critical mangrove habitat for a variety of creatures. Set within a series of narrow inlets and bays, the tangled root systems of red, black, and white mangroves shelter juvenile fish, spiny lobsters, and spotted eagle rays. Numerous coral species also thrive here, growing on mangrove roots, an unusual ecological phenomenon as corals typically need open ocean conditions to survive.

Things to Do

Hiking is one of the best (and easiest) ways to explore Virgin Islands National Park. Reef Bay Trail, a three-mile moderate-to-strenuous one-way trek, descends to the coast through lush tropical forest, passing four sugar estate ruins and the petroglyph site before reaching a small beach with excellent swimming. Ranger-led guided hikes are available, though advance reservations are required. The two miles of Lind Point Trail is considered an easy route and connects Cruz Bay with Honeymoon Beach with great views of Pillsbury Sound and St. Thomas.

Camping’s also fun to do here. The park's only developed campsite is Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground, which, in addition to its tent sites, has several eco-tents and cottages available. While no lodges operate within the park, several properties do border it. One of the best, Westin St. John Resort Villas, is set on Great Cruz Bay and has its own beach, while Gallows Point Resort provides condo-style units with kitchens, all just a five-minute walk from Cruz Bay ferry dock.

When to Visit Virgin Islands National Park

December through April brings steady trade winds, calm seas, and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for activities like snorkeling and sailing. However, you’ll want to book your accommodations at least six months ahead and expect popular beaches to be busy.

June through November marks hurricane season, though most storms track north of the islands. Expect afternoon showers, cool temperatures, although with fewer visitors. Water temperatures reach 84 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for swimming. Coral spawning occurs seven to 10 nights after August and September full moons, when millions of gametes transform reef waters into what look like underwater snowstorms.

The winter months (December through March) provide prime whale watching experiences. Humpbacks migrate through Virgin Islands waters at this time of year, so listen out for whale songs while snorkeling as their low-frequency calls travel for miles underwater and you just may hear it, although it's nowhere near a certainty.

Bucket list-worthy Virgin Islands National Park is one of the most remarkable areas of outstanding natural beauty in the Caribbean. In addition to preserving both natural and cultural landmarks, park management has done an incredible job of ensuring that travelers can get up close to nature. Whether you fancy snorkeling among spectacular coral reefs, exploring old sugar mill ruins, or even swimming in waters that appear to glow in the dark, this Virgin Islands oasis deserves your attention.