More than 2,226 acres of neighboring water and practically the whole of Hassel Island off the coast of Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas harbor are protected in the Virgin Islands National Park, an American national park. There are miles of trekking routes through the tropical rainforest in the park that is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. Cruz Bay is both the park’s entry point and the site of the center’s visitor center. It is possible to take a ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas, every hour, thrice daily from Charlotte Amalie and West End on St. Thomas, and twice daily from Jost Van Dyke.
Visit historic plantation sites to learn about the island’s difficult history as a center for sugar and enslaved labor. See the ancient petroglyphs created by the Taino people. Discover the secret marine life of coral reefs while snorkeling. St. John’s national park covers two-thirds of the island, making it a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
Entrances to the Virgin Islands National Park
It is possible to travel the whole of St. John National Park by using either Centerline (Route 10) or North Shore (Route 20). It is possible to go to most of the north coast beaches through Route 20, including Hawksnest and Trunk Bay. Getting to Salt Pond Bay and Lameshur Bay is easy because Route 10, which cuts through the middle of the island.
Motorized transportation is your best bet for moving about both the Park and the Island. Because of the small, steep, and twisting roads, bicycles are not suggested. Arrive early at the beach or trailhead if you intend to drive. Driving and pedestrians are at risk of injury or death if they encounter vehicles parked outside of permitted parking locations.
Parking
Parking There is a severe lack of parking on the island and inside the national park. By 10:00 a.m., parking lots on the famous north coast beaches may be full. The easiest way to get about the island and the park is to take one of the numerous safari taxis available. Make a point to see one in the town of Cruz Bay or inquire at your hotel or villa about their schedule. Ensure that the taxi will return at a pre-determined time to pick you up.
For park-related activities, there is some parking near the Visitor Center. When parking in one of the approved spots near the Visitor Center, be sure to pick up an NPS parking permit. The map may be downloaded from this page. The automobile ferry docks and many paid parking sites in Cruz Bay each have additional parking accessible to you.
How to reach the Virgin Islands National Park
Ferry Transportation
Passenger ferries sail hourly from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. between Cruz Bay St. John and Red Hook St. Thomas. At 5:30 (Monday-Friday) 5:30 (Monday-Friday) 6:30 & 7:30 a.m. and then hourly from 8:00 am till midnight, the boat service operates between Red Hook St Thomas and Cruz Bay St John
Transportation via Ferry Boat
Ferry services to and from Red Hook and the vehicle ferry port in Cruz Bay are also available for those who prefer to go by car. When all four barges are moving, there is four total. Every half hour, a train departs.
Cars on Rent
Renting a vehicle in St. Thomas or St. John is as easy as doing a quick Internet search.
Transportation Provided by Taxicab
St. John Taxi Association (340-693-7530) provides taxi service at the Ferry Terminal and over the phone.
When you’re left off at a beach, make sure the taxi comes back to pick you up. You may not be able to make a phone call while at the beach since there is a lack of mobile phone coverage.
Using the Public Transit System
The Vitran Bus System operates from Monday through Friday and serves different parts of the island. Along Centerline Road, you’ll find Vitran bus routes. Buses leave from the ferry terminal at Cruz Bay and proceed to Coral Bay, Salt Pond Bay, and back to Cruz Bay. Public transportation isn’t always dependable, so if you’re running short on time, don’t rely on the bus.