Virgin Islands: Nature, Reefs and History

The Virgin Islands invite exploration through a range of questions: Which island would you like to focus on, which habitats would you like to discover, and which stories interest you? St. Croix is the largest of the four islands; the other three are Water Island, St. John and St. Thomas. Protected areas, historic places and nature experiences each offer a different emphasis.

Islands and Protected Habitats

On St. Croix, Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve protects an entire ecosystem from the highlands to the reef. Its habitats are home to and preserve rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species. The connection between the highlands and the reef illustrates the extent of the protected ecosystem.

On St. John, Virgin Islands National Park protects part of the Caribbean’s remaining native tropical dry rainforest. The park also protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and other marine habitats that support sea turtles, corals and other marine life. In these protected areas, you can encounter both terrestrial habitats and marine ecosystems.

Around St. John, Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, established in 2001, protects an additional 12,708 acres of underwater areas and associated marine resources. Virgin Islands National Park also includes 128 acres on Hassel Island in Charlotte Amalie Harbor off St. Thomas; this area was added to the park in 1978. The protected areas therefore also differ in the areas and habitats they include.

History and Cultural Heritage

Christiansted National Historic Site was established in 1952 as the first National Park Service site in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It represents the history of the National Park Service on the islands.

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve also protects an Amerindian village and the only known ceremonial, stone-lined ball court of its kind in the Lesser Antilles. The site offers perspectives on Caribbean life before and after the arrival of European explorers in 1493. Here, natural and cultural history come together in the protected-area and heritage themes described.

Demonstrations at the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins illustrate the Danish settlement of St. John and the forced importation of Africans to build sugar factories and produce sugar cane. Those interested in the history of the islands will find a range of topics here: from life before and after 1493 to Danish settlement and forced labor in sugar production.

Nature Experiences on St. John

The Francis Bay Boardwalk in Virgin Islands National Park offers opportunities for birdwatching, while the Ram Head Trail provides sweeping views. These two places appeal to different nature interests: watching birds or enjoying wide-ranging views. As you plan, you can consider which of these experiences interests you most.

The underwater snorkeling trail in Trunk Bay runs for about 300 feet along the west side of Trunk Bay Cay and loops back to the beach. Its approximate length, route along the west side and return to the beach provide practical guidance if you are interested in snorkeling.

Seasonal details in nature can also shape what you see: salt may form along the edges of a pond, depending on the season.

Choosing the Right Island for Your Travel Plans

The examples described include St. Croix and St. John, as well as Hassel Island off St. Thomas. Knowing whether protected habitats, history or particular nature experiences matter most to you can help you focus your destination choice and search.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: St Croix, St Thomas, St John, St John, East End.

Discover more destinations: Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominican Republic.

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