Ranger-Guided Tours

Taino petroglyphs that can be found down a short spur trail accessible from Reef Bay Trail.

Photo courtesy of Parnicza/NPS.

Reef Bay Guided Hike

The Reef Bay Hike is a STRENUOUS hike.
There is NO PARKING for program participants at the Visitor Center.

Together, you and your Park Ranger guide will explore the culture of the indigenous peoples of the island including a stop at the sacred site of the Taino petroglyphs. Stacked stone walls and the remains of a sugar plantation and factory facilitate a group discussion about the history of the people of St John and the Caribbean. The Reef Bay Guided Hike is just under 3 miles under some of the oldest and tallest trees on the island. It is a strenuous hike in a remote location over uneven and rocky terrain. Be sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, lunch, and mineral based sunscreen. Wear a swimsuit under your hiking clothes if you’d like to take a refreshing dip at the beach after the hike. A beautiful 40-minute boat cruise will return us to the dock at Cruz Bay. Check-in is at the Visitor Center no later than 8:30 am and the boat returns around 3 pm. There is no parking for program participants at the Visitor Center. It is rare, but water conditions, weather, medical emergency, or other factors may prevent the boat from picking up hikers, requiring a trek back up to the trailhead. If you are not able to hike the described terrain round trip, approximately 6 miles, you should not attempt this hike.This guided hike is a collaboration between Virgin Islands National Park and Friends of Virgin Islands National Park.
There is a fee associated with this activity and reservations can be made here.


Cancellation Policy: Customers who have paid for an event, seminar or hike will receive a 50% refund or credit with 48 hours’ notice of cancellation. They will receive a full refund or credit in case of cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hours will not be refunded.

 

Learn about the meaningful history of Ram Head.

NPS Photo

Ram Head Guided Hike

A Park Ranger will introduce you to the meaningful history of Ram Head, including events of the 1733 African Revolution, while you explore and connect with each other and the unique landscape of this popular hiking trail. The Ram Head Guided Hike is an intermediate hike just under 2 and a half miles. This trail is rocky and steep in some areas and the desert habitat provides little shade. The hike will leave from the Salt Pond Bay parking lot and will include traversing both Salt Pond Beach and Blue Pebble Beach before climbing to the peak of Ram Head. Be sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and mineral based sunscreen.

Find seasonal dates on the calendar of events.


Visitors may want to bring swim wear and snorkel gear and spend some time at the beach after the hike.

 

The Sombrero Galaxy photographed from Cinnamon Bay Beach.

NPS photo

Astronomy in the Park

Discover the significance of the night sky to the people of the Caribbean with a Park Ranger at Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground. This program takes place on the beach every other Wednesday at 8:15pm, November through May. Please bring a flashlight for your safety. The beach can be “buggy” in the evening. Long pants and insect repellent are recommended.

2024/2025 season dates, weather permitting: 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18, 1/15, 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12, 3/26, 4/2, 4/16, 4/30, 5/14

 

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park

The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park offers both official Events & Seminars in addition to Campground Chats at Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground. These include hikes, cultural seminars and demostrations, nature and turtle talks, boat trips and more. To learn more about the seminar series visit the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park website.

Safaris

Safari bus (taxi) drivers offer two-hour or three-hour guided tours of the island, including the park. These tours usually begin and end at the public ferry dock in Cruz Bay. They stop at overlooks for panoramic views of beaches and surrounding hillsides and at remnants of Annaberg and other sugar plantations.