Virgin Islands National Park
Maho Bay Beach
US Virgin Islands National Park
We arrived at St. Thomas Virgin Islands on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Shortly after landing we drove to the Red Hook terminal for a ferry to the Cruz Bay terminal on St. John’s where the National Park is located. The US Virgin Islands National Park became a National Park on August 2, 1956. The park is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The majority of St. John’s is comprised by the National Park. Other than the occasion rain shower, the weather is fantastic with an average temperature of 80 degrees.
Our first adventure in the park was a visit to the famous Trunk Bay and its outstanding beach. We arrived around 8am and had most of the beach to ourselves. The beach and views from it are breathtakingly beautiful. After a walk of the entire beach, it was time for snorkeling. St. Johns boasts one of the few underwater trails you can complete by snorkeling. The water in the bay was perfect and we completed the trail along with some extra time looking at the unique fish species and core reef area.
After our time snorkeling, we went hiking into the heart of the island. We took the Cinnamon Bay Trail up to the American Hill Ruins. The hike was short at 1.5 miles roundtrip. Nothing special about this trail or the ruins. There was a decent view of the bay from the top near the ruins but would not recommend this trail. Next up was a visit to Saltpond Bay and Beach via the Saltpond trail. From there we picked up the Ram Head Trail to Rams Head. Overall length around 2 miles. Very interesting hike and a bit challenging at the end. The day we went the winds at the top were blowing very hard. From the top you could see the Saltpond Bay and the open sea. The view was outstanding and will post pictures from the top below. Definitely recommend this hike.
The next day we headed out early to Maho Bay and Beach. After a walk of the beach, we ventured out into the bay for another snorkeling adventure. Our goal was to get some go pro video of a sea turtle(s). The snorkeling was excellent and the calm waters allowed us to explore most of the bay and adjacent area. While we did not spot any see turtles, we were treated to coral reefs, many colorful fish and a stingray. Along with seeing the stingray we also saw a very large fish, which we believe was a Tarpan. The snorkeling in Maho Bay was another must do and a highlight of the trip.
The last hike for St. Johns was a big one. We started the hike at Maho Beach, then, to the Mary Hope Trail and connecting to the Reef Bay Trail, down to Reef Bay and Beach. Toward the end of the hike on the Reef Bay Trail, we explored an old (in ruins) sugar mill. The beach was empty and it was so cool have the beach to ourselves for some rest and lunch before we made the hike back up over the ridgetop to Maho Beach.
Along the way we made a short .22 mile scramble off the Reef Bay Trail to the Petroglyphs of Reef Bay. This was a captivating place located at the base of the valley’s highest waterfall, surrounded by the island’s lush tropical vegetation. Here mysterious faces are found carved into the fall’s blue basalt rock. A spring fed pool beneath reflects a 20-foot wide panorama of carvings with other Petroglyphs visible nearby. A Petroglyph refers to a rock art carving whereas pictographs are rock art painting. Pictures of the waterfall, pools and Petroglyphs are located below. Overall hike was just under 7 miles, and very challenging because of the steep grades.
St. Johns National Park was an excellent park to visit and spend time hiking the interior, exploring the many beaches, bays and of course snorkeling. The coral reefs are amazing as are the many species of marine life.
