A rainbow over Cinnamon Bay at sunset in Virgin Islands National Park

A place not visited by many citizens of the United States and beyond, the park is only the 44th most attended park in the system with a 2024 attendance of 423,000 people or on average, somewhere north of 1100 people per day. However getting here is just part of the adventure and the reward is the island of Saint Johns. I spent three days here and I will show you some of my favorite places to visit and where you should go to.

The most famous view in the islands, the Trunk Bay Overlook on the North Shore Road.

I started the day flying to Atlanta to make a connection to Saint Thomas, I landed about mid day after a long flight from Georgia, on the way, I saw the islands of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, the first time my eyes laid sight to many of those islands. We landed in Charlotte Amalie and rushed to the ferry since the next one wouldn’t be until after sunset which I wanted to make this view at the minimum. After departing from the ferry that crosses from Saint Thomas Island over to Saint John Island, I took the North Shore Road to the tunnel view, the most famous view in the park. I got to the pull-off at the right time and shot this photo with the golden rays of light beaming on the rocks, trees and the white sand beach. I finally made it, and it was well worth the journey. Not a bad start for my 55th Park.

The first stop on the first full day on the Island was along the North Shore Road. After a quick stop to the Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, I drove the North Shore Road and visited the local landmarks. First was the Peace Hill Windmill, a subtle reminder of the former plantations that used to be on the island. A short two minute hike from the parking lot takes you to an overlook of Hawksnest Beach and Trunk Bay. Further down the road at Cinnamon Bay, there are also ruins for the former Cinnamon Bay Plantation that used to be there, a boardwalk takes you to these sights up close. Being here up close is a haunting reminder of what used to be on this island.

Next down the line of switchbacks was the Maho Beach which admittedly I stayed for a couple hours at. I found parking and found a spot to hang out for a few hours since admittedly was not just going to the park but also to unwind from the craziness of what’s going on in the world and to just get away for a few hours. Having my toes in the water, my behind in the sand and not a worry was to be had. Next up after I went down towards the Annaberg Plantation and Francis Bay Beach since that side of the island is one of the more remote areas. What is hidden since I only passed one other visitor on that trail was the Francis Bay Boardwalk Trail. It’s a side loop away from that beach which is a less known beach compared to Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay or Maho Beach but it’s a nice quiet stroll through the mangroves. Along the way, you may see iguanas other insects along the way. Also down this way is Watermelon Cay Beach, a mile hike from the Annaberg Plantation ruins. Down there is a quiet beach that faces the British Virgin Islands where you can swim and snorkel with sea turtles, sting rays, and other fish. I did not bring my camera for that event but I really wish I did. Along the way back, I stopped at some pullouts on the East End of the island where I stopped at this overlook at Princess Bay towards Coral Bay down below.

Princess Bay, a pull off on the side of the road down towards the east end of the island looking towards Coral Bay.

The next day, I did the Reef Bay Trail, an out and back trail where you start at the road which is at the top of the mountain and hike down and climb back up, something I actually enjoyed more doing since I was less tired during the hike. This 2 mile trail, 4 mile round trip was well worth the price of admission (even if it was free), on the way down, you can see petroglyphs and abandoned sugar mill plantations, and during the wet season, you have a chance to see a waterfall or two. However it was bone dry when I went there. At the end of the trail, you arrive at Reef Bay Beach which is understandably one of the quieter beaches on the island since access is much harder to visit. I did not bring my camera for this one but I did shoot video of it, check back later to see a video of it.

On the way back, I was drenched in sweat from the workout and the humidity of the Caribbean, I knew I had to go to the beach after that workout…so I did. I drove to Hawksnest Beach and Caneel Bay to see those sights and swim in the clear blue waters. It felt refreshing after that trek.

At this point, the trip was great enough for me, it was more than what I was expecting. The only remaining thing left on the Island I had to do was the Ram Head Point hike which was a 1.3 mile (2.0 kilometer) hike to the edge of the island, and I had it saved up for sunset. However the rains came in the afternoon and I had no hopes of a good sunset. I still went being thousands of miles from home and well, when is the next time I will come back to the Virgin Islands?

When I got to the parking lot about an hour before sunset, I thought I would be good enough to see what I can, the parking lot was full and the rain stopped as I got out, I still was not sure what to expect. Well I wasnt expected to be challenged with this hike but I surely was. I was exhausted already from the Reef Bay Trail, I did this one to add to it. You pass two beaches along the way including the blue rock beach you see above before ascending into the low, raw, and exposed landscape. As I climbed up, the views opened a surrounding of blue water and…cactus. Something I did not expect to see here in the Caribbean.

Once I get to the top, I was rewarded with honestly, one of the best views I have ever seen. The ocean waves crash against the base of the cliffs and the jagged rock formations. The sounds of the thunderous waves along with the cool ocean breeze with the sun poking out from the clouds felt like I was in a Hollywood movie. I never been in a more beautiful scene in my life, and this is someone who has been to Alaska, Banff, and Yosemite before. It really felt like being in a dream. I knew I capped off the perfect trip.

It’s the Catalina of the Caribbean, a tall praise but I truly mean it. I hope my trip inspired you to make the visit towards going to the Virgin Islands one day.

WHAT TO BRING

What equipment should I bring to the Virgin Islands? Since the park is on the island of Saint John’s, I would not bring much. This is what I would think you need there.

Camera Base Body
24-70mm f 2.8 Lens
100-400mm f 1.8/5.6 Lens
A light Tri-Pod
UV Filter/ND Filters

Pack lightly since you do not need to bring that much to the park. You do not need any wide angle lens unless you specialize in it or you don’t need to bring a zoom lens and honestly I barely used mine and none of the photos I used made the cut with that on my website or my personal portfolio.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS - THE CATALINA OF THE CARIBBEAN

WHAT TO BRING