Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
U.S. Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument includes federal submerged lands within the 3-mile belt off the island of St. John. These waters support a diverse and complex system of coral reefs and other ecosystems such as shoreline mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
About Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is a national monument located in U.S. Virgin Islands. Mostly Perfect. The Tradewinds (the Easterlies) dominate the weather in the Virgin Islands, blowing east to west across the tropical Atlantic. The winter tends to bring stronger winds and less rain, and the summer tends to bring more rain and lighter winds.
Once on St. John, the only part of Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument accessible by land is in Hurricane Hole. To get to Hurricane Hole, follow route 10 from Cruz Bay to Estate Hermitage. The Monument extends eastward from Borck Creek to Haulover Bay along the southern shoreline of the Island. Just a sliver of the Monument touches the north shore. To the west of the Monument line is National Park waters, and to the east is territorial waters.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Virgin Islands Coral Reef is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Boating, Motorized Boating, Sailing, Fishing, and 11 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Virgin Islands Coral Reef
🥾 Activity-Specific Gear
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Virgin Islands Coral Reef
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Virgin Islands Coral Reef before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Virgin Islands Coral Reef can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Virgin Islands Coral Reef. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument includes federal submerged lands within the 3-mile belt off the island of St. John. These waters support a diverse and complex system of coral reefs and other ecosystems such as shoreline mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virgin Islands Coral Reef
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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