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Virgin Islands National Park, renowned throughout the world for
its breathtaking beauty, covers approximately 3/5 of St. John, and
nearly all of Hassel Island in the Charlotte Amalie harbor on St.
Thomas. Within its borders lie protected bays of crystal
blue-green waters teeming with coral reef life, white sandy
beaches shaded by seagrape trees, coconut palms, and tropical
forests providing habitat for over 800 species of plants. To these
amazing natural resources, add relics from the Pre-Colombian
Amerindian Civilization, remains of the Danish Colonial Sugar
Plantations, and reminders of African Slavery and the Subsistence
Culture that followed during the 100 years after Emancipation -
all part of the rich cultural history of the Park and its island
home.
While Annaberg and Trunk Bay are the most frequently-visited
park sites, Virgin Islands National Park’s diverse beaches,
coral reefs, historic ruins, and hiking trails provide endless
hours of exploration and enjoyment, as well as inspiration and
opportunities for solitude and reflection. Visitors enjoy a
variety of activities on the land and in the water, including
swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving; sailing, kayaking and
windsurfing; and camping, hiking and bird watching. Visitors can
enjoy the crystal blue waters on a charter day-sail or boat
snorkeling tour which are offered by private operators and can be
booked in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Some visitors explore the park
on their own, while others prefer a two-hour safari bus island
tour with a private tour guide.
To learn more about the island and its diverse plants, animals and
people attend a Park program.
For information on the ongoing archeological research at
Cinnamon Bay visit the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park
website.
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