Nature and the outdoors in the US Virgin Islands

Explore reef trails, turtle habitat, mangrove waterways, hiking paths and protected beaches across the US Virgin Islands.

These places bring together the islands’ reefs, forests, coastal trails and wildlife habitats. Some are reached by boat, while others offer trails and nature close to shore.

1. Buck Island Reef National Monument

   Parks & Nature, Offshore of Christiansted

   Off St. Croix, the uninhabited island and surrounding reef offer an underwater trail through elkhorn coral gardens and a hiking path to an observation point.

2. Lindquist Beach (Smith Bay Park)

   Beach, Smith Bay

   Protected within Smith Bay Park, this East End beach has shallow clear water, trade winds, picnic tables and views across to offshore cays.

3. Magens Bay

   Beach, Northside

   Magens Bay’s calm water and shaded picnic groves sit within a protected preserve, with green headlands sheltering its mile-long beach.

4. Maho Bay Beach

   Beach, North Shore

   Inside Virgin Islands National Park, this North Shore beach borders seagrass beds where green sea turtles graze. The water is shallow and calm.

5. Point Udall

   Things to do, East End

   The headland offers views over the Caribbean, and a trail descends toward the protected sands of Jack and Isaac Bays.

6. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

   Parks & Nature, North shore

   Kayak tours wind through the mangrove channels of this St. Croix estuary, including night paddles on its bioluminescent bay.

7. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

   Parks & Nature, Southwest coast near Frederiksted

   This refuge protects a two-mile beach and an important leatherback sea turtle nesting ground. Public access is limited and can close during nesting season.

8. Virgin Islands National Park

   Parks & Nature, Cruz Bay

   Covering roughly two-thirds of St. John, the park protects forested hills, coral reefs, sugar-estate ruins and north-shore beaches, with trails including Reef Bay.