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The Best Kept Secrets of the Virgin Islands National Park

a close up of a bookThe Virgin Islands National Park is what sets the island of St. John apart. Covering about 60% of the island, the park protects it from overdevelopment, resulting in pristine beaches and lush hiking trails. These are some of the best-kept secrets within the Virgin Islands National Park:

Denis Bay Beach

All the beaches of the VI are stunning, but some of the most popular ones can get a little crowded at peak times. For those who prefer a more secluded beach and are willing to put in a bit of effort to get there, Denis Bay is for you. If you can’t access it by boat (which is by far the easiest way to enjoy this beach), there is an unmarked trail that is not too difficult to hike. Denis Bay may not attract as many visitors as some other beaches on St. John, but its clear blue water, white sand, and palm trees make its landscape just as beautiful as the ones found at the most popular beaches. 

The Ram Head Trail

The southern end of St. John transitions into a desert environment, where the Ram Head Trail leads through cacti and rocky cliffs. The trail is about as far from Cruz Bay as you can get on St. John, so it doesn’t get as much traffic as other areas. The Ram Head Trail starts at Salt Pond Bay Beach and is 2.6 miles round trip. Due to the many high points of the hike, it offers numerous views of the island but provides little shade. 

Waterlemon Cay

Some of the best snorkeling in the Virgin Islands National Park can be found at the remote Waterlemon Cay. The Cay can be accessed by a short swim from the end of Waterlemon Bay Beach, then snorkelers make their way counterclockwise around the cay to avoid swimming against the currents. This is a favorite spot of Go Sail Virgin Islands students and sailors! 

Catherineberg Sugar Mill Ruins

Located in the heart of St. John, the ruins of Catherineberg are not as well-known as the Annaberg Plantation, yet they are also impressive. The sugar processing mill was of considerable size, featuring a nearly four-story tall windmill tower, and it remains in comparatively good condition today.

Francis Bay Beach

If you find Maho Bay Beach too crowded, just head north to Francis Bay Beach. Francis Bay offers the same picturesque environment as Maho with fewer people. The beach even has a grass bed and rocky reef near the shore, which provide excellent snorkeling to rival Maho. Additionally, the trail behind the beach wanders through mangroves and past Mary’s Point Estate House ruins to the rocky side of the bay.

America Hill Great House Ruins

If you look at the hills south of Maho Bay, you will see the remains of the America Hill Great House standing alone on top. The structure was once a wealthy family’s estate, then it became an elegant guest house and is rumored to have been headquarters for rum runners during Prohibition. The hike to the house, along with the spectacular views from its vantage point, are added reasons to visit.

With so much to do and so much fascinating ground to cover, the Virgin Islands National Park is best visited from a sailboat. That way, you can wake up in a new spot each day and discover more of the park. Check out Go Sail Virgin Island’s selection of comfortable yachts for rent on your next trip to the USVI or ask to visit these locations as you learn to sail with a Go Sail Virgin Islands ASA instructor!