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Virgin Islands National ParkView of Reef Bay looking eastward from Ditliff. One can see water breaking over shallow reefs and the heavily vegetated hill in background.
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Virgin Islands National Park
Nature & Science
Virgin Islands National Park contains examples of most western tropical Atlantic terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems. These include various types of subtropical dry to moist forest, salt ponds, beaches, mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and algal plains. Terrestrial topography is quite dramatic with average slopes being 30 percent. The highest mountain peak plunges sharply to the sea over a distance of three quarters of a mile.
Spiny Sea Urchin in clear waters on a shallow reef.  

Did You Know?
The Spiny Sea Urchin has long spines that can readily penetrate the skin on the slightest touch, causing severe pain and possibly allergic reactions. Because the barbs cannot be completely removed, soaking affected areas in vinegar can speed up the in-body dissolving time, typically 3-4 weeks.

Last Updated: June 04, 2007 at 12:05 EST