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Virgin Islands National ParkPhoto of Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins complex.
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Virgin Islands National Park
Things To Do

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.

Turpentine trees, locally called Gumbo Limbo are found throughout the Island, but mostly in dryer forest.  

Did You Know?
This unusual-looking tree found in dry forest areas has a reddish, peeling bark. The leaves and sap smell like turpentine and have many medicinal properties, but it is the peeling bark that gives the tree its nickname – "Tourist Tree".

Last Updated: July 31, 2006 at 10:53 EST