News Release

Virgin Islands National Park Announces 2024 Storm Refuge Permitting Procedures for Hurricane Hole

Steep forested hillsides protect the blue waters of Hurricane Hole from exposure to high surf and seas, providing a refuge for vessels during storms.
Image of Hurricane Hole.  Blue water with sailboats surrounded by green hills.

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News Release Date: April 11, 2024

Contact: Thomas Kelley

Vessel owners who were permitted in 2023 to use a storm mooring in Hurricane Hole and wish to retain their storm mooring berth for the 2024 season, must complete an application to renew their berth. Applications may be picked up at the NPS Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, St. John or emailed upon request.A new application form will be used this year, but administrative and use fees are once again being waived. Please contact Ms. Esther Francis at e-mail us or 340-201-4521 with any questions regarding the application process or to request an application. Please send completed applications via e-mail to e-mail us, U.S. Mail, or delivered in person at the park Visitor Center between 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applications to renew a berth must be received at the park by May 9, 2024. Applications may be mailed to: Virgin Islands National Park, 1300 Cruz Bay Creek, St. John, VI 00830 attention Storm Permits. The NPS will issue a new permit for the same berth upon receipt of the completed application and verification of the 2023 berth assignment.A virtual drawing will be held for all open berths on May 11, 2024, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Completed applications must be provided to the NPS by May 9, 2024.  Applicants are advised to stand-by to receive a phone call during the virtual drawing.Any vessel owner who was issued a temporary permit last year and wishes to retain the berth this year must notify the NPS. If the original permit-holder does not renew their permit, the temporary permit-holder may renew the berth after the May 9, 2024 deadline.  If the original permit-holder renews their permit, the temporary permit-holder may participate in the May 11, 2024 drawing to compete for open berths.Note that if a vessel was sold or transferred during the past year, the new vessel owner must renew the storm berth from the previous year to retain the berth.Please contact, Ms. Esther Francis at 340-201-4521 should you have any questions.



Last updated: April 11, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1300 Cruz Bay Creek
St. John, VI 00830

Phone:

340 776-6201
Headquarters/Visitor Center phone contact Information. Visitor Center hours Monday-Thursday 8:15 to 4:00 and Friday 8:15 to 1:30.

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