Virgin Islands National Park Visitors Center

The National Park Service maintains the Visitors Center in Cruz Bay. It is staffed by Park Rangers who provide a wealth of information about St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park.

Schedules and descriptions of Park activities, such as the guided Reef Bay Hike, snorkeling trips and children’s programs are available. Reservations can be made at the desk.

Books, topographical maps, trails guides and nautical charts are offered for sale. History buffs can buy an inexpensive copy of the Oxholm Map of St. John drawn in 1800, showing the roads, plantations and estates of that era. Many brochures and pamphlets can be obtained free of charge.

The Visitors Center also features several interesting displays including a large relief map in the center of the room. This map is a miniature St. John, complete with mountains, valleys, guts, salt ponds, lowlands, bays, headlands, roads and trails. Hikers will love this exhibition!

An entertaining and informative video about St. John can be seen upon request. This is a good way to spend time downtown while waiting for the ferry or as an alternative to shopping. It is a five-minute walk from the Visitors Center to the ferry dock and a one minute walk to Mongoose Junction.