National Parks of the Virgin Islands
Tour Description
Many visitors head to the Virgin Islands simply to disconnect; NPCA invites you to this special tropical tour to reconnect. Our daily schedule will include interpretive hiking along the lushly vegetated hillsides of St. John, exploring pre-Columbian archeological ruins of Virgin Islands National Park, kayaking or snorkeling in Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. We will enjoy an excursion aboard a privately chartered boat to Buck Island Reef National Monument -- "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea" – where you can snorkel or Scuba dive through unique grottoes and along other coral formations. We will also take you on a private, guided land tour of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
ParkScapes Highlights
Trustees for the Parks
Engage with fellow Trustees for the Parks members as we take you beyond the panoramic overlooks and secluded beaches, into a world of cultural history and diverse natural resources on these exotic islands.
United States Virgin Islands
Just over 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, the U.S. Virgin Islands feel a world away. Each of the three major islands has a unique character all its own. NPCA takes you behind the scenes in the Danish-influenced St. Croix, the nature-lovers paradise on St. John, and the marine sanctuary on and around Buck Island.
Luxury Accommodations
Enjoy the lavish comfort of Chenay Bay Beach Resort and Caneel Bay Resort each evening of your trip.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
March 6: Arrivals in Christiansted, St. Croix
Arrive by air at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport and the town of Christiansted, St. Croix. Experience the influence and history of seven different colonial powers in Christiansted and Frederiksted. Visit the forts in town and learn of the sugar cane days at the Estate Whim Plantation Museum. Take a tour of the world-famous Cruzan Rum Distillery and try some of the island’s exceptionally smooth rum! We'll be sure to make a stop at a local eatery to sample callaloo, stewed mutton, and johnnycakes. Chenay Bay Beach Resort (B,L,D)
March 7: Buck Island Reef National Monument
Accompanied by an NPCA representative, enjoy some of the best scuba/snorkel sites in the Caribbean. Experience the numerous wrecks, reefs, and wall dives this island has to offer. Certified professional dive masters will lead you through the waters to discover turtles, sea horses, and coral reefs teeming with life. Not a scuba diver? Schedule a “resort course” with one of the local dive operators and you will be diving after a few brief lessons, or just snorkel in this shallow water paradise. Chenay Bay Beach Resort (B,L,D)
March 8: Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve
Local naturalist guides lead you along canopied trails, stopping momentarily to sample local fruit, discuss the medicinal value of the shrubbery, and chat about the history of the area. Enjoy the spectacular mountainside view of the blue waters of the bay. If you prefer to ride, go on horseback through the rainforest to the Annaly Bay tidal pool. Joined by an expert ornithologist, observe some of the island’s exotic bird species. Chenay Bay Beach Resort (B,L,D)
March 9: Virgin Islands National Park & Coral Reef Monument
Transfer from St. Croix to St. John via chartered cruise. With two-thirds of the entire island preserved as a national park, this is where you can connect with nature. Joined by park staff, learn about research projects being conducted on the island. Sail to surrounding islands for snorkeling or beachcombing. Visit Trunk Bay and snorkel its famous underwater trail, or just enjoy the sun, sand, and sea at Cinnamon Bay. Multiple options are available. Later, enjoy a spectacular bird-watching hike to a location overlooking the exquisite Caneel Bay. Caneel Bay Resort (B,L,D)
March 10: Annaberg Sugar Mill, Virgin Islands National Park
Visit the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins for a perspective on plantation living when sugar was king. Cauldrons, a cookhouse, a dungeon, and slave quarters are on display at the island’s best-preserved plantation. Quaint churches in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, St. John’s two towns, reveal the importance of religion centuries ago. Perhaps taste some of the island's special rum! Caneel Bay Resort (B,L,D)
March 11: Reef Bay Trail, Virgin Islands National Park
This is a hiker’s paradise! Start with the Reef Bay Trail, where you can find Indian petroglyphs carved by the island’s first inhabitants, then wander through the tropical scenery. An NPCA representative will be available for questions and further discussion. Enjoy a farewell reception and dinner to conclude your island adventure. Caneel Bay Resort (B,L,D)
March 12: Reef Bay Trail, Virgin Islands National Park
Flights home from St. John at any point in the day or extend your stay for some additional R&R. (B)
Tour Note: NPCA selected Chaney Bay Beach Resort and Caneel Bay Resort as the perfect base for a laid-back experience with special engagements. For participants not yet comfortable with snorkel equipment or certified in scuba diving, optional training sessions can be scheduled to prepare you for these experiences.
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Tour Details
NPCA Member Price
$4,795 per person double occupancy; $895 single supplement
Price Includes
All accommodations, meals as noted (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), airport transfers and ground transportation, park entrance fees, and professional guide services.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare, gratuities for naturalist guides, alcoholic beverages, or personal expenses.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA Travel Desk at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 85 days prior to departure are subject to $150 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations 84-57 days prior to departure result in full loss of deposit. Cancellations 56-28 days prior to departure result in the loss of 50% of your total cost. Cancellations within 28 days of departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance, NPCA recommends contacting Travel Insurance Services.
Arrive/Depart
Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix Island, USVI
Length of tour
7 days/6 nights
Pace
Easy to moderately active offering a choice of hiking and marine activities to suit different levels and interests.
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