Since 2015, the Virgin Islands National Park Sea Turtle Program, funded and managed by the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park (FVINP) in collaboration with the Virgin Islands National Park (VIIS), has been coordinating sea turtle monitoring and protection efforts on the island of St. John, USVI. The program depends on the invaluable support of 75 volunteers and encompasses:
Nest Protection - Nests are protected and monitored throughout incubation and excavated upon emergence. Hatchlings found during excavations are released to the ocean.
Volunteer Beach Monitoring - Volunteers walk assigned beaches from June to November looking for signs of sea turtle nesting activity.
Research - Independent research as well as collaborations with other programs and institutions help us gain a better understanding of the sea turtles utilizing the waters and beaches of the Virgin Islands.
By The Numbers
2025/26 was a record breaking nesting season with 3,597 hatchlings to the sea, 44 nests, and 1,736 volunteer hours logged from 75 volunteers!
Meet The Turtle Team
Cinnamon Campground Chats Turtle Talk | Monday 6PM to 7PM | Nov to May
Maho Turtle Table | Tuesday 9AM to 11AM | Dec to May
Unique Sea Turtle Boat Trip and Snorkel | Second Fridays | Dec to May | Tickets Sales Open Soon
Be A Turtle Friend
Do wear rash guards and reef safe sunscreen.
Don't touch a sea turtle! Aside from harming them, it's the law!
Keep six feet away when snorkeling and don't chase them.
Turtle Hotlines
Report mistreatment of turtles in the Park to NPS Park Rangers: (866) 995-8467
Report turtle tracks and nesting activity on St. John to vinpturtles@friendsvinp.org or (760) 470-8995 Do not disturb the area or walk on the crawl. Take photos.
Report turtles in distress or stranded throughout the USVI to the STAR network: (340) 690-0474
Turtle Resource Library
Learn more about the species that live here, how to snorkel with them, how to identify tracks, and more! Please use these resources to educate yourself and others!
School Kids In The Park
Schedule a trip to the Park or a classroom Turtle Talk and learn more about our School Kids In The Park (SKIP) program.
Online Seminars
Sea Turtle Research In the VI | Recorded October 16, 2023 | Watch Here
Lets Talk Turtles Virtual Seminar | Recorded May 25, 2023 | Watch Here
Adopt A Turtle Or Donate Today!
Help protect and preserve the Park we all love! Together we are Virgin Islands National Park’s best friends!