Explore The Park
Hikes. Seminars. Cultural Demonstrations. Boat Trips.
Experience the gifts of Virgin Islands National Park through a series of hikes, seminars, demonstrations, boat trips, and more from October to June.
PLEASE NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, these seminars are free and open to all with a suggested donation at the end should you wish to support the work we do.
YP Talk Series
Thursday, May 22 | 6-7pm | NPS Lindpoint Bldg
This is your chance to learn what it takes to be a distance open water swimmer and get some tips from a Power Swim GOAT! Friends Young Professionals Board presents marine biologist and ocean swimmer, Jeff Miller. Entitled Just Keep Swimming!, Jeff’s talk will include lessons learned crossing the Drake Channel from the BVI to St. John, circumnavigating the island, and swimming in Joe Kessler’s Beach To Beach Power Swim every year since the first event 22 years ago. A shuttle is available from the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay at 5:30pm.
Cinnamon Campground Chats
Nov to June | Mon to Fri | 6PM to 7PM | Raintree Cafe @ Cinnamon
- Monday: Sea Turtle Talk
- Tuesday: Traditional Arts & Crafts
- Wednesday: Music of the Caribbean
- Thursday: Birds Of St. John
- Friday: Coral Reef Ecosystems
Annaberg Cultural Program
Nov to June | Mon to Wed | 10AM to 2PM
Learn from a local cultural demonstrators about bread making, local food, plants, and more. A visit to the Annaberg plantation and historic site is a must-do for anyone interested in Virgin Islands history and culture.
Sea Turtles At Maho
Tuesdays 9AM to 11AM to end May
Stop by the sea turtle info table on the beach at Maho Bay under the pavilions to chat about turtles and marine life in the bay with the Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection Program team and volunteers.
Francis Bay Bird Walk
Every Friday morning to end of May
Meet at 7:30am at the George Francis factory ruins and join retired park ranger and bird lover, Laurel Brannick as she shares her knowledge about all things feathered on St. John.
Reef Bay Hike
Every Mon & Tues to end April
Reef Bay Hike is a guided hike that includes a boat pickup at the beach. It is a great opportunity to learn about and explore the natural gifts and rich history of the island!
Turtle Boat & Snorkel Trip
Second Fridays | Dec 13 | Jan 10 | Feb 14 | Mar 14 | Apr 11 | May 9
This unique experience is hosted by a sea turtle, coral and marine expert and explores the marine underworld in Virgin Islands National Park. Boat departs from St. Thomas and St. John.
In The World Of Sea Turtles
Earth Week Virtual Seminar | April 24 | 12PM
Join Friends Education Specialist, Kaitlyn Cummings as she shares learnings from the recent International Sea Turtle Symposium in Ghana including impacts on sea turtles throughout the world, new conservation efforts, and exciting research findings. Zoom call information will be sent to registered participants.
Ocean Week Virtual Seminars
Be fascinated by the world beneath the waves! Join us for a series of virtual seminars:
- Oct 16 | USVI Wildlife Rehab
- Oct 17 | Sea Turtles 101
- Oct 18 | Coral Ecosystems