Friday With Friends
Welcome to Friday with Friends Seminar Program! Explore and learn about Virgin Islands National Park through a series of hikes, cultural walks, paddles, and turtle talks. Join us!
These are seminars are free to members with a suggested $30 donation for non-members. Become a member for $30 a year here.
PLEASE NOTE: The Friday With Friends 2020/21 season ended in July. This program will resume in November 2021. A schedule of activities will be available in the Fall.
Traditional Cultural Uses of Plants in the Virgin Islands Walk
First Fridays to July 2021
Go for a walk with one of St. John’s cultural ambassadors. Explore the Cinnamon Bay Loop Trail with one of St. John’s cultural ambassadors, Delroy “Ital” Anthony, as he shares his vast knowledge of traditional plant uses, natural medicines, and Virgin Islands history.
Paddle & Explore Hurricane Hole
Friday, January 8 | April 9 | June 11
Paddle on the second Friday with Friends and generous sponsors Virgin Islands Expedition Company! Explore Coral Reef National Monument at Hurricane Hole! Kayak and snorkel with the expert guidance of Liz Beal of VI Expeditions.
Paddle & Explore Honeymoon Beach
Friday, February 12 | March 12 | May 14 | July 9
Paddle on the second Friday with Friends and generous sponsors Virgin Islands Eco Tours! Hike Lind Point Trail with a guide and explore Honey Beach area by kayak and snorkel!
Talk Turtles & Paddle Maho
Friday, February 19 | March 19 | April 16 | May 21 | June 18 | July 16
Learn about turtles and marine life in Maho Bay on the third Friday of the month! A seminar with Friends Sea Turtle Program Managers, Adren Anderson & Willow Melamet will be followed by a guided kayaking tour generously hosted and lead by Jenn Russ of Reef2Peak
Hike Annaberg to Murphy Great House
Friday November 27 | February 26 | May 28
Hike on the last Friday of every month with Friends staff! Learn about the natural history, the plantation era, and ongoing Friends projects as you hike one of St. John's premier trails with Friends Program Manager, Mark Gestwicki. This hike showcases panoramic views of the BVIs, diverse flora and fauna, three different historic sites, and excellent swimming/snorkeling.
Hike Salt Pond to Ram Head
Friday December 25 | March 26
Hike on the last Friday of every month with Friends staff! Ram Head is the southernmost point of St. John and one of the most unforgettable hikes in Virgin Islands National Park. This out-and-back trail begins and ends at Saltpond Bay where swimming in the calm blue water is the perfect cool down to a mostly exposed hike. Much of this trail is on uneven terrain as it meanders along the rocky coast, passing through a surprisingly diverse dry forest ecosystem.
Hike Brown Bay
Friday January 29 | April 30
Hike on the last Friday of every month with Friends staff! The Brown Bay Trail is popular among local residents, because the secluded bay is quiet, rich in cultural history, and offers excellent snorkeling. The trail passes through a dry forest ecosystem that is home to many native plants and trees, including Solanum conocarpum which is a rare endemic species. There are also three major historical sites along this trail that are well worth a visit.