Event
Reef Bay Trail Guided Hike
Fee:
The associated fee for this hike is collected by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park; registration and fees are not handheld by the NPS.Location: LAT/LONG: 18.347850, -64.742653
Reef Bay Trail provides hikers with a snapshot of over 3,000 years of human history and passes through almost every land habitat of Virgin Islands National Park. The remains of sugar plantations, stacked stone walls constructed to pen cattle, and rock carvings left by Indigenous Peoples can be found along the trail. These remnants tell the stories of generations of people who have lived on St. John. The oldest and tallest trees on the island can be found in this valley, creating a canopy of shade for hikers and a habitat for a variety of wildlife. This valley has been a sacred site for the Indigenous Taino, a place of hardship and resilience for hundreds of enslaved people, and home to formerly enslaved people and their descendants.
Repeating Event
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Type of Event
This guided hike leaves from the Cruz Bay Visitor Center promptly at 08:45 AM. Visitors should arrive between 08:15 and 08:30 in order to check-in and be ready to leave at 08:45 AM. Note there is no parking available at the Cruze Bay Visitor Center.
Description
The Reef Bay Hike is a STRENUOUS hike.
There is NO PARKING for program participants at the Visitor Center.
Together, you and your Park Ranger guide will explore the culture of the indigenous peoples of the island including a stop at the sacred site of the Taino petroglyphs. Stacked stone walls and the remains of a sugar plantation and factory facilitate a group discussion about the history of the people of St John and the Caribbean. The Reef Bay Guided Hike is just under 3 miles under some of the oldest and tallest trees on the island. It is a strenuous hike in a remote location over uneven and rocky terrain. Be sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, lunch, and mineral based sunscreen. Wear a swimsuit under your hiking clothes if you’d like to take a refreshing dip at the beach after the hike. A beautiful 40-minute boat cruise will return us to the dock at Cruz Bay. Check-in is at the Visitor Center no later than 8:30 am and the boat returns around 3 pm. There is no parking for program participants at the visitor center. It is rare, but water conditions, weather, medical emergency, or other factors may prevent the boat from picking up hikers, requiring a trek back up to the trailhead. If you are not able to hike the described terrain round trip, approximately 6 miles, you should not attempt this hike.
Cancellation Policy: Customers who have paid for an event, seminar or hike will receive a 50% refund or credit with 48 hours’ notice of cancellation. They will receive a full refund or credit in case of cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hours will not be refunded.