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Discovering Paradise: My Top 10 Nature Adventures in the US Virgin Islands

  • Writer: Getaway Girlfriend
    Getaway Girlfriend
  • Apr 4
  • 4 min read

If your idea of a perfect day includes spotting sea turtles in their natural habitat, hiking through native forests, or quietly watching a pelican dive for fish, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a dream destination.


St. Thomas and St. John offer much more than stunning beaches—they’re home to a wide variety of unique wildlife and ecosystems, from coral reefs to lush mountaintops. Whether you're an avid nature lover or just hoping to unplug and connect with the island’s wilder side, these experiences bring you closer to the animals and landscapes that make the Virgin Islands unforgettable.


1. 🐢 Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Brewers Bay, Secret Harbour or Sapphire Beach (St. Thomas)

Brewers Bay is one of the best places to see green sea turtles up close, especially in the mornings when they feed in the seagrass beds. You might also spot Hawksbill turtles closer to the reef or Southern stingrays gliding through the sand. The calm, shallow water makes it ideal for all levels of snorkelers and is quieter than most other beaches. Secret Harbour and Sapphire Beach are also great places to spot marine life and have wonderful accommodations for beachfront rentals and dining. www.sbrmbookings.com





2. 🐟 Coral Reefs & Marine Life at Leinster Bay, Maho and Trunk Bay (St. John)

Trunk Bay’s famous underwater snorkeling trail is more than just beautiful..it's thriving with life. Expect to see schools of blue tang, wrasses, parrotfish, angelfish, and Spotfin butterflyfish, along with elkhorn and brain coral formations. Two of our other favorites are Leinster Bay (3 ball reef) where you might spot an octopus tucked into the rocks or a nurse shark resting in the sand. Maho Beach is also well known for Green sea turtles as they love the seagrass found there as well as tons of other marine life, octopus, rays, parrotfish and even dolphins on occasion. https://seestjohn.com/coral-reef-underwater-park-trail/





3. 🐦 Birdwatching at Magens Bay Arboretum (St. Thomas)

The arboretum near Magens Bay is a quiet retreat for bird enthusiasts. Look for bananaquits (the bright yellow-and-black "sugar birds" of the Caribbean), green-throated caribs, Zenaida doves, and Antillean crested hummingbirds. The area is also home to iguanas, anoles, and the occasional mongoose. https://thatmattwade.medium.com/hiking-magens-bay-trail-on-saint-thomas-c141288a1007





4. 🌊 Mangrove Kayaking in Cas Cay (St. Thomas)

This guided kayak tour through the mangrove lagoon on the east end is one of the most immersive eco-experiences on the island. As you paddle through the tangled roots, watch for juvenile sharks, upside-down jellyfish, eagle rays, and an abundance of seabirds like herons, egrets, and pelicans. Many tours also include a short hike to volcanic cliffs and a blowhole. https://www.getawaygirlfriend.com/nature-tours-st-thomas





5. 🥾 Hiking the Rams Head Trail (St. John)

This coastal trail in the Virgin Islands National Park offers dramatic views and a real sense of solitude. Along the way, you might see wild goats, hermit crabs, lizards, and even kestrels riding the thermals above the cliffs. At the top, the view of the Caribbean Sea is breathtaking—and the breeze makes it a perfect spot to relax after the hike. https://explorestj.com/2022/12/13/exploring-the-island-hiking-to-ram-head/


6. 🦎 Salt Pond Bay Snorkel & Nature Walk (St. John)

Start your day snorkeling in the calm, shallow bay where you’re likely to see queen conchs, sea cucumbers, stingrays, and hawksbill turtles. Then walk the nearby trail to the Salt Pond or continue on to the Rams Head overlook. Expect to pass through cactus-filled terrain with views of red-tailed hawks and ground lizards along the way.


7. 🦀 Tide Pools & Wild Shorelines at Neltjeberg Beach (St. Thomas)

Neltjeberg is a more secluded beach, reached by a short hike or 4x4 drive, where you’ll find fewer people and more wildlife. Look for ghost crabs along the sand, large hermit crabs in the rocks, and pelicans diving in the surf. The trail to the beach winds through thick forest, where you'll hear the chatter of tree frogs and possibly catch glimpses of many native birds.





8. 🐬 Sunset Sails & Marine Wildlife Watching (St. Thomas or St. John)

On many sunset sailing excursions, you’ll have a good chance of seeing sea turtles surfacing or fish jumping in the boat’s wake. Bottlenose dolphins are most often spotted between St. Thomas and Water Island, while Humpback whales sometimes make appearances (Dec-Mar) on the south side of St. John. A few lucky travelers even see flying fish skipping across the waves and Eagle rays leaping out of the water.


9. 🦅 Guided Wildlife Hikes with Local Naturalists (St. John)

Join a naturalist-led hike through the Virgin Islands National Park to learn about native plants, birds, and animals that call the island home. These guided experiences often include insight into medicinal plants, local conservation efforts, and traditional uses of island flora. Birders can spot warblers, American kestrels, Caribbean elaenias, and gray kingbirds.


10. 🌺 Secret Beaches & Forest Trails at Lind Point and Solomon Bay (St. John)

This easy-to-moderate trail begins near Cruz Bay and winds through lush foliage full of fragrant bay rum trees, genip, and turpentine trees. Along the way, you may encounter deer, iguanas, or even a wild donkey. The trail leads to the secluded beaches of Solomon Bay and Honeymoon Beach—both perfect for a quiet snorkel or lunch and concessions. https://explorestj.com/2022/10/27/on-the-trail-lind-point-to-honeymoon-beach/


🌿 Excursions Focused on Wildlife & Nature

If your goal is to see wildlife in its natural setting, these tours and activities offer the best opportunities:


🐠 Ocean-Based

🐦 Land-Based

  • National Park Nature Hikes with Local Guides (St. John)

  • Birding & Botany Walk at Magens Bay Arboretum (St. Thomas)

  • Hike to Reef Bay Petroglyphs with Waterfall Stop (St. John)

  • Tide Pool and Coastal Exploration at Botany Bay (Private Access)


From hidden forest trails to snorkeling alongside sea life, the Virgin Islands offer countless ways to connect with nature. Whether you want to hike, paddle, swim, or simply observe, we’ll help you plan an unforgettable experience built around the island’s natural beauty and wildlife.

📩 Email Getaway Girlfriend to create your personalized, eco-friendly island itinerary.

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