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Virgin Islands National ParkPhoto of snorkelers at Trunk Bay.
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Virgin Islands National Park
Your Safety

There is much to see and do in Virgin Islands National Park. Almost all activities in which visitors become involved while enjoying and learning about the Park occur in the outdoors. The following are tips for a safe and enjoyable visit.

  1. Think left while driving! Tradition, practicality and the law demand it. Use caution and drive defensively on our steep winding roads.  The law also requires you to buckle up for your safety.

  2. Never swim or snorkel alone, and know your limitation. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Large shore-breaking waves can be dangerous - avoid body surfing, and respect beach closure advisories.

  3. Do not climb on walls of historic ruins when hiking and exploring. The walls are unstable and bodily injuries may occur. In addition, avoid hiking in the mid-day heat and bring plenty of water.

   4. Coral and other sea life may be dangerous to you, and you to it. Some coral is sharp and could inflict lacerations. Human touch and anchors easily damage coral. Even standing on dead coral, rocks and other reef surfaces may hinder new reef growth. Remember: "If it's not sand, don't stand!"

   5. Do not eat unknown fruits or touch unknown plants. Some plants, such as the Manchineel tree are poisonous.

Turpentine trees, locally called Gumbo Limbo are found throughout the Island, but mostly in dryer forest.  

Did You Know?
This unusual-looking tree found in dry forest areas has a reddish, peeling bark. The leaves and sap smell like turpentine and have many medicinal properties, but it is the peeling bark that gives the tree its nickname – "Tourist Tree".

Last Updated: January 21, 2009 at 13:52 EST