How to Enjoy Free Access to the Virgin Islands National Park
Visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands doesn’t have to be overly expensive. In fact, if you time your visit right or meet certain requirements you can even get free access to the Virgin Islands National Park! Here’s how:
Entrance-Free Dates at the Virgin Islands National Park
You can enjoy free access to the Virgin Islands National Park 5 days of the year! The first day of the year when the fees associated with visiting the Virgin Islands National Park are waived is the third Monday of January (to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday).
The other entrance-free dates to go to the Virgin Islands National Park are the first day of National Park Week (in April), the anniversary of the Great American Outdoor Act (in August), National Public Lands Day (in September), and Veterans Day (in November).
To take advantage of the free Virgin Islands National Park access on these days, all you have to do is show up! No sign-up necessary!
Options to Visit the Virgin Islands National Park for Free Year-Round
While there are only 5 days a year the general public can access the Virgin Islands National Park for free, the national park also offers free entrance to a few specific groups of American citizens throughout the year. Gold Star Family members, veterans, and current members of the military receive free access to the Virgin Islands National Park year round. Additionally, permanently disabled Americans are also offered free access to the park everyday of the year. Interestingly, families of fourth-grade students can also visit the Virgin Islands National Park for free throughout the year! If you meet any of these criteria, you can learn more about how to get your free park pass here.
Volunteering for Free Access to the Virgin Islands National Park
Can’t make the entrance-free dates for the Virgin Islands National Park and don’t meet the criteria for any of the free interagency pass options? There is still one more way you can get a free pass into the national park. Although, we didn’t say it would be easy! Federal lands volunteers who complete over 250 hours of service throughout the year also receive a free interagency pass to visit the Virgin Islands National Park!
Once you’ve figured out the dates you’re visiting the Virgin Islands National Park, it’s time to start planning how to get there! One of the best ways to see the Virgin Islands National Park is via boat. On a Go Sail Virgin Island’s sailboat, you’ll not only be able to seamlessly make your way to different areas of the park— you’ll also be able to easily jump off the boat and explore the park’s most beautiful coral reefs! Learn more about booking a sailboat trip to the Virgin Islands National Park here.