Cinnamon Bay
Virgin Islands National Park

Cinnamon Bay, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Fotoluminate LLC
Cinnamon Bay, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Fotoluminate LLC
Length: 0.1 mi (0.16 km)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy

Cinnamon Bay, the longest beach in Virgin Islands National Park, stretches over a half-mile along the north shore, offering pristine white sands framed by coconut palms and lush hills. Known for its vibrant seagrass beds where green sea turtles feed, it’s a haven for snorkelers and photographers seeking serene seascapes or candid wildlife shots. The adjacent campground, with eco-tents and cottages, and the Rain Tree Cafe add a lively yet relaxed vibe, making it ideal for capturing both natural beauty and island life (NPS).

Accessing Cinnamon Bay

Starting Location: Cinnamon Bay Parking Lot, North Shore Road (Route 20), St. John, VI 00830 (3.5 miles east of Cruz Bay)
GPS (DD): 18.352985, -64.755562

Drive east from Cruz Bay on North Shore Road (Route 20) for about 3.5 miles to the well-signed Cinnamon Bay parking area, which includes spaces for the beach and campground. The beach is steps from the parking lot, with accessible paths for wheelchairs and strollers leading to the shore and amenities like restrooms and a beach shop. Taxis from Cruz Bay are common, or join an NPS ranger-led tour for added context; check the NPS website for current schedules.

Recommended Emergency Supplies in Virgin Islands National Park

Whenever you are traveling, it is always a good idea to bring extra emergency supplies. Here is a small list of recommended items to bring when you visit Cinnamon Bay:

If you will be hiking to more remote locations during your stay, these additional supplies are highly recommended:

Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service

Cell service in Virgin Islands National Park on St. John varies widely depending on location and carrier, with stronger signals near populated areas like Cruz Bay and weaker or no coverage in remote regions. Major providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Liberty offer decent reception along North Shore Road (e.g., Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay), but coverage often drops on rugged south shore trails like Reef Bay or east end sites like Brown Bay. Hikers and beachgoers in isolated areas should expect spotty or no service and plan for offline navigation using GPS apps or paper maps. Proximity to British Virgin Islands towers may trigger roaming charges, so check with your carrier to disable international roaming or confirm coverage plans before visiting.

It is always helpful to have some sort of map or GPS-tracking device handy to assist with trail and road navigation. Even when you don’t think you will get lost, if the trails or roads are poorly marked, it is a possibility. Some GPS trackers, like the Garmin inReach and the Garmin inReach Mini, can also communicate your location to others. At a minimum, have a printed copy of the maps and hiking trails or download them to your phone.

Best Time of Year to Visit Cinnamon Bay

The peak season for visiting Virgin Islands National Park, from December to April, offers the most reliable weather with dry conditions, comfortable temperatures averaging 75-85°F, and low humidity, making it ideal for beach activities, snorkeling, and hiking trails without the threat of heavy rain. During this period, the park’s turquoise waters and white-sand beaches are at their clearest. However, this popularity leads to crowded beaches, higher accommodation and ferry prices (up to 50% more than off-season), and limited availability for rentals or tours, which can detract from the serene island experience.

The shoulder seasons, particularly May to June and November, strike a balance as the best overall times to visit, with warm weather (80-85°F), occasional brief showers, and fewer crowds allowing for more peaceful exploration of the sites. Prices drop significantly (lodging 20-30% cheaper than peak), and the park’s flora blooms vibrantly in spring. November brings calmer seas post-hurricane season for better snorkeling. On the downside, transitional weather can include unpredictable rain (May averages 3-4 inches), some facilities may close for maintenance, and the risk of early or late hurricanes (though minimal) requires flexible plans.

The low season, from July to October, provides the most budget-friendly and uncrowded visits, with hotel rates halved, empty trails like Ram Head for serene sunsets, and warmer waters (up to 85°F) perfect for diving or kayaking. This period allows for spontaneous adventures and deeper connections with locals, plus the chance to witness sea turtle nesting (July-August). Nevertheless, it’s hurricane season (peak August-October), bringing heavy rains (up to 6 inches monthly), potential park closures for storms, and humid heat (85-90°F) that can make strenuous hikes uncomfortable or unsafe, so travel insurance and monitoring weather apps are essential.

Photography Tips for Cinnamon

Photography at Cinnamon Bay in Virgin Islands National Park offers stunning opportunities due to its iconic white-sand beach, turquoise waters, and historic plantation ruins, but capturing its essence requires strategic planning. Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) to leverage soft, warm light that enhances the bay’s vibrant colors and minimizes harsh shadows, especially for beachscapes or the Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop’s shaded ruins. Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and boost coral reef clarity for snorkeling shots, and bring a tripod for long-exposure images of waves or starry skies from the campground. Frame shots with palm trees or the historic sugar mill ruins for depth, and protect gear with waterproof bags against sudden showers or sand. Check tide schedules to capture low-tide reflections or exposed coral, ensuring vibrant, crowd-free compositions in this busy North Shore Area.

Closing Remarks

Visiting Cinnamon Bay in Virgin Islands National Park is a must for those seeking the quintessential St. John experience, blending pristine beaches, rich history, and natural beauty in the heart of the North Shore Area. Whether lounging on its powdery sands, snorkeling vibrant reefs, or exploring the plantation ruins along the short Nature Loop, Cinnamon Bay offers something for every adventurer. With easy access from the parking lot, ample amenities, and stunning photo opportunities, it’s a perfect starting point for your park journey.

Find Your Favorite Location

No matter where you go in Virgin Islands National Park, be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.

Before making your trip, consider checking the official Virgin Islands National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. I hope you enjoy your time photographing Cinnamon Bay!

Joyful Journeys!

Bonnie, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer

ADVERTISEMENT

Want to learn more about Virgin Islands National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:

Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at not cost to you. We appreciate your support.

References used: