Virgin Islands Coral Reefs National Monument, US Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Coral Reefs National Monument is a protected marine site in the US Virgin Islands. Covering an area of 12,708 acres (51 sq km), it includes the submerged reef belt off Saint John Island.

The Virgin Islands Coral Reefs National Monument supports a rich diversity of marine life and plants as well as coastal mangrove forests. The national monument was designated on 17 January, 2001. Despite the protection, the coral reefs were discovered to have been suffering from severe coral bleaching. By 2005, some 60% of the corals were detected to be damaged in some way or other.

Concern over the well-being of the corals led to extensive research being carried out. Scientists discovered many species of coral in the area, well over thirty different species of corals, along with numerous species of sponges.

Visiting Virgin Islands Coral Reefs National Monument, US Virgin Islands

The only part of this national monument that you can reach by land is Hurricane Hole, located off Saint John on route 10. The rest of the monument are off shore south of the island. It is open all year round. The visitor center is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily, closed only on Christmas Day. There are no entrance fees for visiting this site.

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