North Sound Marine Park wilderness guide
Marine Protected Area · VG

North Sound Marine Park

North Sound Marine Park is a vibrant marine protected area in the British Virgin Islands, known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. Its turquoise waters attract snorkelers, divers, and sailors from around the world.

Marine Protected Area12,000
DesignationMarine Protected Area
Total Wilderness Area12,000
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About North Sound Marine Park

North Sound Marine Park is a vibrant marine protected area in the British Virgin Islands, known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. Its turquoise waters attract snorkelers, divers, and sailors from around the world.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

North Sound Marine Park, located in the British Virgin Islands, is a haven for aquatic enthusiasts. Its azure waters encompass vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine species, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays. The park's ecological significance is paramount as it supports a range of habitats from mangroves to seagrass beds, crucial for maintaining biodiversity. Historically, the area has served as a safe harbor for pirates and later became a popular stopover for sailors. Key recreational opportunities include snorkeling, diving, and sailing, allowing visitors to explore the underwater marvels and experience the thrill of navigating these picturesque waters. Landmarks such as the Horseshoe Reef and the Chimney, a renowned dive site, offer captivating glimpses into the area's underwater treasures. The park appeals to those seeking an immersive marine experience amidst unparalleled natural beauty.

Field Guide · Marine Protected Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near North Sound Marine Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Horseshoe Reef✦ Diverse coral ecosystems✦ The Chimney dive site✦ Pristine snorkeling spots
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in North Sound Marine Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Snorkeling

Available in North Sound Marine Park
Park Recreation

Scuba Diving

Available in North Sound Marine Park
Park Recreation

Sailing

Available in North Sound Marine Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in North Sound Marine Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in North Sound Marine Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in North Sound Marine Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; local mooring fees apply for boats.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near North Sound Marine Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

The Settlement, British Virgin Islands
⌖ 15.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

The Settlement, British Virgin Islands

The Settlement on Virgin Gorda offers outdoor lovers access to snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking amid stunning Caribbean landscapes. Explore The Baths’ famous granite boulders, relax on white-sand beaches, and sail the sparkling Virgin Islands waters.

December to April
Explore Town
Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands
⌖ 17.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands

Spanish Town offers outdoor lovers a blend of Caribbean charm and access to world-class sailing, snorkeling, and hiking. Its quiet beaches, nearby protected parks, and vibrant marina make it an ideal base for exploring the British Virgin Islands.

December to April
Explore Town
Road Town, Tortola
⌖ 17.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Road Town, Tortola

Road Town, Tortola is the lively heart of the British Virgin Islands, offering outdoor lovers access to tropical hiking, paddling, snorkeling, and sailing adventures. From island peaks to sheltered bays, it's a perfect base for exploring Caribbean nature.

December to April
Explore Town
Road Town, British Virgin Islands
⌖ 17.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Road Town, British Virgin Islands

Road Town is a lively Caribbean town known for its sailing, snorkeling, and hiking opportunities. It’s the perfect base to explore the beautiful British Virgin Islands with warm seas, coastal trails, and vibrant marine life.

December to April
Explore Town
St. John, USVI
⌖ 26.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

St. John, USVI

St. John, USVI is a Caribbean gem known for its pristine beaches, protected parklands, and vibrant coral reefs. Outdoor lovers can hike scenic trails, snorkel clear waters, kayak mangroves, and camp under starry skies in this island escape.

December to April
Explore Town
St John, U.S. Virgin Islands
⌖ 26.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

St John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St John is a jewel of the Caribbean known for its vibrant reefs, scenic hiking trails, and secluded beaches, offering kayaking, diving, camping, and wildlife encounters for adventurous travelers.

December to April
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in North Sound Marine Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Discover The Baths of Virgin Gorda - British Virgin Islands
ADVEXPEDITION
Cruz Bay, St. John
Guided TourADV Bookable

Discover The Baths of Virgin Gorda - British Virgin Islands

Embark on a full-day voyage with Cruz Bay Watersports to The Baths of Virgin Gorda. Swim through massive granite grottos, feast on local cuisine, snorkel pirate-haunted caves, and unwind with a sunset open bar cruise.

Guided TourDeparts The Ritz-Carlton, St. ThomasCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Nanny Cay Awakes: High‑energy Fleet Racing at the BVI Spring Regatta
ADVEXPEDITION
Road Town, Tortola
SailingADV Bookable

Nanny Cay Awakes: High‑energy Fleet Racing at the BVI Spring Regatta

An eight‑day gathering of championship‑caliber racing, champagne sailing conditions, and lively shoreside festival life in Road Town—essential reading for sailors and spectators planning to attend the BVI Sailing Festival & Spring Regatta.

SailingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
BVI Full Day Trip to Jost Van Dyke - Intrepid
ADVEXPEDITION
Red Hook, St. Thomas
Boat RentalADV Bookable

BVI Full Day Trip to Jost Van Dyke - Intrepid

Set sail with Kindred Spirit Charters on a full-day journey to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Snorkel, paddleboard, and soak in White Bay’s vibrant atmosphere while visiting iconic spots like the Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy's.

Boat RentalAll Ages • 7 Hours • Up to 12 PassengersCertified Outfitter
From$2,350
Book Trip
East End Paddle: Kayak the Turquoise Arc from Haulover to Pelican Rock
ADVEXPEDITION
St. John, St. John
KayakADV Bookable

East End Paddle: Kayak the Turquoise Arc from Haulover to Pelican Rock

A guided, three-hour kayak or paddleboard excursion from Haulover Bay that pairs snorkeling at Pelican Rock or Hidden Reef with gliding over turtle grazing beds and a short nature walk—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A Half-Day Drift From Cruz Bay to the Turquoise Calm of Trunk Bay
ADVEXPEDITION
Nazareth, St. Thomas
Boat TourADV Bookable

A Half-Day Drift From Cruz Bay to the Turquoise Calm of Trunk Bay

A roughly four-hour island excursion from St. John’s Cruz Bay Dock that includes two scenic photo stops and a beach drop-off at Trunk Bay—useful for planning logistics, accessibility, and what to bring.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Tropicat: Private Power-Cat Charters Around St. John
ADVEXPEDITION
St. John, St. John
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Tropicat: Private Power-Cat Charters Around St. John

Private charters aboard a 26' power catamaran in the U.S. Virgin Islands offering multiple itineraries from quick sunset runs to full-day snorkel trips.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Full Day Sail & Snorkel
ADVEXPEDITION
Cruz Bay, St. John
SnorkelADV Bookable

Full Day Sail & Snorkel

Spend six hours aboard the historic S/V Melita exploring secluded snorkel sites and vibrant coral gardens around St. John. Small groups, full gear, lunch and guided snorkeling make this an efficient and intimate way to experience the U.S. Virgin Islands’ marine life.

SnorkelMelita's All-Day Snorkel and Island Exploration.Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Full Day Private Jeep Tour St John
ADVEXPEDITION
St. John, Virgin Islands
Guided TourADV Bookable

Full Day Private Jeep Tour St John

Discover St. John’s wild side with a private, customizable jeep tour that combines snorkeling, hiking, and off-roading. Enjoy secluded spots, vibrant marine life, and a local lunch on this exclusive full-day journey.

Guided Tour4 people max | All Ages | Private TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Island Lime Out Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
St. John, Virgin Islands
Boat TourADV Bookable

Private Island Lime Out Tour

Discover secluded beaches and vibrant snorkeling spots on St. John’s Private Island Lime Out Tour. Dive into clear waters, savor fresh tacos, and soak up breathtaking views on this exclusive day trip.

Boat Tour4 people max | All Ages | Private TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Drive Your Own UTV 4 Seater St John
ADVEXPEDITION
Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
ATV/UTVADV Bookable

Drive Your Own UTV 4 Seater St John

Discover St. John at your own pace with a street-legal Polaris UTV rental. Navigate hidden beaches, scenic vistas, and local highlights on a flexible self-guided tour.

ATV/UTV$369 | 9AM - 5 PM | Drive Your Own | Self GuidedCertified Outfitter
From$369
Book Trip