BVI National Parks Trust Raises Fees
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands has announced its first fee increase since 1990, set to take effect on November 1, 2026. The new rates for park admissions and marine conservation moorings will fund vital infrastructure, maintenance, and environmental protection across the Territory. Virgin Islanders and residents will continue to enjoy free admission to The Baths and Devil's Bay with valid local identification.
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI) has announced an updated fee structure for national park entrance admissions and marine conservation moorings, set to take effect on November 1, 2026. The revised schedule represents the Trust's first fee adjustment in 36 years, addressing decades of rising operational, labor, and maintenance expenses across the Territory's protected areas.
Revenue generated from the new structure will provide sustainable financial footing for the management and development of the BVI's 22 national parks and approximately 155 marine conservation moorings. Funds will directly support capital improvements, environmental conservation initiatives, visitor safety, infrastructure maintenance, and daily operations.
Director of the National Parks Trust, Dr. Titley-O'Neal, emphasized that the changes are essential to safeguard the Territory's natural heritage. She noted that the priority remains ensuring national parks are properly conserved and maintained for future generations, while enhancing interpretation, safety, and overall visitor experiences.
Under the new schedule, entrance fees at Sage Mountain National Park will rise from $3 to $5 for visiting adults and from $2 to $3 for visiting children under 18. Resident adult fees will increase from $1 to $3, while resident child fees remain at $1. At the Joseph Reynold O'Neal Botanic Garden, visitor adult rates will increase to $5 and child rates to $3, while resident fees will rise to $3 for adults and $2 for children.
At The Baths and Devil's Bay National Parks, visiting adult admission will increase from $3 to $10, and visiting child admission will move from $2 to $5. Virgin Islanders, Belongers, and residents will continue to receive free entry to The Baths and Devil's Bay upon presenting valid local identification, including a Virgin Islands passport, Belonger card, driver's licence, voter card, Work Permit card, or NHI card.
Marine conservation fees will also see adjustments. Daily marine permits for local vessels will move from $3 to $15 per person, while visiting adult rates will increase to $25 and visiting child rates to $10. Weekly permits for term charters, bareboats, and private vessels will increase to $160 for local vessels and $200 for visiting vessels for up to eight passengers, which includes entrance to The Baths and Devil's Bay.
Annual commercial and private mooring permits will also be adjusted accordingly. Established under the National Parks Ordinance of 1961, the Trust stated that aligning user fees with current economic realities will ensure the BVI's valuable natural and cultural sites remain protected and accessible.
Primary source: Guavaberry