DPNR Coral Reef Week

DPNR ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL  VIRGIN ISLANDS CORAL REEF WEEK 

Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is  pleased to announce that the Division of Coastal Zone Management will host the Third Annual Virgin  Islands Coral Reef Week from April 12–19, 2026. 

This weeklong celebration invites the St. Croix community to enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly  events designed to highlight the importance of the Territory’s vibrant marine ecosystems. Activities  include outdoor adventures, educational experiences, hands-on conservation projects, and  opportunities to learn from local experts. 

Below is the full schedule of events: 

April 12–19 

Free Kayak Tours at Salt River 

Enjoy a morning paddle through the Salt River ecosystem. 

Use promo code “coral” to register at: https://www.bushtribe.com/adventures/ For VI residents only; advance registration required. 

April 12 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 

Coral Conservation Festival — The Nature Conservancy’s Coral Innovation Hub, Estate Little  Princess 

Celebrate St. Croix’s natural resources with lab tours, activities, interactive displays, games, prizes,  local vendors, food, drinks, and music. 

No registration required. 

April 14 | 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 

Coral Fragging with Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) — Christiansted Boardwalk, in front of  Blue Salt Divers 

Learn how coral fragments are grown in nurseries and help prepare corals to be placed on Long  Reef. 

No registration required.

April 14 | 6 p.m. 

Coral Trivia Night — Leatherback Brewery 

Test your ocean knowledge in a special marine-themed trivia competition. 

RSVP by calling 340-772-2337. Teams up to six people. 

Advance sign-up encouraged. 

April 17 | 4–6 p.m. 

Sunset Walk — Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge 

Join local biologists for a guided sunset exploration featuring birdwatching, shell identification, and  nature interpretation. 

Registration: https://bit.ly/crwsunset 

For VI residents only; advance registration required. 

April 18–19 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Community Mural Painting — Altona Lagoon Pavilion 

Help create a community mural in a fun, paint-by-numbers format. All supplies provided. No registration required. 

April 18–19 | Morning & Afternoon 

Discover SCUBA Dives 

Experience SCUBA with a certified instructor—no certification needed and all gear provided. Register: https://bit.ly/crwscuba 

For VI residents only; advance registration required. 

April 18 | 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. 

Mangrove Nature Walk — Altona Lagoon 

Join Thriving Islands for a guided walk focused on mangrove ecosystems and local wildlife. Sign up: thrivingislands@gmail.com 

Advance sign-up encouraged but not required. 

April 18 | Morning, Half-Day 

Buck Island Snorkel Tour — Big Beard’s 

Discover Buck Island’s marine life on a free educational snorkel excursion. 

Register by calling 340-773-4482 and requesting the Coral Reef Week trip. 

For VI residents only; advance registration required. 

For more information, please refer to the attached event calendar or contact the Coral Reef Week  team at 340-773-1082 extension 2255 or usvicoralreefweek@gmail.com.