Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay which includes island views
Trunk Bay which includes island views
Trunk Bay featuring a sandy beach
Trunk Bay featuring tropical scenes and a beach
Trunk Bay which includes general coastal views


Backed by palms, this stretch of sparkling white sand is regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Part of the protected Virgin Islands National Park, the idyllic Trunk Bay is one of the most famous beaches on St. John. Lie back and relax on the sands, dip your feet in the warm water or don a snorkel and explore the underwater trail here.

Find your very own piece of paradise at the quarter-mile (half-kilometer) long beach on the northern side of the island. Lounge under the bright midday sun or enjoy the natural shade created by the thick coconut palm trees whose branches extend out over the sand.

Cool off with a splash in the sea or put on flippers and a mask and go in search of marine life a little farther out. Good snorkeling can be found close to the rocky islet of Trunk Cay. The real highlight for marine wildlife enthusiasts, however, is definitely the purpose-built underwater trail.

Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it from the nearby beach center. Follow the 675-foot (205-meter) trail, which begins offshore from the beach. The route leads snorkelers over bright coral where many species of tropical fish can be seen. Read the trail signs, which will help you to identify the different types of fish and coral.

Pack a picnic for your day out at the beach or head to the snack bar for a refreshing drink and snack. Look for ships gliding across the horizon as you eat.

Trunk Bay is on the north coast of St. John just west of Cinnamon Bay. Note that Trunk Bay, unlike most other beaches on the island, does charge an entry fee. Toilets, showers and lifeguard services are provided. A taxi rank is also situated here, so getting to and from the beach won’t be a problem even if you don’t have a car.

Reviews of Trunk Bay

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
251
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
86
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Bring water and snacks. The lines are long and there's no wait service. The only Bar was out of Salt for a decent Margarita and they don't have blenders for frozen drinks. It's kind of a Hippie Vibe if you like that sort of thing. Cute places to sit and everyone is really nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

underwater trail

5/5 - Excellent

SallyfromDallas

We've been to many beaches. This one stands out for it's great ecosystem. It's located in a national park and has not been heavily commercialized. We took a cab here for $6/person. There were picnic tables to put our things, we also saw lockers but with no locks. The beach itself is picture perfect and preserves the natural beauty of the area. The water is crystal clear and we saw a healthy ecosystem during our snorkeling. There's a small store if you want to rent gear, a bar area, and small food area. It's simple, but natural. My son saw an octopus while snorkeling, and the coral is in good shape with lots of marine life. This was our favorite beach we visited during our stay

3/5 - Okay

Ford

Was an expensive excursion and full of tourists.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go on a low cruise ship day (St. Thomas), the beach will be far less crowded. Definitely snorkel the trail great fish, rays, etc. Full facilities (showers, lockers, bar and snack bar)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's a Federal Park on St. John.  If you drive, make sure you park in parking spots.  If you park on the road, make sure you park in off the road.  A person got towed.  Not great experience for them.  They have showers, a bar, food truck, snorkle rentals.  The taxi from center of town was only $6.00 per person and worth not driving.  Windy, narrow and steep roads.  We loved St. John better than St. Thomas    We wented snorkle equipment from a local business.  When you get off ferry ($16.00 rt), it's the first building to your right.  Just walk up the stairs and the shop rents them.  We ate at High Tides in same building complex on the water great and Longboards.  Also very good.

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Things to do near Trunk Bay

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Trunk Bay, visit St. John Spice, just 3.2km away, for unique gifts. Mongoose Junction, also 3.2km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with various shops. If you're up for a drive, check out Market Square East, located 14.5km away, for local finds.

Recreation

Experience ultimate relaxation at The Self Centre, just 1.6km from Trunk Bay, offering rejuvenating body treatments in a serene setting. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mahogany Run Golf Course, located 14.5km away, provides stunning views and a challenging game. Enjoy family-friendly films at Caribbean Cinemas, also 14.5km from Trunk Bay.

Adventure

Take the Skyride to Paradise Point, a scenic cable car experience located 16.1km from Trunk Bay, offering breathtaking views and family-friendly vibes. For adventure seekers, the St John Eco Hike & Snorkel Adventure, 4.8km away, combines hiking and snorkeling in stunning scenery.

Explore the Lind Point Trail, located 3.2km from Trunk Bay, for a thrilling outdoor adventure surrounded by lush landscapes and beautiful vistas.

Nightlife

For nightlife near Trunk Bay, visit Magic Ice Gallery, a charming drinking pub located 17.7km away. Enjoy a romantic atmosphere with entertainment vibes, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the stunning Virgin Islands.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay, located in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, is renowned for its stunning beaches and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy the famous Trunk Bay Beach, explore nearby national parks, and experience the island's breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or simply relaxing by the shore, Trunk Bay offers an unforgettable getaway with some of the best beaches and picturesque vistas in the Caribbean.

  • Virgin Islands National Park: Located 1.4km from Trunk Bay, this stunning national park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Explore hiking trails, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach: Just 966m from Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay Beach is known for its soft sands and beautiful surroundings. Enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Cruz Bay Beach: Situated 4.8km away from Trunk Bay, Cruz Bay Beach is a lively spot perfect for beachgoers. Relax on the soft sand, enjoy local eateries nearby, and soak in the vibrant island atmosphere.

Best time to go to Trunk Bay

The best time to visit Trunk Bay can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Trunk Bay falls in September, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Trunk Bay falls in March, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January78.3°F (25.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March77.5°F (25.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April78.6°F (25.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December79.7°F (26.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Trunk Bay

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically September to November) for more affordable package holidays to Trunk Bay.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.