Things to do nearTrunk Bay
Trunk Bay is a celebrated national park beach on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, renowned for its underwater snorkel trail, powdery white sand, and vivid turquoise water.
Trunk Bay is located on the north shore of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, protected within Virgin Islands National Park. The park was established in 1956, and the preserved landscape means the hillsides above the beach remain dense with tropical vegetation.
The beach is perhaps best known for its self-guided underwater snorkel trail, one of the first of its kind in the National Park System. Labeled markers along the seafloor identify elkhorn coral, brain coral, and the fish species that shelter among them. Even outside the trail, the reef system supports sea turtles, parrotfish, and rays.
On shore, facilities include restrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar, and equipment rentals, making it accessible without requiring advance preparation. The surrounding park trails connect to other quiet coves and elevated viewpoints across St. John.
Trunk Bay draws visitors from around the world, yet the national park setting keeps development minimal and the environment largely intact. It is a place where natural beauty and thoughtful conservation exist side by side, making it one of the most rewarding beach destinations in the entire Caribbean.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Trunk Bay
Arrive before 10 a.m. to claim a shaded spot and beat the cruise-ship day crowds.
Follow the marked 225-yard underwater snorkel trail to read submerged plaques identifying coral and marine life.
Bring water shoes, as the entry point can have scattered rocks and coral fragments near the shoreline.
Pack your own snacks and drinks since the on-site facilities are limited and outside food is permitted.
Visit on a weekday rather than a weekend for noticeably fewer visitors and a quieter atmosphere.
Top tours & experiences near Trunk Bay
Virgin Islands National Park Private Snorkel Charter
Private island hopping on a smooth, shaded power catamaran
3.5-Hour Charter in Virgin Islands National Park
Private Aquila catamaran with drinks, snorkeling gear, and a customizable island route
St. Thomas Sunset Private Charter
Cruise St. John’s north shore aboard a smooth private catamaran at sunset
North Shore St. John Self-Guided Dinghy Rental
Captain a 25HP dinghy to explore St. John’s North Shore beaches at your own pace
Private St. Thomas & St. John Snorkel Charter
Customize a shaded private catamaran day of snorkeling, beaches, and island cruising
Full-Day St. Thomas Private Charter
Customize a private island-hopping day aboard a smooth, stable power catamaran
Full-Day St. John Private Charter
Explore the US Virgin Islands aboard a private 36-foot power catamaran
Virgin Islands National Park Snorkeling Charter
Private shaded catamaran cruising with flexible St. John snorkeling stops
Full-Day Jeep Tour of St. Thomas or St. John
Set your own pace across St. Thomas or St. John
Afternoon Jeep Tour of St John
Explore St John’s remote side beyond Virgin Islands National Park
3-Hour Jeep Tour of St John
Explore St John’s remote destinations beyond the national park
Private St. John Tour With Trunk Bay
Discover St. John’s history and Trunk Bay on a private escape
Private St. John Tour With Trunk Bay
Explore St. John’s history and Trunk Bay with your private group
Trunk Bay Beach Tour in Virgin Islands National Park
See St. John’s scenic overlooks and unwind at Trunk Bay Beach
Trunk Bay Beach Tour in Virgin Islands National Park
Beach time and scenic St. John stops at Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay Beach Tour From St. Thomas
Scenic St. John stops and time to swim at Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay Beach Tour in Virgin Islands National Park
Discover St. John vistas and unwind at Trunk Bay Beach
St. John Island & Trunk Bay Beach Tour
Cross to St. John for a guided island tour and Trunk Bay beach time
Trunk Bay Beach Half-Day Guided Tour From St. John
A guided beach escape with scenic St. John photo stops
Explore Trunk Bay & Virgin Islands National Park
Relax at Trunk Bay and take in Virgin Islands National Park views
Trunk Bay Beach Tour With Scenic Stops
Explore Trunk Bay's reef and Virgin Islands National Park
Guided Lime Out Island Tour in St. John
Secluded beaches, guided snorkeling, and Lime Out on a private St. John tour