Things to do nearTrunk Bay

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.