Trunk Bay Beach
Trunk Bay Beach
4.5
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The good news: this world-class stretch of white sand and turquoise water is St. John's most photographed beach, which features a marked underwater trail for beginning snorkelers. The bad news: because of its popularity, it can get very crowded with cruise ship passengers and members of sightseeing tours.
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- Marian EPortsmouth, New Hampshire527 contributionsGorgeous!We, unfortunately, arrived just as a huge group from a cruise ship did so if was quite crowded. That made the snorkeling a little less enjoyable than in some other spots we tried, but the underwater trail was cool (if a little hard to follow). We got the last spot in the lot at 9:30 am, so plan to get there early if you’re driving! There are great facilities with showers and changing areas and a rental hut for chairs and snorkel gear. We didn’t use that, but it was well stocked. There are food and drink options that are adequate but very pricey. That’s to be expected, though. Everything is pricey in the USVI. We spent about 2 hours there and then moved on to other beaches. However, we came back at the end of the day to change and freshen up. Keep your receipt, and you won’t have any problem. They do have a hard closing time for the showers and changing areas, though. They shut off the water and lock the gate to the facilities. We just made it! A gorgeous spot!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 March 2023
- TomFort Valley, Georgia3 contributionsBeautiful Trunk Bay, St. JohnThe most beautiful beach we visited while in the USVI. Beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. The snorkeling trail was not up to what I was expecting - not much coral and not an abundance of sea life. Good for first time snorkelers and close to the beach.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 March 2023
- Drew SLondon, Canada167 contributionsReviewBeautiful calming beach. You’ll be able to get beautiful family photos here. Bring bug spray or your legs and arms will get bit for sure. There is washrooms and showers and spot to fill up your water bottles. There is couple spots to buy cooked food likes burgers, fries sandwiches. There is a bar to buy drinks. State park. Cost $5.00 per adult. They take credit card or cash. Wheel chair assessable Minimal parking. Lots of taxis available for convenience (bring cash for taxis) Enjoy your visit.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 April 2023
- Matthew T6 contributionsThe white donkey is coolYou have to pay a fee to park your car there. But it’s worth it. Comes with showers. There’s an underground water trail that is on one side of the little island off the beach. There’s a white donkey that frequents the place tooVisited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 April 2023
- Laura LHudson, New Hampshire1,042 contributionsNice beach to swim, not so much for snorkelingThis was the first beach we hit at at John and we were anxious to snorkel, hearing this was a great stop. Nice beach but there are WAY BETTER snorkel spots on the island. Left side of the rock island was NOT good, right side was way better and we saw some cool cuttlefish. $5 pp to get in and you have to go early to nab a parking spot. Looking to snorkel? Go elsewhere like Maho, waterlemon cay, salt pond bay or little Lameshur!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 April 2023
- VT_Travelerx2Brattleboro, Vermont49 contributionsBeautiful white sand beachThis is a beautiful beach with white sand. We were lucky enough to get a parking spot at noon and came on a day when no cruise ships were in town. On the Continental U.S. coast, this beach would be a 5+. On this island, there are better beaches for snorkeling and away from crowds. If you are looking for a more out-of-the-way beach, this is not it.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2023
- KK78Bay Shore, New York730 contributionsBeautiful Beach!Very nicely maintained beach with a snorkel trail (unfortunately it appears the reef is dying, but we saw a few fish). The drinks bar was awesome, lots of blended options to stay cool on a hot day served in metal containers and you can borrow a metal straw. The food was not as good, I had the pulled pork and my roll was so stale I couldn't even eat it. There are also rentals for sunshades, beach chairs and snorkel equipment if you don't have your own - it was expensive, but a nice option.Visited April 2023Written 5 May 2023
- escapewhenIcan71 contributionsShort beach trip from cruise shipReef from snorkel trail is dead, don't expect much. The beach is nice and good drinks, entrance fee reasonable. Taxi Charged $10pp for ride for ferry dock which was reasonable also.Visited April 2023Written 7 May 2023
- Jen MPhoenix, Arizona153 contributionsBeautiful and good amenitiesThis beach is easily accessed by taxi from Cruz bay. There is a $5/pp admission fee for adults but it has shower and changing amenities, bars and snack shacks, and chair, snorkel and shade rentals. The snorkeling was great. Clean and beautiful beach.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 May 2023
- louraedude201 contributionsMost scenic beach on North side w good services available.We drove a jeep for the week and only did north side beaches. Trunk was best for us. Prettiest, best bathrooms, least walking to get in from parking. Beautiful wide beach. Snorkeling not that good though - better at Gallows Point and Hawks nest with turtles seen. If Trunk is filled Hawk nest, Maho, and Cinnamon are fine. All pretty close to each other.Visited May 2023Written 28 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,148 reviews
Excellent
2,379
Very good
548
Average
172
Poor
37
Terrible
12
Escape709105
United States4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Beautiful beach, not much shade and the snorkeling was disappointing. This was a must do thing on our St John list and we came away somewhat let down. The coral seemed dead and I can't help but wonder if all the people and sunscreen contributed to its demise. We saw some fish but generally they were small. Still, the water and area are gorgeous!
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShelleyVIRock
St. Thomas35 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
The best beach in the Caribbean. The views of the water are magnificent. It's located in the national park. We love St. John it's the idyllic Caribbean island. We took the Red Hook ferry over from St. Thomas. It leaves on the hour from each island. We had a great time, everyone was so friendly.
Written 11 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerry M
Streamwood, IL4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We were on a cruise that stopped at St Thomas and booked a snorkeling excursion to Trunk Bay on St John which entailed a 45 minute ferry to St John and a 20 minute open air transport vehicle with about 30 people on board. Not terrible transportation but as far as the snorkeling goes it’s terrible. The beach is beautiful but as far as seeing any decent coral (pretty much dead) or fish is a waste of time. Big expense and an even bigger let down.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grfy86
Little Canada, MN61 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Gorgeous beach with decent facilities. Restaurant, bar, gift shop, bathrooms, showers to rinse off. They have a snorkeling trail with buoys to mark spots to swim to. The surf here can get quite rough but there are plenty of spots to find shade when you’re not in the water. There is charge to enter the national park, $5 per adult.
My only complaint would the lack of adequate parking. Arrive early if you want a parking spot or don’t have a 4x4. When the lot runs out you need to climb over a steep curb into a ravine on the side of the road for parking.
My only complaint would the lack of adequate parking. Arrive early if you want a parking spot or don’t have a 4x4. When the lot runs out you need to climb over a steep curb into a ravine on the side of the road for parking.
Written 29 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dkep2002
Atlanta, GA9 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
This was the most beautiful beach I have ever been to in my life (including the south of France)! Literally “stupid” gorgeous like straight out of a magazine. A bit of a haul to get there, but sooooo worth it! I wish we found it sooner in our trip. Cleanest beach and clearest water. Best beach of any USVI that we went to hands down. Plenty of space (lack of shade though). Everything closes at 4pm so something to keep in mind if you are renting chairs or needing a taxi.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
esappenfield2016
Southaven, MS23 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Breathtaking views. Nice beach. Ritz gave us chairs to take and that was plus. Bar and food available. Closes @ 4 as to bathrooms and water and I mean he was kicking everyone out. Taxi drivers in St. john and St Thomas are a pain but car rental outrageous.
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joelle S
14 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
The best beach we came across during our whole trip. We went later in the day so can’t say anything about the food or drinks there. But the beach itself is breathtakingly beautiful and a perfect spot to watch the sunset!
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassandra W
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
If you are not at the beach really early, don’t waste your time. Minimal parking at all the beaches. Very disappointing, wasted money on a car ferry for nothing.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nodoor
Irving, TX437 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Just nuts. Only certain remote beach’s in Hawaii can touch this place. Forget the snorkeling part - just sit on the beach and stare at the amazing water for hours. THAT is what you will remember. Hands down the best.
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1952ja
Massachusetts120 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Beautiful soft sand beach. It has everything you need for a day of sunshine, snorkeling and relaxing. Can get crowded but get there early and you're all set. There's beach chair rentals, snack bars, showers, bathrooms, etc. I found it to be very similar to Magens Bay on St. Thomas. The water is just superb and the snorkeling is some of the best we've experienced. We'll go back for sure. It's a lovely way to spend the day.
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Jo C
Massachusetts188 contributions
Hi what part of the water are the sea turtles in? I am going next month !!
WhoDatFan92
Houma, LA137 contributions
Maho Beach
Michelle R
Caribbean
Do they rent chairs at trunk bay?
Dana W
Sarasota, FL57 contributions
I'm 99% sure they do.
Jim A
Mesquite, TX1 contribution
Best time to visit trunk bay Beach.
Bucket List
West Lafayette, IN244 contributions
I’d say between 9-10 am
Carrie M
15 contributions
Beach is absolutely breathtaking. Don’t go to St. John without seeing the beaches! The water is amazing
Acemajorphi
Birmingham, AL144 contributions
Is there a place to get lunch at Trunk Bay? Drinks?
LSG
California6 contributions
There normally is, but the food/drink area was not open when we were there (July 17, 2020).
heavenly13
Portland, OR44 contributions
Do you know the average cost of for a taxi from ferry to Trunk bay?
lovetosnorkel1
Philadelphia, PA152 contributions
I think the different taxis there may charge a bit differently, but we paid about 6-8 per person from what I recall, one way. Have fun!!! Best beach ever! For real. It is worth the taxi fee.
Michaela W
Flowery Branch, GA
Hey guys so my husband and I are here for our honeymoon until Friday...unfortunately forgot my hero Seven GoPro charging port and I am so upset about it. Does anyone who lives on the island or that is staying have one that I could borrow for the day to charge it up? Really bummed because I wanted to use it in the water during this upcoming week.
ngbtn
Lakeland, TN363 contributions
Sorry I don’t have one plus I’m not there right now. Not sure if you are there until this Friday or last? Maybe try the grocery markets or FedEx one in.
Carol W
Denali National Park and Preserve, AK4 contributions
I have heard that there is a lot of seaweed and smell on the beaches due to the hurricanes. Was that your experience?
Thanks,
Carol
ngbtn
Lakeland, TN363 contributions
No! There is some seaweed but no smell. We’ve been to Waterlemon, Leinster, Maho, Jumbie, Honeymoon and Trunk. All were fine and Maho was great.
michele o
New York City, NY25 contributions
Taking car barge from st. thomas to trunk bay. How is parking once we get there?
Rickey S
2 contributions
Like I said take the ferry across from St.Thomas to St.John without a car and use a taxi once you get to the other side and a taxi to take you back to the ferry pier once you're done to go back to St.Thomas. Leave your vehicle at one of the shopping center parking lots near the St.Thomas ferry pier and once you get back just take a short walk back to your vehicle. They have paid upper level parking. It's a whole lot easier that way. Trust me
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Claim your listingTRUNK BAY BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Trunk Bay Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Trunk Bay Beach:
- Half-Day Excursion to Trunk Bay Beach (From £44.65)
- St Thomas to St John Snorkel, Swim & Beach Experience Aboard Luxury MV Sea Wolf (From £101.85)
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today! (From £117.52)
- St John Snorkel & Beach Yacht Charter from American Yacht Harbor (From £101.85)
- St John Island and Trunk Bay Beach Tour (From £65.12)
- Hotels near Trunk Bay Beach:
- (0.22 mi) The Peter Bay 1BR Honeymoon Suite at St. John
- (0.22 mi) The Peter Bay 1BR Penthouse Suite at St John's Most Prestigious Address
- (0.23 mi) The Peter Bay 1BR Honeymoon Suite at St. John's Most Prestigious Address
- (0.23 mi) La Vita Peter Bay- Dreamy Villa in the USVI PRIVATE BEACH
- (0.23 mi) Villa Coco De Mer at Peter Bay Estate - Your Own Private Beach
- Restaurants near Trunk Bay Beach:
- (2.24 mi) Our Market Smoothies
- (2.18 mi) North Shore Deli
- (2.10 mi) Sun Dog Cafe
- (2.23 mi) Extra Virgin Bistro
- (2.27 mi) Sam & Jack's Deli
- Attractions near Trunk Bay Beach:
- (0.02 mi) VI SNUBA Excursions
- (0.09 mi) Island Girl Charters
- (0.29 mi) Nate's Custom Charters
- (0.36 mi) Jumbie Beach
- (0.65 mi) Magic Moments Luxury Excursions