Trunk Bay
An underwater snorkel trail with signs mounted on the seabed, in shallow calm water inside Virgin Islands National Park.
Trunk Bay is the beach that appears on every US Virgin Islands poster, and unusually it earns it. The underwater trail is the reason to bring children: a marked route over the reef with plaques anchored to the seabed naming the corals and fish as you pass, in water shallow and calm enough that a competent young swimmer can follow it without stress. Facilities are unusually good for the national park - showers, restrooms, snorkel rental, a snack bar. It is the busiest beach on St. John, so cruise ship days are worth avoiding entirely; check the Charlotte Amalie schedule before choosing your day.
Pricing
Around $5 per person park entry (verify)
Common Questions
- How much does Trunk Bay cost?
- Trunk Bay charges admission. Around $5 per person park entry (verify)
- What ages is Trunk Bay good for?
- Trunk Bay is best for kids ages 4 to 18+.
- Is Trunk Bay stroller friendly?
- No, Trunk Bay is not considered stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to Trunk Bay?
- No, dogs are not allowed at Trunk Bay.
- How hard is Trunk Bay?
- The difficulty level is easy. Plan for about 4 hours.
- Is Trunk Bay free?
- No, there is a cost to visit Trunk Bay. Around $5 per person park entry (verify)
- What should I bring to Trunk Bay?
- Reef-safe sunscreen only, mask and snorkel (or rent on site), cash for entry
- How long does Trunk Bay take?
- Most families spend about 4 hours at Trunk Bay.
- When is the best time to visit Trunk Bay?
- Early morning, and check the cruise ship schedule - the beach transforms on port days.