Trunk Bay is the postcard. Almost every photo you have ever seen of St. John — the sweeping crescent of powder-white sand, water shading from glass-clear to deep teal, a small green cay sitting out in the bay — was probably taken here. It is consistently ranked in the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic and Condé Nast, and it is the only beach on St. John with a designated underwater snorkel trail.
It is also the most-visited beach in Virgin Islands National Park, which means if you show up at the wrong hour you will fight cruise crowds for parking and share the water with three hundred new friends. Get the timing right and it is still one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The underwater snorkel trail
Swim out to the right side of the beach toward Trunk Cay — the small island about 200 yards offshore. The marked trail is a loop along the reef on the east side of the cay, with underwater plaques identifying the elkhorn coral, sea fans, parrotfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional spotted eagle ray. The water is shallow (5–15 feet most of the way) and visibility is usually excellent.
Bring your own gear or rent at the beach kiosk. The reef has taken damage over the years from sunscreen runoff and hurricane swell — wear a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone or octinoxate), and never touch or stand on the coral.
Fees and getting in
Trunk Bay is the only beach in Virgin Islands National Park that charges an entrance fee. As of 2026 it is $5 per adult for a 7-day pass, free for kids under 16, and free with any America the Beautiful National Parks pass. Pay at the gatehouse on your way in.
The beach has the most complete facilities in the park: restrooms with showers, a snack bar, gear rental, lockers, and a small gift shop.
Parking and timing
The paid parking lot at Trunk Bay typically fills between 10:00 and 10:30 in high season (December–April). If it is full, the rangers turn cars around at the gate. You have three options:
- Arrive early. Be at the gate by 9:30. You will have an hour of nearly empty beach before the day-trippers arrive.
- Arrive late. After 3pm the crowds thin out as the cruise shuttle heads back to the ferry. Golden-hour light on the bay is incredible.
- Take a taxi. Open-air safari taxis run from Cruz Bay all day for $8–$10 per person each way. Tell the driver you want to be picked up at 4pm and they will be there.
What to bring
- Snorkel mask, fins, and a rash guard (rentals available but pricey)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mineral / non-nano zinc only)
- A dry bag for your phone and car key
- Cash for the gate (cards accepted but cash is faster)
- Refillable water bottle — the snack bar gets long lines
Getting to Trunk Bay from Sunset Villa
From Sunset Villa, Trunk Bay is a 12-minute drive along North Shore Road — one of the most scenic stretches of road in the Caribbean. You will pass Hawksnest Beach and the overlook at Peace Hill on the way. We keep a stash of snorkel gear, beach chairs, a cooler, and a small National Parks pass at the villa so guests can be in the water within 30 minutes of waking up.
Part of the The Beaches of St. John, USVI: A Complete Guide.
Frequently asked
›How much does it cost to visit Trunk Bay?
Trunk Bay is inside Virgin Islands National Park. As of 2026, the entrance fee is $5 per adult (16+) for a 7-day pass, or free with an America the Beautiful National Parks pass. Children under 16 enter free.
›Where do you park at Trunk Bay?
There is a paid parking lot at the beach itself, run by the National Park concessionaire. It fills up by mid-morning in high season. If it's full, you can park along the North Shore Road shoulder and walk down, or take a Cruz Bay taxi for around $8–$10 per person each way.
›How long is the Trunk Bay underwater snorkel trail?
The marked underwater trail runs about 225 yards along the reef on the east side of Trunk Cay, the small island just off the beach. Plaques describe the coral and fish species you swim past. Plan on 30–45 minutes to do the full loop.
›What's the best time of day to go to Trunk Bay?
Arrive before 10am or after 3pm. Cruise-ship day-trippers from St. Thomas typically reach Trunk Bay between 10am and 2pm, which is when the lot fills and the beach gets busiest.
Keep reading
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