Trunk Bay Tours

Trunk Bay which includes island views
Trunk Bay featuring a sandy beach
Trunk Bay featuring tropical scenes and a beach
Trunk Bay which includes general coastal views
Trunk Bay showing a sandy beach, tropical scenes and a bay or harbor


Backed by palms, this stretch of sparkling white sand is regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Part of the protected Virgin Islands National Park, the idyllic Trunk Bay is one of the most famous beaches on St. John. Lie back and relax on the sands, dip your feet in the warm water or don a snorkel and explore the underwater trail here.

Find your very own piece of paradise at the quarter-mile (half-kilometer) long beach on the northern side of the island. Lounge under the bright midday sun or enjoy the natural shade created by the thick coconut palm trees whose branches extend out over the sand.

Cool off with a splash in the sea or put on flippers and a mask and go in search of marine life a little farther out. Good snorkeling can be found close to the rocky islet of Trunk Cay. The real highlight for marine wildlife enthusiasts, however, is definitely the purpose-built underwater trail.

Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it from the nearby beach center. Follow the 675-foot (205-meter) trail, which begins offshore from the beach. The route leads snorkelers over bright coral where many species of tropical fish can be seen. Read the trail signs, which will help you to identify the different types of fish and coral.

Pack a picnic for your day out at the beach or head to the snack bar for a refreshing drink and snack. Look for ships gliding across the horizon as you eat.

Trunk Bay is on the north coast of St. John just west of Cinnamon Bay. Note that Trunk Bay, unlike most other beaches on the island, does charge an entry fee. Toilets, showers and lifeguard services are provided. A taxi rank is also situated here, so getting to and from the beach won’t be a problem even if you don’t have a car.

Plan a trip to see Trunk Bay

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Wharfside Village Hotel
Margaritaville Vacation Club - St. Thomas
Limetree Beach Resort by Club Wyndham

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Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Reviews of Trunk Bay

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
251
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
86
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Bring water and snacks. The lines are long and there's no wait service. The only Bar was out of Salt for a decent Margarita and they don't have blenders for frozen drinks. It's kind of a Hippie Vibe if you like that sort of thing. Cute places to sit and everyone is really nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

underwater trail

5/5 - Excellent

SallyfromDallas

We've been to many beaches. This one stands out for it's great ecosystem. It's located in a national park and has not been heavily commercialized. We took a cab here for $6/person. There were picnic tables to put our things, we also saw lockers but with no locks. The beach itself is picture perfect and preserves the natural beauty of the area. The water is crystal clear and we saw a healthy ecosystem during our snorkeling. There's a small store if you want to rent gear, a bar area, and small food area. It's simple, but natural. My son saw an octopus while snorkeling, and the coral is in good shape with lots of marine life. This was our favorite beach we visited during our stay

3/5 - Okay

Ford

Was an expensive excursion and full of tourists.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go on a low cruise ship day (St. Thomas), the beach will be far less crowded. Definitely snorkel the trail great fish, rays, etc. Full facilities (showers, lockers, bar and snack bar)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's a Federal Park on St. John.  If you drive, make sure you park in parking spots.  If you park on the road, make sure you park in off the road.  A person got towed.  Not great experience for them.  They have showers, a bar, food truck, snorkle rentals.  The taxi from center of town was only $6.00 per person and worth not driving.  Windy, narrow and steep roads.  We loved St. John better than St. Thomas    We wented snorkle equipment from a local business.  When you get off ferry ($16.00 rt), it's the first building to your right.  Just walk up the stairs and the shop rents them.  We ate at High Tides in same building complex on the water great and Longboards.  Also very good.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including breathtaking ocean views and unforgettable snorkeling experiences in its vibrant coral reefs. Enjoy exploring scenic hiking trails or embark on outdoor adventures like birdwatching. For a thrilling water experience, consider trying out a banana boat ride. Don't miss the stunning sunsets that make Trunk Bay a perfect vacation spot in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Shopping

During your stay in Trunk Bay, visit St. John Spice, just 2 miles away, for unique gifts. Mongoose Junction, also 2 miles away, offers a vibrant shopping atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Market Square East, located 9 miles from Trunk Bay, for a local market experience.

Recreation

At The Self Centre, just a mile from Trunk Bay, indulge in revitalizing body treatments that promote relaxation and wellness. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mahogany Run Golf Course, nine miles away, offers a scenic golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes, while Lionel Roberts Stadium, eleven miles away, hosts various sporting events for active fun.

Adventure

Experience the St John Eco Hike & Snorkel Adventure, a thrilling hike located 3 miles from Trunk Bay, offering stunning scenery and outdoor excitement. Explore the Lind Point Trail, 2 miles away, for breathtaking views. For family fun, take the Skyride to Paradise Point, located 10 miles from the beach.

Nightlife

Enjoy a romantic evening at Pistarckle Theater, located 8 miles from Trunk Bay, where culture and family vibes come alive. For a unique experience, visit Magic Ice Gallery, 11 miles away, to sip drinks in an icy atmosphere. Catch the latest films at Caribbean Cinemas, 9 miles from Trunk Bay.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay in St. John offers stunning beaches and scenic bays perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the excellent Trunk Bay Beach, which is renowned for its beauty and amenities. The area is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, providing ample opportunities for exploring nature and taking in breathtaking views. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the picturesque surroundings, Trunk Bay is an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

  • Virgin Islands National Park: Located 0.9 miles from Trunk Bay, this breathtaking national park offers diverse adventures amidst stunning scenery. Explore hiking trails, snorkel in vibrant waters, and immerse yourself in the rich wildlife and cultural history of the Virgin Islands.
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach: Just 0.6 miles away, Cinnamon Bay Beach is a picturesque spot known for its soft sands and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, or engaging in water sports while taking in the mesmerizing coastal views.
  • Maho Beach: Situated 1 mile from Trunk Bay, Maho Beach is famous for its serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Relax on the beach or watch turtles gracefully swimming in the clear waters—perfect for a tranquil day by the sea.

Best time to go to Trunk Bay

The best time to visit Trunk Bay is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. March is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January78.3°F (25.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March77.5°F (25.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April78.6°F (25.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December79.7°F (26.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Trunk Bay

To save money on your trip to Trunk Bay, plan your visit between September and November when prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for potential savings. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price. Combine hotel, flight, and activities for extra savings, and consider joining Expedia's One Key program for exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Trunk Bay are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Trunk Bay about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Trunk Bay is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Trunk Bay is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. To find the most affordable rates and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Trunk Bay hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.