Trunk Bay is a crescent of white sand inside Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, routinely ranked among the world's best beaches. It is home to the world's first self-guided underwater snorkel trail, established in 1962: you wade in straight off the beach and follow a line of underwater plaques for about 200 meters, reading about the corals and fish as you glide over them. The bay's curve shelters it from Atlantic swell, so the water is usually calm and gin-clear at 1–5 m, with a shallow coral garden, parrotfish and angelfish, and, if you are lucky, sea turtles and eagle rays. In 2026 it still operates as a managed national-park beach and gets busy around midday on cruise-ship days.
Chances of sea turtles and spotted eagle rays gliding past the cay
Good to know
SafetyInside the buoys near the beach the water is easy, but the outer tip of the cay can pick up swell and strong current depending on weather, tide and moon phase — stay on the sheltered western side, inside the buoys, and don't get pushed out to sea.
SafetyNever snorkel alone; go with a buddy. Beginners panic easily when a mask fogs or floods, so keep a float or the buoy line nearby and don't push past your comfort level.
SafetyBoats and dinghies move just outside the marked swim zone, so stay within the buoys; afternoon trade winds raise chop and cut visibility, so mornings are calmer and safer.
SafetyThe entry has scattered coral and sea urchins — wear reef booties and avoid touching fire coral or urchins, which sting and cut.
RulesThis is a national-park marine protected area: don't touch or stand on coral, don't collect or feed marine life, and use reef-safe sunscreen. An entrance fee or National Park pass is required (confirm the current rate).
MannersStand only on sand, never on coral. If a turtle or ray appears, keep your distance and watch quietly — don't chase, touch or feed it.
SeasonSnorkelable year-round, calmest December–April; June–November is Atlantic hurricane season, so check the forecast. The water is warm, about 26–29°C.
Practical info
Reach St. John by ferry from St. Thomas (Cruz Bay), then take a taxi, rental car or bus along the north-shore road; snorkeling is a straight walk off the beach and gear can be rented on site. The beach has an entrance fee, restrooms, showers, a lifeguard and a snack bar, but rates and hours change — check the latest National Park Service info before you go.
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