Trunk Bay

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


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-kilometre) 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 centre. Follow the 675-foot (205-metre) 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.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Peter Bay Gatehouse

Peter Bay Gatehouse

4 out of 5
6A Peter Bay, St. John, St John
Peter Bay Gatehouse
The Westin St. John Resort Villas

The Westin St. John Resort Villas

4.5 out of 5
300B Chocolate Hole, P.O. Box 8310, Great Cruz Bay, St. John
The Westin St. John Resort Villas
Searenity Villa in Cruz Bay with private pool and sunset view

Searenity Villa in Cruz Bay with private pool and sunset view

Cruz Bay, St John
Searenity Villa in Cruz Bay with private pool and sunset view
spacious and cozy 1 bedroom with garden views and AC-1 mile from Cruz Bay

spacious and cozy 1 bedroom with garden views and AC-1 mile from Cruz Bay

2 out of 5
Cruz Bay
spacious and cozy 1 bedroom with garden views and AC-1 mile from Cruz Bay
Spacious Serene Villas~4 bedrooms-w/4 private ensuite bathrooms.

Spacious Serene Villas~4 bedrooms-w/4 private ensuite bathrooms.

St John, St John
Spacious Serene Villas~4 bedrooms-w/4 private ensuite bathrooms.
Seabreeze cottage with private  pool and sunset view

Seabreeze cottage with private pool and sunset view

Cruz Bay, St John
Seabreeze cottage with private pool and sunset view
“Secluded Romantic Villa with Private Pool—Nestled in Lush National Park Beauty”

“Secluded Romantic Villa with Private Pool—Nestled in Lush National Park Beauty”

St John, US Virgin Islands
“Secluded Romantic Villa with Private Pool—Nestled in Lush National Park Beauty”
Crystal Shores Estate, Beautiful Island Estate Overlooking Fish Bay w/ Large Saltwater Pool

Crystal Shores Estate, Beautiful Island Estate Overlooking Fish Bay w/ Large Saltwater Pool

Cruz Bay
Crystal Shores Estate, Beautiful Island Estate Overlooking Fish Bay w/ Large Saltwater Pool
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 delightful activities for visitors, including stunning sunsets, vibrant snorkelling opportunities, and birdwatching. To enhance your experience, consider joining fun tours that explore the natural beauty and marine life of this picturesque location. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or delve into underwater adventures, Trunk Bay has something for everyone.

Shopping

For gifts and souvenirs, visit St. John Spice, only 1.2km from Trunk Bay. Mongoose Junction, a vibrant shopping centre also 1.2km away, offers a great selection. If you're up for a drive, explore Market Square East, located 5.6km away, for a diverse market experience.

Recreation

At The Self Centre, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments just 1.6km from Trunk Bay, enveloped in a serene atmosphere. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mahogany Run Golf Course, located 5.6km away, offers a fantastic golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes, while Lionel Roberts Stadium, 6.8km away, caters to sports enthusiasts.

Adventure

The St John Eco Hike & Snorkel Adventure, located 1.9km from Trunk Bay, offers a thrilling blend of hiking and snorkelling amidst stunning scenery. For a scenic stroll, explore the Lind Point Trail, 1.2km away. For a unique view, take the Skyride to Paradise Point, situated 6.2km from the bay.

Nightlife

In Trunk Bay, the Pistarckle Theater offers a blend of entertainment and culture just 5.0km away, perfect for families and couples. For a cinematic experience, Caribbean Cinemas at Market Square is 5.6km away, while Magic Ice Gallery, an enchanting pub, is 6.8km away, ideal for a romantic night out.

Find the best attractions near Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a captivating blend of stunning beaches, picturesque bays, and the natural beauty of a national park. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor experiences and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can enjoy the renowned Trunk Bay Beach, along with various other attractions that cater to sun-seekers and nature lovers alike, ensuring a delightful holiday for all types of travellers.

  • Maho Beach: Located 621m from Trunk Bay, Maho Beach offers stunning views and tranquil vibes perfect for relaxation. The gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and sunbathing, while the lush surroundings add to its beauty.
  • Honeymoon Beach: Situated 1.2km from Trunk Bay, Honeymoon Beach is a romantic spot known for its picturesque scenery and soft sands. It’s a great place for couples and families alike to enjoy a day of sun, sea, and serenity.
  • Gibney Beach: Just 373m from Trunk Bay, Gibney Beach is a hidden gem, known for its privacy and tranquil atmosphere. With crystal-clear waters and golden sands, it’s perfect for a peaceful day away from the crowds.

Best time to go to Trunk Bay

The best time to visit Trunk Bay can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Trunk Bay falls in September, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Trunk Bay falls in March, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January78.3°F (25.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March77.5°F (25.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April78.6°F (25.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Trunk Bay

To save on your trip to Trunk Bay, consider visiting between September and November when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally for a Tuesday stay to secure the best rates, as Sundays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering options or combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal for additional savings. Look out for last-minute deals, free cancellation policies, and great rates to maximise your budget while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Trunk Bay.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Trunk Bay about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Trunk Bay hotel reservation with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.