Trunk Bay, St. John

UPSCALE December-April STT - Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category UPSCALE $250-400 per person
Perfect For
Beach Family Romantic Outdoors Luxury Cruise Port
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
9.0/10
Romance
9.0/10
Adventure
6.0/10
Relaxation
10.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
December-April
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-April | Shoulder: May-June, November
Airport
STT - Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar
English

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When to visit Trunk Bay

Best months
December-April
Peak season
December-April
Shoulder season
May-June, November
Off season
July-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Trunk Bay quick facts

Main airport
STT - Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$250-400 per person
Budget category
Upscale

Getting around Trunk Bay

Getting around St. John requires either a rental car, taxi, or organized tours since there's no public bus system. The island is small but mountainous with winding roads, so travel times can be longer than expected.

Rental car

A rental car is highly recommended for flexibility and to explore multiple beaches and attractions at your own pace. Book in advance as availability is limited on the island.

Public transit

There is no public transportation system on St. John, making rental cars or taxis essential for getting around the island.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft are not available on St. John. Traditional taxis are available but can be expensive, and advance booking is recommended especially for return trips to the ferry.

Local tips for Trunk Bay

Insider tips

  • Arrive before 10am to secure parking and enjoy the beach before cruise ship day-trippers arrive.
  • Bring cash for the park entrance fee and snack bar, as credit card acceptance can be limited.
  • The underwater snorkel trail has numbered signs - start at sign 1 near the lifeguard station and follow clockwise.
  • Pack reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is harmful to the coral reef ecosystem.
  • Consider renting snorkel gear on St. Thomas before taking the ferry to save money.
  • The beach can get crowded between 11am-3pm when cruise ships are in port.
  • Bring water shoes as the coral and rocks near the snorkel trail can be sharp.
  • Check ferry schedules carefully as the last ferries back to St. Thomas depart in early evening.
  • The beach faces northwest, so afternoon visits offer better lighting for underwater photography.
  • Local iguanas are common but don't feed them - it's harmful to their health and illegal in the park.

What to pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based)
  • Snorkel gear or plan to rent locally
  • Water shoes for rocky areas
  • Waterproof phone case or underwater camera
  • Beach towel and umbrella for shade
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Cash for entrance fees and snack bar
  • Quick-dry clothing and swimwear
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Small cooler with snacks and drinks

Sample itinerary: 3 days in Trunk Bay

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Trunk Bay Paradise
Morning: Take the early ferry from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, then head straight to Trunk Bay to secure parking and enjoy the beach before crowds arrive. Start with the famous underwater snorkel trail.
Afternoon: Relax on the pristine white sand beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and grab lunch at the beachside snack bar. Explore more of the coral reef areas for snorkeling.
Evening: Watch the sunset from the beach, then head back to Cruz Bay for dinner at a waterfront restaurant before catching the ferry back to St. Thomas.
Day 2 — North Shore Beach Hopping
Morning: Visit Hawksnest Bay for excellent snorkeling in a quieter setting, then continue to Caneel Bay for its pristine beaches and luxury resort atmosphere.
Afternoon: Explore Cinnamon Bay for hiking opportunities and historical ruins, or relax on its long stretch of beach. Rent kayaks or paddleboards if available.
Evening: Return to Cruz Bay for shopping and dining, exploring the local art galleries and enjoying Caribbean cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 3 — Island Adventure
Morning: Hike the Reef Bay Trail through Virgin Islands National Park to see ancient petroglyphs and tropical forest. Arrange for boat pickup at Reef Bay beach.
Afternoon: Take the boat back to Cruz Bay, then drive to Coral World or explore the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins for a dose of local history and culture.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a hillside restaurant with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Trunk Bay

The best time to visit Trunk Bay is December-April. Peak season runs December-April, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (May-June, November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Trunk Bay is $250-400 per person per person. Trunk Bay is generally considered a upscale destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Trunk Bay, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Trunk Bay is STT - Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Trunk Bay include: Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based), Snorkel gear or plan to rent locally, Water shoes for rocky areas, Waterproof phone case or underwater camera, Beach towel and umbrella for shade, Refillable water bottle, Cash for entrance fees and snack bar, Quick-dry clothing and swimwear. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Trunk Bay: Arrive before 10am to secure parking and enjoy the beach before cruise ship day-trippers arrive.. Bring cash for the park entrance fee and snack bar, as credit card acceptance can be limited.. The underwater snorkel trail has numbered signs - start at sign 1 near the lifeguard station and follow clockwise.. Pack reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is harmful to the coral reef ecosystem.. Consider renting snorkel gear on St. Thomas before taking the ferry to save money..