Close
We're Sorry
Trunk Bay Beach
Swimming in St. Thomas and St. John, Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay Beach
North Shore Road
St. John, VI 00831
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Trunk Bay Beach Description
See "The Rainbow Fish" up close! Trunk Bay, an underwater snorkeling trail, is one "museum" that kids will adore. Follow the signs on the ocean bottom naming coral formations and other sea life as you swim with iridescent fish and wave at sea turtles. St. John's has some three dozen beaches, but limit yourself to North Shore Road and you'll find what many argue are the most beautiful in the world (Trunk, Hawksnest, Maho, Cinnamon, and others): pristine nature, soft white sand, nice surf, and unbelievably beautiful views of the Caribbean. Each one better than the last.
Swimming
Snorkeling
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Little (and big) explorers will enjoy the wonders often tucked away at the far end of St. John beaches, including tide pools and keepsake shells.
School-Age Kids: The surf is generally calm, but if you hit St. John beaches on the right day, your kids will join in the scramble for that perfect wave. The body surfing can be fabulous! And some beaches offer boogie boards for rent.
Planning Notes
- Amenities vary. Decide how quiet and remote an experience you're interested in and check with your taxi driver about an appropriate beach. Trunk Bay offers snorkel rentals, restrooms, and food. Cinnamon Bay, the largest of the beaches, offers the most amenities, including windsurfing rentals. Some have no bathrooms.
- Consider a deli lunch. Stop at Deli Grotto in Mongoose Junction on your way and bring along a truly yummy lunch.
- Lower the snorkeling stress. Getting used to snorkel gear can take a little practice, especially with young children. They're perfectly capable, but there's a definite learning curve.
- Use your noodle. Snorkeling can be pretty tiring, and the Trunk Bay trail is a bit of a swim from shore. Use a noodle or a life jacket to give yourself a bit of a break.
- Clear your mask. Spit in the mask, wipe, then rinse with sea water to keep it from clouding.
Just the Facts
Hours: Sun-up to sundown
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: Half day
