The US Virgin Islands are perhaps one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands due to its hilly landscape surrounded by some of the finest seas imaginable. The views from the mountains or beaches show many other such islands in the background. Some are the US Virgin Islands and Some the British Virgin Islands.

The Most Beautiful of Beaches

Of the three islands that make up the US VI, St Thomas, St. John and St Croix, St John is the one that is the quietest and, I believe,the most beautiful of the three. The main reason is because most of the island is part of the US Virgin Island National Park. That translates to a small population, few cities and towns, and miles and miles of road to travel that cannot and will not have any structures ever built on them.

The most popular stop in St John is Trunk Bay. I read somewhere that the name Trunk Bay came from the name of some kind of Leatherback Turtle, though I could not confirm it anywhere. Cruise ships that come in on St Thomas set up excursions to Trunk Bay because of its beautiful setting and the underwater Snorkeling trail. More in a bit.

Coming around a bend while traveling north to Trunks Bay view of it comes into sight from perhaps a 100' elevation above. The view is spectacular. During one of our many trips to this spot I took a photograph from this location. Every photo looked like it was done by a pro. It had nothing much to do with my skills. It's just that the view is so extraordinary that any flaws a photographer may have are buried in the beauty of the site.

One year my wife presented me with one of the photos I took of that scene. The huge blow up now hangs in our bedroom.

Getting There

We happened to rent a car on each of our visits to this island. There's plenty of parking available at Trunk Bay.

The most common transport to Trunk Bay, however, is by taxi. These are pick up trucks with bench seating on each side of the cargo area facing each other having a colourful tent like canvas cover above protecting one from the sun. Be sure to tell your driver that you would like to stop and take that photo. They are quite accommodating.

The taxis drop off a little down the hill. They also wait there for those wanting to return to town and the ferries back to St Thomas. They do wait to get a fairly full vehicle before leaving. I have seen people have to wait a little while because of this. Those on cruise ship excursions will usually have their own transport, if not, do heed the words about having to wait a bit.

Beach and Snorkeling Trail

Getting onto the beach also holds magic with the white powdery sands with palm trees all along the coast. The sand on these beaches is made from the coral and therefor finer than most other sands. It is very easy on the feet. This sand also makes most of the approaches into the waters easy. Not tough-rough coral to negotiate. It's an easy walk in and the sea floor does not suddenly drop off.

Shade can be found under the palm trees and within the sea grape growths. This side of the island gets a lot of mid-day and late-day sun. There are some shaded picnic grounds and pavilions for larger groups.

This area can become crowded for a couple of reasons. It is fairly close to Cruz Bay, the main city and port on the island, and it is also well known for its world famous Underwater Trail. Though, for a seasoned snorkeler, it may seem a bit hokey, I still enjoyed it. You put on your gear and follow the signs that are posted under water. The information on the markers lists what you are looking at, what is in the area, and moves you along. For an even better snorkeling experience here continue beyond the trail and go around the nearby cay. Waters do get a bit more rough as you get out further. The trail itself is an easy swim in calm waters but it is over the heads of swimmers. Waters can always get rough in high winds but we never encountered that.

For first time snorkelers, gear can be rented at Trunk Bay. I suggest using it and learning how to be comfortable in the shallow waters and then, once acclimated to the snorkel and mask, venture out to the trail.

Getting Away From the Crowds

For those traveling to Trunk Bay on a cruise ship excursion you haven't much say as to when you go. For those on your own I'll mention we did not encounter crowds at all. What we did was to pick up a local paper that lists the arrival dates and times of cruise ships. On those days we stayed away from the well known places and traveled more inland.

Trunk Bay does charge about $4.00 for the day. There is a family price that can make the overall admission easier for a large family. The beach has a good size parking lot, a gift shop, rental equipment, a snack bar, rest rooms, showers, changing area, and picnic tables. We had a light lunch at the snack bar that also offers tables and chairs away from the beach. It was just fine. We would more often stop at one of the fine deli type markets on the way and get some excellent sandwiches. My full review of St John has more of that kind of info.

Last Thoughts

My wife and I have been to the US VI three times now. A stop at Trunk Bay seems obligatory. This is a good place when with children because of the shops, snacks, accommodations and such.

It's also good knowing that Trunk Bay has life guards. Most beaches on St John do not have them. Most waters on calm days are tranquil and easy to swim in.

For my wife and I it's another stop in our underwater adventures. It's the perfect place to learn how to snorkel. If advanced it's a good place to test out your gear, do the trail, and then take yourself to some of the other truly incredible snorkeling sites on the Island of St John.


St. John VI The island that is quiet and pristine.
US Virgin Islands National Park This park is awesome with private beaches and fantastic snorkeling!
The Baths National Park British Virgin Islands
St Croix A visit July '06





Recommended: Yes

Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime