Trunk Bay is St. John’s most magnificent beach and, by extension, its most popular. Trunk Bay is a vision of fluffy white sand, sea grape trees, and coconut palms. Trunk Cay, just off shore, is a tiny island of rocky cliffs, tufted by hardy palm trees. The National Park Service (NPS) maintains an underwater snorkel trail alongside the cay that is good for beginners. The extensive facilities—lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, a snack bar, gift shop, and telephones—are open daily 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Park rangers lead a weekly snorkel tour of Trunk Bay for experienced snorkelers every Tuesday. The group usually meets at the Trunk Bay lifeguard station at 9:30 a.m., but call the Cruz Bay Visitor Center (tel. 340/776-6201) to confirm.

Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John that you must pay to enter. The NPS collects $4 per person (under 17 free) 9 a.m.–4 p.m. If you save your entry ticket, you won’t have to pay at the Annaberg Plantation (or vice versa) as long as you visit both sites on the same day.

Trunk Bay is often mobbed, since it is the most popular stop for organized day trips from St. Thomas and the cruise ships. To avoid the crowds come early or late, but do come—this is what Caribbean beach dreams are made of.