Excerpted from St. John Beach Guide © 2006 Gerald Singer

"Trunk Bay is the most beautiful beach in the world. I beg your pardon, Magens Bay in St. Thomas, but there can only be one first. I'll make you, first minus one. Trunk Bay has sands white and sparkling, water crystal clear, litle fish peeking at your toes,gently rolling swells or mightily pounding surf, all surroundrd by coconut palms gracefully waving a welcome. There are also old ruins, if you are nostalgic, sun as hot as you like it, and an under-sea trail for snorkeling and sight-seeing. Again our thanks to Rockefeller, wh bought our most valuable beach and gave it to the National Park. What an insight into the future! This was once private property with a 'No Tresspassing" sign. Today it belongs to all people for their enjoyment and use.

From Me and My Beloved Virgin by Guy Benjamin

The Name
The Geographic Dictionary of the Virgin Islands speculates that the name Trunk Bay "may be from either Trunkscildpatt (the giant leatherback turtle) or the Trunkfish,also known as shell fish for its hard exoskeleton."

My choice would be that of the impressive leatherback, which can be as much as nine feet long and weigh over 2,000 pounds.

Trunk Bay has the most modern and convenient facilities and receives the most visitors of any beach on St. John. It is a breathtakingly beautiful beach, with perfect soft white powdery sand extending into the sea. The beach is bordered coconut palms, seagrapes and beach mahos and the lush tropical vegetation extends into the flat valley floor where the Trunk Bay facilities are located. The turquoise and blue water is crystal-clear and the panoramic view from the beach picture-perfect.

The beach is over a quarter-mile long with a spit of sand that juts out in the direction of Trunk Cay giving the bay a heart-shaped appearance.

Snorkeling Trunk Bay

The St. John Virgin Islands National Park maintains an underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay with under water signs providing a wealth of interesting information. The water is calm and clear, warm and inviting, enjoy!

History of Trunk Bay

Facilities
Showers, bathrooms and changing areas are available between 7:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.

Also available are public telephones, picnic tables, barbeque grills and a covered pavilion. (To reserve the covered pavilion for a private event, call the National Park at 776-6201.)

A gift shop provides just about everything you might need while at the beach, such as sun screen, towels, insect repellent, hats, tee-shirts, bathing suits, film, batteries, books, post cards and souvenirs. Lockers, snorkel equipment, floatation devices and beach chairs are available for rent. The gift shop is open from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Rental equipment must be returned by 3:00 P.M.

The snack bar is open between 9:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.
The organization, Friends of the Park, operate a kiosk staffed by volunteers where you can by books and other park related material. It has been described by one Park Ranger as "a miniature Visitors Center."

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