Trunk Bay is the most famous beach on St. John and possibly the most famous beach in all the Caribbean. Located 3 miles out of cruz bay on the North Shore rd., it has perfect powdery white sand and an under water snorkel trail with plaques describing the various items that snorkelers can see on the bottom. No visit to St. John is complete without a visit to Trunk Bay. Run by the National Park, there is a fee to access the beach from land, $4 for visitors over 16 years of age. Bathrooms and changing areas are available between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM. There are, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a covered pavilion. (To reserve the covered pavilion for a private event, call the National Park at 340-776-6201.) Getting there is very easy as the taxis in Cruz bay are happy to take folks out and there are always plenty of Taxis at Trunk bay waiting in the parking lot. The gift shop provides a good selection of sun screen, towels, insect repellent, hats, shirts, bathing suits, disposable underwater cameras, batteries, books, post cards and souvenirs. Lockers, snorkel equipment, flotation devices and beach chairs are available for rent. The gift shop is open from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Rental equipment must be returned by 3:00 PM. The snack bar is open between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
The Friends of the Park organization operate a kiosk staffed by volunteers where you can by books and other park related material. It has been described by some as "a miniature Visitors Center". There is also a service called SNUBA, that allows visitors to simulate diving without dive equipment.
