Trunk Bay Beach Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

by Nichole | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 | Best Snorkeling Caribbean, St. John

As experienced snorkelers who have explored some of the world’s top underwater destinations from remote Rangiroa to Belize, Moorea, and the Maldives, my husband and I were excited to visit Trunk Bay during our trip to St. John.

There’s no denying it’s a stunning beach, and it’s easy to see why it’s often listed among the most beautiful in the world. The white sand, turquoise water, and lush surroundings are picture-perfect.

While the underwater snorkeling trail is a fun and easy spot to jump in the water for a quick snorkel, the marine life and coral here aren’t as vibrant as what you’ll find at other spots on the island. That said, it’s still worth checking out if you’re looking for a relaxing beach day with a short snorkel session close to shore.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, how to make the most of the snorkeling, and what fish you might spot along the way.

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Table of Contents

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St. John Snorkeling Rating System

My husband and I travel the world rating snorkeling sites like Trunk Bay and highlighting the most remarkable places.

Please see my personal rating key below.

OVERALL SNORKEL RATING KEY

🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 = World-class snorkeling and worth traveling just for the snorkeling alone!

🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 = Incredible snorkeling and should be on your list of top things to do!

🤿 🤿 🤿 = Decent snorkeling and worth the effort!

🤿 🤿 = Worth consideration if you are running out of things to do!

🤿 = Not worth it!

Planning to do lots of snorkeling in St. John?

Don’t miss my handpicked list of 11 must-see snorkeling spots, all in one place.

Snorkeling map of top St. John USVI Snorkeling Sites

Trunk Bay Beach Snorkeling

Trunk Bay beach in St. John USVI

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Rating: 🤿 🤿

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How to Get There

Trunk Bay Beach has a large parking lot right off North Shore Road, however, get there early because spaces fill up quickly!

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Trunk Bay beach parking lot

Once you arrive, proceed to the entrance and pay the nominal $5 fee per person.

Trunk Bay beach entrance

After just a short walk, I was greeted by one of the most breathtaking island beaches I’ve ever seen. Trunk Bay Beach truly lives up to the hype.

One thing I really appreciated during my visit was how convenient everything was.

The facilities are excellent, and grabbing a quick bite or a refreshing rum punch at the Snack Shack right off the beach made the whole day even better.

If you’re thinking about visiting, don’t miss my 8 personal tips for planning a fun and stress-free beach day at Trunk Bay. I learned them the fun way!

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Snorkeling Map

Map of where to snorkel at the Trunk Bay Beach in St. John US Virgin Islands

Map of where to snorkel at Trunk Bay beach in St. John US Virgin Islands

There is an underwater snorkeling trail along the Cay, which requires a short swim out from the beach.

There are more fish and coral on the calmer western side of the Cay (which is the left side as you face the water).

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Entry

Access is easy with a shallow sandy entry.

Be sure to bring your own snorkeling gear. St. John is packed with incredible spots to explore, and having your own equipment makes it so much easier to jump in anytime.

Here is the gear my husband and I always pack for our snorkel adventures, based on years of experience around the world.

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St. John Fish Sightings

There are some beautiful tropical fish like sergeant majors and coral outcroppings; however, I would not consider this a top snorkeling spot.

Go for the beach and not the snorkeling. Also, expect much more snorkeling fins in your face because of the increased crowds.

I cannot emphasize enough about getting here early to avoid the peak crowds.

Snorkeling at Trunk Bay beach

Final Thoughts

In summary, enjoy Trunk Bay for what it’s known for … its stunning white sand beach and clear turquoise waters.

However, keep your expectations low for the snorkeling.

For fellow avid snorkelers like us, we highly recommend exploring snorkeling sites like Waterlemon Cay, Haulover Bay North, Grootpan Bay, and Little Lameshur Bay.

I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.

My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.

Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!