How to Get to Trunk Bay, St. John (2026 Season Guide)

Take the ferry from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John, then a 10-minute taxi on the North Shore Road to Trunk Bay. Adults 16+ pay a $5 National Park amenity fee. The beach has lifeguards, an underwater snorkel trail and restrooms.

Quick Answer

• Ferry Red Hook → Cruz Bay: ~20 min, $8.15 one-way (non-resident), hourly from early morning to late evening (VI DPW)
• Ferry Charlotte Amalie → Cruz Bay: ~45 min, $13 one-way (Varlack Ventures)
• Taxi Cruz Bay → Trunk Bay: $9 per person (2+ riders) or $12 solo, per the VI Taxicab Commission rate schedule
• NPS amenity fee: $5 per person, ages 16+, sunrise to sunset (NPS)
• Facilities: open 8 AM – 4 PM (Recreation.gov)

Step-by-Step From St. Thomas

1. Get to Red Hook on St. Thomas's east end, the fastest crossing.
2. Ride the passenger ferry to Cruz Bay ($8.15, ~20 min). See our ferry guide.
3. Grab a safari taxi at the Cruz Bay dock. Trunk Bay is a regular stop.
4. Pay the $5 amenity fee at the booth or on Recreation.gov.
5. Snorkel the underwater trail on the east side of the beach.

Cost Breakdown (Per Adult, Round Trip)

Taxi fares follow the official rate schedule. Check the St. John taxi rates page before you ride.

Driving & Parking

Renting a Jeep? Trunk Bay has a paid lot that fills by late morning in peak season. The car ferry from Red Hook gets your vehicle across. Arrive before 10 AM for the easiest parking.

Arriving by Boat

Charter boats can't land on Trunk Bay's swim beach. The National Park protects the area, and boats use designated moorings nearby. A popular alternative is a St. John snorkel charter that hits Trunk Cay and quieter North Shore reefs from the water.

Is the Fee Going Up?

In 2024 the NPS proposed raising Trunk Bay's fee to $10 and applying it from age 10. As of this writing, the official NPS fees page still lists $5 for ages 16+. Check nps.gov before you go.

Best Time to Visit

• Before 10 AM or after 2 PM: fewer cruise-ship day trippers
• Calm days: best visibility on the snorkel trail
• Weekdays: lighter crowds than weekends and holidays

More on the reef: Trunk Bay snorkeling guide and St. John beaches.

Our Recommendation: Book Your Boat With QuestVI.com

The easiest, most reliable way to get there is to book your boat on QuestVI.com. We are a local team on St. Thomas and St. John, and we compare 180+ vetted charters, so you do not have to juggle ferry timetables, customs lines and taxi rides.

• Every option in one place: private, shared and BVI day trips side by side, with real prices and live availability
• Vetted local captains who know the moorings, the swell and the customs process
• Secure online booking with instant confirmation
• Any day of the week, with no waiting for limited ferry schedules
• Local help from people who live here, if you are not sure which boat fits your group

Find your boat on QuestVI.com → or get matched with Find My Charter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to go to Trunk Bay?

$5 per person aged 16+ for the NPS amenity fee. Under 16 is free.

How long is the taxi from Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay?

About 10–15 minutes along the North Shore Road.

Can I take a ferry directly to Trunk Bay?

No. Ferries go to Cruz Bay, and you continue by taxi or car.

What are Trunk Bay's hours?

Facilities run 8 AM – 4 PM, and the fee applies sunrise to sunset.

Is Trunk Bay worth it?

Yes for first-timers. It has lifeguards, an easy marked snorkel trail and one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean.

See It From the Water

Want the North Shore without the crowds? Browse St. John charters and add Trunk Cay to your snorkel stops.