Trunk Bay NPS Mooring
Trunk Bay · Trunk Bay Beach NPS
18°21.30'N 64°46.44'W
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m alarm radius on NPS mooring ball. NO ANCHORING in Trunk Bay — NPS mooring balls only ($26/night). Trunk Bay is a National Park with an underwater snorkel trail — anchoring would destroy the reef habitat. NPS rangers patrol and enforce. Northern exposure — check swell before overnight on mooring.
About This Anchorage
Trunk Bay on the north coast of St. John is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean — consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. The sweeping white sand arc, crystal turquoise water, and forested hillside backdrop make it a landmark destination. The bay is entirely within the Virgin Islands National Park and anchoring is absolutely prohibited — NPS mooring balls at $26/night are the only option. The bay features the famous NPS Underwater Snorkel Trail — a marked trail through the reef with interpretive signs visible to snorkellers identifying coral species and marine life. NPS rangers are present and actively enforce the no-anchoring rule. The beach has NPS lifeguards, restroom facilities, a small snack bar, and equipment rental. Day-use entry fee is $5/person. One of the essential USVI sailing destinations.
Protected From
S · SE · SW · E
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- NPS mooring balls $26/night — anchoring strictly prohibited
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- NPS mooring fee $26/night payable at beach fee station or via Recreation.gov. Day-use park fee $5/person separate from mooring fee.
Restrictions: NPS mooring balls ONLY — no anchoring under any circumstances; NPS day-use entry fee $5/person; no touching coral on the underwater snorkel trail; NPS rangers on patrol; beach closes at dusk.
Hazards
- !NO ANCHORING — NPS mooring balls only; anchoring here carries heavy fines and environmental damage consequences
- !Northern exposure — Atlantic swell can enter the bay; check forecasts before overnight stay on mooring
- !High visitor volume — day-trip boats and tour catamaran day boats arrive throughout the morning; anchorage becomes very crowded 10:00–15:00
- !Snorkel trail congestion — underwater trail extremely busy in peak season; be aware of snorkellers throughout the bay
- !Mooring balls fill early — arrive by 08:00 in peak season to guarantee a ball; day trip catamarans from St. Thomas dominate mid-morning
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive before 08:00 to secure an NPS mooring ball — the bay fills completely by mid-morning with day-trip boats from St. Thomas
- →The NPS Underwater Snorkel Trail is genuinely excellent — follow the numbered markers and read the interpretive signs; sea turtles are frequently seen here
- →NPS rangers check mooring fees and park passes — have payment ready; the $26/night mooring fee is separate from the $5 beach access fee
- →Trunk Bay is best experienced in the early morning before the day-trip catamarans arrive from St. Thomas — the water is clearer and quieter before 09:00
- →The snorkel trail starts at the western end of the beach — enter the water from the beach, not from the boat
Facilities
NPS beach snack bar with limited food and drinks. Restroom and changing facilities at the beach. Snorkel equipment rental available. No fuel or full provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Cruz Bay (2nm W) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. One of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean — crowding is guaranteed in peak season. Early morning arrival essential. NPS rules enforced year-round.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Virgin Islands National Park, anchor drag toward coral reef carries environmental and legal consequences. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy St. John's stunning beaches with confidence.
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