Trunk Bay Beach

Trunk Bay is sort of the Holy Grail of St. John beaches, offering a wide expanse of pristine white sand and azure water marked by a small offshore cay. The gentle surf and reefs around the island make it a great spot for beginning snorkelers, and the marked underwater "trail" offers a lesson in Sea Life 101. The beach can get a bit crowded in peak season (especially on cruise ship days), but this somehow doesn't detract from its awesomeness. The facilities are excellent too: In addition to a snack bar and bathrooms, there is a changing room, showers, a picnic area, a gift shop and lockers. You can also rent watersports equipment. Snorkeling is best here in the morning, when the water is at its calmest. Since this beach is in the National Park, you have to pay a small entrance fee to get in.