Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure: St. John Trunk Bay Beach & Snorkel Tour

By April Menendez

If you have plans to set sail on an Eastern Caribbean Itinerary, and find yourself wondering which port adventure to experience during your St. Thomas stop- I may have just the solution for you!  If your family is seeking sun, white sand, and underwater exploration in the clearest of waters, St. John Trunk Bay Beach is hands-down the best option!

Did you know that Trunk Bay beach is not only a gorgeous destination, but it’s also one of the most famously photographed beaches in the United States Virgin Islands!?! That’s right! When you step foot on this beach, you will understand why! Trunk Bay is even considered the most pristine beach on St. John! This destination is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Fun Historical fact: Trunk Bay Beach is part of the Virgin Islands National Park service, which was donated by Laurence S. Rockefeller.

To get to Trunk Bay you’ll have to travel a tad, but trust me- it is so worth it! To get here, you’ll enjoy a serene 45-minute ferry-style boat cruise along the coast of St. Thomas from your cruise ship. Don’t worry, on the way, you will pass several gorgeous islands on the way to St. John- get those cameras ready! You will arrive in Cruz Bay and transfer to an open-air safari taxi. This is just a quick 15-minute ride to Trunk Bay beach, so don’t get too comfy!  

One of the main highlights of this port adventure is the snorkeling experience at Trunk Bay Beach. Once you arrive at Trunk Bay, you will get all checked in and receive expert instruction, in addition to your snorkel equipment before plunging into the underwater world. You will have the opportunity to swim along the 225-yard snorkel trail marked with signs on your self-guided tour.  As you follow the signs, you will learn about the local marine life as it swims right alongside you! The calm, shallow waters make it the perfect spot for even beginner snorkelers to explore at their own pace. My 7yr old son had the chance to snorkel for his very first time while at Trunk Bay beach, along the snorkel trail, and loved every minute of it! He had such a fun time getting an up-close view of all the marine life, including all sorts of colorful fish, and coral reefs. On our way back to shore, a friendly stingray even graced us with his presence and came to say hello. This was such a neat experience!

Don’t worry if everyone in your party isn’t up for snorkeling. For those that just want to relax, Trunk Bay Beach offers plenty of opportunities to do just that! From basking in the sun to swimming in the water, there’s something for all to do while there. We personally enjoyed the snorkel trail for about half the time, and then headed back to the shore to relax a bit. Our son had a blast playing in the sand along the coast, while we enjoyed the shallow, crystal clear water for the remainder of our time at Trunk Bay.

So, if you’re looking for an experience that offers the best of sun, sand, and underwater adventure, look no further than the excursion to St. John Trunk Bay Beach. This port adventure was definitely my favorite from our cruise. We made some amazing family memories together to last a lifetime, with the most beautiful views to enjoy. I absolutely cannot wait to return in the near future! 

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