Trunk Bay, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has been recognized as the best beach in the world by Beach.com. The travel site analyzed nearly 100,000 reviews and hundreds of submissions to compile its list.
Beach.com cited Trunk Bay's pristine sands, clear turquoise waters, and its location within the Virgin Islands National Park as key factors in its selection. The park encompasses nearly 60% of St. John, including the entirety of the north shore where Trunk Bay is situated. Experts highlighted the beach's stunning natural beauty, describing it as "truly the best beach in the world" due to its expert recommendations, high Google ratings, and exceptional water clarity.
Access to Trunk Bay is available daily from sunrise to sunset, with an entry fee of $5 for individuals aged 16 and older. The beach offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, a snack bar, and picnic areas. Rentals for umbrellas, chairs, and snorkeling gear are also available. Travel creator Savanna Crowell, a panelist for the ranking, noted the beach's picturesque mountain backdrop and its combination of soft white sand and vibrant blue waters.
The ranking considered factors including water quality, public opinion, accessibility, climate, and popularity. The peak season at Trunk Bay runs from mid-December to April, drawing significant crowds. To avoid the busiest times, visitors are advised to arrive before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m., particularly to bypass cruise ship traffic. April, May, and June are suggested as months with fewer crowds.
For those seeking to escape the main crowds, walking west toward the rocks on the left side of the beach can lead to a less populated area. Nearby beaches such as Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay Beach are also recommended as alternatives.
Trunk Bay also features a 225-yard underwater Snorkeling Trail, which guides visitors through coral reefs with informative signs. The trail, situated between the coastline and Trunk Cay, offers opportunities to observe marine life such as stingrays, sea turtles, and various fish. Guided SNUBA tours are also available, and paddleboarding is permitted outside the designated swimming and snorkeling zones.
Two other U.S. locations were featured in the top ten: Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico at number four, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge in St. Croix at number seven. Elafonissi Beach in Greece and Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos secured the second and third positions, respectively.