earn about undersea hiking earn about undersea life on Trunk

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Watersports

life on Trunk Bay’s Underwater Trail

Lydia Harris

Bay’s Underwater Trail

Hiking is one of the most popular activities on St. John. Virgin Islands National Park provides a wide variety of hiking experiences of various levels with more than 20 trails to choose from. Some meander through historic ruins or take you to a bird viewing deck on one of the park’s lovely salt ponds. Others lead to beautiful beaches. All are scenic and memorable.

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St. John offers visitors some of the best watersports in the world. Options include day sails, private charters, parasailing, sunset sails, wave runners, kayaking, scuba, SUP, scuba diving and more. Check out ads in this magazine to find a variety of purveyors of watersports and adventures.

Attractions and activities

beaches & snorkeling

4 unk Bay on St. John is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. An awe-inspiring heart-shaped its setting in the stunning Virgin Islands National Park clear water, fine white sand, plenty of shade, a gift watersports center, snack bar, showers, restrooms, changing areas and a picnic pavilion. None of which seems unusual – on the surface. So what makes Trunk Bay stand from other beaches?

Restaurants and bars

threatened species, under the US Endangered Species Act the World Conservation Union’s Endangered Species List.

underwater self-guided snorkeling trail!

St. John is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With long stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters lined with palm trees and lush landscape, you will know the meaning of tropical paradise when playing or relaxing on local beaches. Snorkeling here is among the best in the world.

Whether in search of a quick bite and a cool refreshing drink or wanting to linger over cocktails and dinner with an amazing view, St. John plays host to a wide array of places to eat and drink. They range from elegant wining and dining to quaint but fun waterfront or side street bars. Guarantee you’ll find something to whet your appetite or wet your whistle.

Rent or bring your own snorkel gear and step into an undersea world of coral and fish. The 650-foot underwater (maintained by the National Park Service) features plaques that provide a wealth of information about the sealyou’ll see beneath the water’s surface.

Keep an eye out for colorful Angel Fish, Parrott Fish, Sergeant Majors, Yellow Tail Snapper and Puffer Fish, which up when it’s threatened. Also watch for sea turtles swim effortlessly then pop up their heads for air from to time.

Among the coral in Trunk Bay, you’ll see: Brain Coral, folds and grooves that look remarkably like a brain; Fan is wide, thin and rounded and sways back and forth to

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But there’s good news! US Geological Survey research scientist Caroline Rogers reports that this sea life "appears to be recovering in some areas," particularly in Trunk Bay, where Elkhorn Coral "is coming back naturally," she says. Studies of the species in Trunk Bay are supported by the USGS, National Park Service, Friends of the VI National Park, University of the Virgin Islands and the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Admission to Trunk Bay is $4 for adults; ages 16 and younger are free; Golden Age and Golden Access annual cardholders are $2.