For decades, Trunk Bay has been the most popular beach on the island. Primarily because it's got a big parking lot, the beach is huge, and cab drivers find it a convenient destination for day tripping and cruise ship visitors.
But despite its heavy use, Trunk Bay is the island's top beach according to the Blue Flag International Jury, an international eco-friendly group.
The Jury has accorded Trunk Bay its Blue Flag designation attesting to its good water quality, safety, and educational value. Trunk Bay is one of four Virgin Island beaches to get the Flag, designations sought by the Hotel and Tourism Association. The other three are Lindbergh Bay and Great Bay on St. Thomas and Pelican Cove on St. Croix.
"Beautiful waters and wonderful white sand has made picturesque Trunk Bay one of the most popular beaches on St. John," the Blue Flag award statement said. "Renowned for it's underwater snorkeling trail, Trunk Bay is definitely worth a visit. Six hundred and fifty (650) feet of underwater trails are a highlight for Trunk Bay's visitors."
The program, operated by Denmark's Foundation for Environmental Education, has become so prominent that some tourists search out Blue Flag shores. The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development of beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, and Safety and Other Services.
To keep the crowds at Trunk Bay, I’ll agree that it is the best place for most people to go!!! Followed by Hawks Nest!!! But I’m not posting my favorite spots!!
After traveling to St John annually since the early 80’s and going to all of the beaches on the North Shore, and some on the South Shore, Trunk Bay is still my favorite, Francis Bay is great too. It’s seems that it’s become “cool” to put it down because it gets so much attention, but in the off season around May and June and there are no cruise ship crowds there, it’s hard to beat!…
Here’s a feature story on Blue Flag: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10101297349512994
So do you just hire a car when you are out there? looks very beautiful!
I love Trunk…its the beach my husband and I were married on in 2003…it still takes my breath away every time I’m fortunate enough to step foot on her…just thinking about Trunk makes me smile…
I will always like Trunk. Like a lot of people it’s the view that got us to visit the first time, and we’ve returned almost every year since then. So it definitely has a sentimental attachment. But our favorite has become Hawks Nest (especially if you get their early enough to find a nice spot with shade).
Well said, Eric. Yes, cruise ship people, Trunk Bay is the place to go! And we too can use Trunk Bay in it’s deserted state by paying attention to the cruise ship schedules and getting there early. Our couple of favorite snorkeling spots are showing signs that too many loose lips cause crowds.
from blue flag website:
“Access to the beach by dogs and other domestic animals must be strictly controlled.”
….and the donkeys breathed a sigh of relief.
The headline said “Two St. John Beaches”. Other than Trunk, what is the other beach?
I love Maho. Snorkel then sit under a tree and watch the crazy pelican fishing for lunch. Perfection.
That’s a very wonderful lagoon. Have you played Final Fantasy Nine? It looks like one of the places where a Chocobo can dig treasures with a Mog. LOL