How to Get to Trunk Bay from St. Thomas
Updated October 2026, How to Get to Trunk Bay from St. Thomas on a Cruise was originally written in February 2016)
Yes, you can visit Trunk Bay from St. Thomas, even on a cruise ship stop.
If your cruise ship gives you most of a day in St. Thomas, you can take a taxi to Red Hook, ride the ferry to St. John, and continue by taxi to Trunk Bay Beach in Virgin Islands National Park. The journey takes some planning, but it is completely doable if you have enough time in port.
I originally had no idea I could squeeze a trip to Trunk Bay into a cruise stop. Thankfully, my friend Kacy Treks On, who used to live on St. Thomas pointed me toward the route, and I spent my day crossing from St. Thomas to St. John instead of hanging around the cruise terminal.
And honestly? Trunk Bay was worth the logistical gymnastics.
The beach has soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and one of the best-known snorkeling spots in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Trunk Bay is also home to the National Park Service’s underwater snorkeling trail.
This guide explains exactly how to get to Trunk Bay from St. Thomas, including the taxi, ferry, and taxi connections, how much the trip cost me, how much time to allow, and how to get back to your cruise ship without having a very expensive “oops” moment.
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How to Get to Trunk Bay From St. Thomas
Getting to Trunk Bay from St. Thomas independently involves three main steps:
- Taxi from your St. Thomas cruise port to Red Hook Ferry Terminal
- Passenger ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John
- Safari taxi from Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay
The Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry takes about 15 minutes and currently costs $8.15 each way for non-residents, or $16.30 round trip.
There are two major cruise docks on St. Thomas, Havensight and Crown Bay, so check your cruise itinerary before setting off.
Take a Taxi From the Crown Bay Cruise Port to Red Hook Ferry Terminal
Your cruise ship will generally dock at either Havensight or Crown Bay. Both are on St. Thomas, and both require a taxi ride to Red Hook if you’re taking the ferry to St. John.
After disembarking, follow the signs toward the taxi area and tell the driver you want to go to Red Hook Ferry Terminal.
The drive generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on where your ship docks and traffic. Allow extra time during busy cruise days.
When I did this trip, our driver gave us a little tour along the way, which was a pretty nice bonus considering we were basically speed-running St. Thomas.
Important: Taxi fares can change, so check the current fare before your trip. The taxi ride at present should be approximately $20 per person.
Ferry From Red Hook, St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John
The Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry is the easiest way to get from St. Thomas to St. John for this trip.
The passenger ferry takes roughly 15 minutes and currently costs $8.15 one way for non-residents, making a round-trip ticket $16.30.
Ferries operate throughout the day, but schedules vary, including seasonal changes. Check the current schedule before leaving your cruise ship rather than relying on an old timetable. The Virgin Islands Port Authority currently publishes the ferry schedules and notes that travelers should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
I’d buy a round-trip ticket. It saves you from having to think about purchasing another ticket when you’re trying to get back to your cruise ship.
Looking for more Caribbean to explore without a passport? Check out Puerto Rico and its neighboring island of Culebra
Take a Safari Taxi From Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay
Once you arrive at Cruz Bay on St. John, walk out of the ferry terminal and look for the open-air safari taxis. Tell the driver you’re going to Trunk Bay Beach and you’ll hop on one with others bound that way. The safari taxis leave when full and cost $12 per person.
The drive takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Safari taxis are the normal way for visitors without a rental car to get around St. John, and Trunk Bay is only a short drive from Cruz Bay.
We got dropped near the entrance and walked down toward the beach. Later, our driver spotted us walking back toward the overlook and insisted we hop back in. He even refused payment for the short ride.
Pro tip: If your taxi stops at the overlook, and you want photos without a crowd of people standing around, don’t immediately follow everyone else out of the taxi. Spend a little time at the viewpoint after the main group has moved on.
Visit Trunk Bay Beach
Trunk Bay is part of Virgin Islands National Park, but there isn’t a general entrance fee for the park. Instead, Trunk Bay has a separate $5 Expanded Amenity Recreation Fee for visitors age 16 and older. The National Park Service says the fee can be paid at the Trunk Bay fee booth or through Recreation.gov.
Once you’ve paid, head down to the beach and enjoy the part you’ve spent the morning crossing islands to reach.
Trunk Bay is famous for its white sand and clear turquoise water, but it’s also home to the Underwater Snorkel Trail, which follows the west side of Trunk Bay Cay for about 300 feet. Underwater plaques explain the marine life along the trail, making it particularly good for beginner snorkelers.
I spent as much time here as I could, swimming in the clear water and enjoying the ridiculously soft sand. The hardest part was eventually looking at my watch and realizing I had to leave.
Take the Safari Taxi Back to Cruz Bay
When you’re ready to leave Trunk Bay, head back toward the road and look for a safari taxi.
The exact wait can vary depending on traffic and demand. The fare is $12 to return to Cruz Bay.
Allow enough time for the taxi ride, waiting for transportation, and the ferry back to St. Thomas, if you’re catching a cruise ship.
Want more tropical paradise ideas? Check out Santo Domingo & Boca Chica and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic
Take the Ferry From Cruz Bay to Red Hook
Take the passenger ferry from Cruz Bay back to Red Hook, St. Thomas.
Check the current Cruz Bay departure schedule before you leave Trunk Bay. Ferry schedules change seasonally.
Tip: Sit on the opposite side of the boat from where you sat on the way over. You’ll get a completely different view as you cross back toward St. Thomas.
Take a Taxi From Red Hook Back to Your Cruise Ship
Once you arrive at Red Hook, grab a taxi back to your cruise port.
Make sure you know which St. Thomas cruise terminal your ship is using, especially if you’re sailing during a busy period when both Crown Bay and Havensight are handling cruise traffic.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Trunk Bay From St. Thomas?
The cost of visiting Trunk Bay from St. Thomas depends heavily on current taxi fares, but you can break the trip into three expenses:
- Taxi from your St. Thomas cruise port to Red Hook ~$20 per person each way
- Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry: $8.15 each way for non-residents
- Taxi from Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay $12 each way
- $5 Trunk Bay amenity fee for visitors age 16 and older
So, your DIY excursion to Trunk Bay should cost you about $65.30 per person.
Not a do-it-yourselfer? Book your excursion to Trunk Bay from St Thomas here!
Can You Visit Trunk Bay on a St. Thomas Cruise Stop?
Yes, but your port time matters more than the distance.
St. John is very close to St. Thomas, and the Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry itself takes only about 15 minutes. The challenge is the chain of connections: getting off your ship, reaching Red Hook, waiting for the ferry, taking a taxi from Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay, and then repeating the whole process in reverse.
I would only do this independently if you have a generous amount of time in St. Thomas and are comfortable managing your own transportation.
If you’re on a short port call, a cruise-line or organized shore excursion may be worth paying extra for.
Tips for Visiting Trunk Bay From St. Thomas
Give yourself a huge buffer
I would aim to be back on St. Thomas at least 2 hours before your cruise ship’s scheduled departure. Personally, I would rather sit around the cruise terminal drinking an overpriced beer than watch my ship sail away from the wrong island.
Check which cruise port you’re using
St. Thomas has two major cruise docks, Havensight and Crown Bay, so don’t simply tell your taxi driver “the cruise port.” Know which terminal your ship is using.
Check the ferry schedule before you leave
Don’t assume ferries run exactly on the hour. The schedule varies, including seasonal changes. Check the current Virgin Islands Port Authority schedule before your trip.
Carry cash
Bring cash for taxis and small expenses. Payment methods can change, so don’t rely on being able to use a card everywhere.
Check how many cruise ships are in port
Check the St. Thomas cruise ship schedule for your date. The number of ships in port can have a huge impact on taxi lines, ferry crowds, and how busy Trunk Bay feels.
Is Trunk Bay Worth Visiting From St. Thomas?
If you have enough time in port, I think so.
Trunk Bay is one of the most famous beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands for a reason. The beach itself is beautiful, but what makes it particularly worthwhile is the combination of easy access, calm-looking Caribbean scenery, and the underwater snorkeling trail maintained by the National Park Service.
The catch is that you’re not simply going from one beach to another. You’re crossing from St. Thomas to St. John and back, with multiple transportation connections in between.
If your cruise gives you a long day in St. Thomas, it’s a fun independent adventure. If you only have a few hours, I’d stay closer to the ship.
Not on a Cruise?
Where to Stay on St John
If you’re staying on St. John rather than visiting Trunk Bay as a day trip, Cruz Bay is the most convenient base for transportation, restaurants, and ferry connections.
Budget
Cinnamon Bay Resort Camp
| Cinnamon Bay Resort |
Galleon House Bed & Breakfast Inn
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |
Midrange
St John Inn
| Hotels.com |
Splurge
Westin St. John
| Booking.com |
Where To Stay On St Thomas
If you’re using St. Thomas as your base and taking a day trip to St. John, staying near the eastern side of the island can reduce your travel time to Red Hook.
Midrange
Emerald Beach Resort
| Booking.com |
Splurge
Sapphire Village
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |
Have any questions about visiting Trunk Bay from St Thomas?
Ask in the comments section below!
