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Tin Can Beach

4.3
·153 reviews·Saint John, Canada

World-renowned for its pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and lush national park backdrop. A must-visit Caribbean paradise.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Tin Can Beach - Image 1

Tin Can Beach

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

World-renowned for its pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and lush national park backdrop. A must-visit Caribbean paradise.

4.3
(153 reviews)

"Named #1 beach in the world 2024. Must see! No passport needed for US Citizens."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Ferry to Paradise

Take the Red Hook ferry from St. Thomas to St. John (approx. 20 mins, $16 round trip). No passport needed for US citizens!

🥾 Water Shoes Recommended

The beach is beautiful but can be rocky. Water shoes will make exploring more comfortable.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 153 reviews

Type

Beach

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trunk Bay's Iconic Beauty

Trunk Bay's Iconic Beauty

St. John, US Virgin Islands

World-renowned for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green hillsides. A true paradise.

TikTok+1
Underwater Snorkel Trail

Underwater Snorkel Trail

Trunk Bay

An accessible, marked trail with informative signs about the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Reddit
Scenic Overlooks

Scenic Overlooks

Along the road to Trunk Bay

Breathtaking panoramic views of Trunk Bay and the surrounding Virgin Islands National Park. Perfect for photos.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Trunk Bay is consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. To truly savor its beauty, aim for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday crowds and capture the best light for photos. Consider weekdays over weekends for a more serene experience. TikTok

Island Access & Essentials

As part of the US Virgin Islands, no passport is needed for US citizens to visit St. John and Trunk Bay. Ferries from St. Thomas are frequent and affordable. Pack light, but don't forget reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes, as the terrain can be rocky. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Can be busy, but still beautiful
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best beach in the world for 2024 .. did they get it right? #tiktoktravel #beach #caribbean #stjohn #usvi #trunkbay
@nicolemsunderland
243.5K likes • 5.1M views

🚗 Ferry to Paradise

Take the Red Hook ferry from St. Thomas to St. John (approx. 20 mins, $16 round trip). No passport needed for US citizens! TikTok

🥾 Water Shoes Recommended

The beach is beautiful but can be rocky. Water shoes will make exploring more comfortable. Reddit

The most gorgeous beach in the world ~ and you don’t need a passport to visit! 📍Trunk Bay, St. John #trunkbay #stjohn #usvirginislands #beachvibes #bestbeaches
@miwtm
155.7K likes • 1.1M views
Tomorrow ‼️‼️ Come join us at Tin Can Beach for an Ocean Day Event 🌊 We will be there from 5pm-8pm #OceanDay #TinCanBeach #BeachEvent #CoastalCommunity #NatureEvent #LocalEvents #SaintJohn #ACAPSaintJohn
acapsj
30 likes • 757 views

☀️ Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect the coral reefs! Use sunscreen that is safe for marine life. TikTok

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the stunning overlooks on the drive to Trunk Bay for epic photos. TikTok

The Beach Boys family first started out in California on the beach at Tin Can Beach (or Bolsa Chica today).. Mike Love of The Beach Boys explains it during this epic rant (the full rant here heckles Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger) at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame speech in 1988… His Mom Emily “Glee” Wilson and brother Murry Wilson (father of Beach Boys Brian, Carl and Dennis) came out to Californ...
retro_surf_series
176 likes • 5.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Ferry to Paradise

Take the Red Hook ferry from St. Thomas to St. John (approx. 20 mins, $16 round trip). No passport needed for US citizens! TikTok

🥾 Water Shoes Recommended

The beach is beautiful but can be rocky. Water shoes will make exploring more comfortable. Reddit

☀️ Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect the coral reefs! Use sunscreen that is safe for marine life. TikTok

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the stunning overlooks on the drive to Trunk Bay for epic photos. TikTok

🐠 Snorkel Gear

Rent gear or bring your own to explore the underwater trail and vibrant marine life. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(153 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Trunk Bay is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning natural beauty, consistently ranking as one of the world's best beaches. Visitors rave about the crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and the engaging underwater snorkel trail. Some find the rocky terrain challenging for walking, especially with young children or the elderly, and note that it can get quite crowded during peak times.

"Great spot to view Partridge Island and the ports. Depending on the tide you can walk out and look for cool rocks, seashells and fossils. There are some benches you can sit at for a picnic or coffee."

Emily Burtnik

"A really lovely beach. We went at high tide so we ended up mostly hanging out on the rocks. There is a small sandy area as well there, dogs were around and really clean. Would not recommend for small kids or more elder folks. Some rocks are big enough to walk across, but plenty are small and loose."

Morgan Doherty

"Nice view and cild breeze. But it's not easy to walk with kids."

Inam Rehman

What People Like

Breathtaking scenery
Crystal-clear water
Underwater snorkel trail

What People Dislike

Rocky terrain
Crowded conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a ferry from Red Hook on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay on St. John. The ferry ride is about 20 minutes and costs around $16 round trip per person. From Cruz Bay, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Trunk Bay. TikTok

No, as St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit. TikTok+1

Taxis are readily available in Cruz Bay and can take you to Trunk Bay. Rental cars are also an option, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads. TikTok

While there isn't direct public bus service to Trunk Bay, taxis are a common and convenient way to get there from Cruz Bay. TikTok

Yes, you can take your car on the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John, but it is more expensive ($65 round trip). Many visitors opt for taxis or rental cars on the island. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Trunk Bay, which is part of the Virgin Islands National Park. The fee typically covers access to the beach and the underwater snorkel trail. Reddit

Trunk Bay is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Virgin Islands National Park website for any specific hours or closures. TikTok

Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival at Trunk Bay. There isn't typically an option to book in advance, but it's worth checking the park's official site for any updates. Reddit

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or those with park passes. Check with the park rangers upon arrival for current pricing and discount eligibility. TikTok

The entrance fee typically includes access to the beach, restrooms, showers, and the self-guided underwater snorkel trail. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and vibrant colors. Midday sun can be harsh. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted within National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the Virgin Islands National Park regulations before flying. TikTok

The main beach offers iconic shots, but also explore the rocky outcrops and the scenic overlooks on the drive for unique perspectives. TikTok

Professional photoshoots may require a permit. It's best to contact the Virgin Islands National Park directly to inquire about regulations and permit requirements. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean. A waterproof camera or phone case is also recommended for underwater shots. TikTok

🎫 🐠 Snorkeling & Activities

Yes, Trunk Bay is famous for its underwater snorkel trail, which is marked with signs and offers a great opportunity to see coral and fish. Reddit

Snorkel gear rental is usually available at Trunk Bay, but it's advisable to check availability upon arrival or consider bringing your own. Reddit

You can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, coral formations, and possibly sea turtles or rays. TikTok

Besides snorkeling, you can swim, sunbathe, relax on the beach, and explore the scenic overlooks. TikTok

The underwater snorkel trail is generally suitable for beginners as it's marked and relatively shallow in most areas. Reddit

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