Trunk Bay Snorkel Trail

Just off the east end of Trunk Bay is a small island called Trunk Cay. On the west side of the island the Virgin Islands National Park (VINP) has created a snorkeling trail for visitors to this the most popular beach on St. John.

Trunk Cay

I revisited the snorkel trail a few days ago with an underwater camera at my side and the following is a recap of my snorkel adventure and what waits in store for others planning to see for themselves.

Trunk Bay Snorkel Trail Experience

Beginning of the trail

The first sign is located under the red buoy just off the beach on the west side of Trunk Cay. The next sign is informational. Follow the arrows or the orientation of the signs to reach the next one in the series.

Directions

Sign Three

Please Don’t Touch or Stand on the Coral

The third sign is there to warn those that don’t know any better not to touch the coral. Even light touches can be damaging and in these days of extra warm waters, which have resulted in the kill off of the symbiotic algae that nourishes the coral, corals are more susceptible than ever to disease. Also worth mentioning is that touching the coral often leads to flesh wounds that take some time to heal.

Sign Four	Sign Five
Yellowtail Snapper	Sand Diver

Sign Six	Elkhorn Coral
Star Coral	Finger Coral

Sign Seven

Sign Eight

Parrotfish