Research the cruise ship schedule and avoid days when ships dock. Even though St. John has no port for large cruise ships, ships from St. Thomas anchor offshore and ferry in passengers. Pick up the free "This Week in St. Thomas and St. John" (available in shops and restaurants) and look at the last page for the schedule.
Avoid visiting on weekend afternoons in the summer, when weddings (and their accompanying crowds) are common.
Stop off at the overlook. Trunk Bay is two miles beyond downtown Cruz Bay, straight on Route 20 North Shore Road. Along the way you pass an overlook. Take a few moments to stop, because this is the perfect place to take a stunning photo. This view was featured on a postage stamp in the Scenic American Landscapes series in 2008.
Come early and save. If you arrive before 7 a.m., you avoid the entrance fee. Annual passes are available for individuals and families. Golden Age and Golden Access National Park Passports are accepted. Coming early guarantees a parking spot as well as first choice of where to put your stuff.
Bring grilling supplies. Trunk Bay is one of the few beaches on St. John that has grills. If you bring charcoal and hamburgers or hot dogs, you can cook up a great picnic.
Come prepared to snorkel. Trunk Bay offers entry over soft sand, calm water and an underwater snorkeling trail. If you do not have a mask and fins, you can rent them from the gift shop. Rentals must be returned by midafternoon. Bring an underwater camera or a waterproof camera case. You can buy a disposable underwater film camera in the gift shop.
Check in with the lifeguard. Lifeguards will alert you to ocean conditions. They can also tell you about activities, such as a ranger-led snorkel tour that takes place most Tuesdays.
Wear biodegradable sunscreen. Most snorkelers are careful not to damage coral reef by touching it, but research now shows you can also harm this delicate ecosystem just by wearing suntan lotion. The chemicals in sunscreen affect algae that the coral needs to survive. Experts now recommend using special reef-safe sunblock or sunscreen.
