We docked at the busy but welcoming Havensight Cruise Pier in St. Thomas, where the morning unfurled like a lazy postcard. With two hours to wander, we browsed the nearby duty-free shops (sparkle, swag, and temptation), then settled in for snacks and a refreshing drink at Virgin Haven—a breezy little spot that felt like the ideal warm-up act to island adventure.
From there, we ambled past Senor Frogs (now rebranded as Pier 22) and hopped aboard a water taxi bound for St. John, crossing over to the quiet charm of Cruz Bay. Once ashore, several colorful safari jeeps whisked us inland through winding roads carved into lush forested hills—with scenes of steep green cliffs cascading into sapphire waters that reminded us why the Caribbean seduces so effortlessly.
🏖️ Welcome to Trunk Bay
The highlight of the day unfolded at Trunk Bay, a slice of paradise painted in white sands and glass-clear waves. We were given a short snorkeling tutorial, then set off into gentle waters so transparent they felt like air. Even in just neck-deep water, tropical fish darted past our ankles like aquatic confetti.
The bay boasts a self-guided snorkel trail—about a quarter mile long—with underwater plaques scattered along the bottom, offering tidbits about the coral and sea life. Highlights included:
- Colorful schools of fish gliding along like synchronized dancers
- Clusters of sea urchins near a nearby islet—beautiful, but best admired from a safe distance
- Waters so calm, they mirrored the sky
We swam, floated, and explored for about 90 minutes, feeling like castaways in a dream—sun-kissed, salt-splashed, and thoroughly enchanted.
🌅 The Return Journey
The ride back followed the same scenic route, through leafy switchbacks and seaside glimpses, with just enough time to board the ship before it slipped out of port under a burnt-orange sunset. It was the kind of day that embeds itself in memory—not with flashy thrills but with soft, golden grace.
