Trunk Bay on St. John has been named the world’s best beach for 2024, beating out 49 destinations worldwide for the top honor, and besting its sixth-place ranking in 2023.
The contest is sponsored by Banana Boat, which collaborates with more than 1,000 of the world’s “leading travel influencers and professionals, including many of the biggest names in travel such as Jyo Shankar, Pilot Madeleine, Voyagefox, Terplanet, Maria Ponomaryoya and others,” according to a press release Monday announcing the Top 50 beaches.
Rounding out the top three were Cala Mariolu in Italy, and Meads Bay in Anguilla. Other hotspots on the list include Australia, the Seychelles, Philippines, Mexico, Greece and Indonesia, and new to the list this year are beaches in England, Japan, Venezuela, Panama, St. Barth, Aruba, Curaçao and Myanmar.
“Unlike any other list, the World’s 50 Best Beaches is based on the votes of their ‘Beach Ambassadors’ as well as over 1,000 of the world’s most experienced and respected travel influencers and journalists. The list offers travelers around the globe with unparalleled insights from the best in the industry,” according to the release.
“Our goal is, and always has been, to create products designed to help you and your family enjoy more moments outdoors. And with summer quickly approaching, we are thrilled to sponsor this year’s list of world class beaches to help you achieve just that — unforgettable experiences at some of the most incredible beach locations around the world,” said Brianna Bostick, associate manager of public relations and brand partnerships at Banana Boat.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate this honor! Trunk Bay and the many beaches across the U.S. Virgin Islands hold a special place in the hearts of those who call our beautiful islands home as well as our returning visitors,” said V.I. Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte. “We have long regarded our beaches as some of the best in the world, and this recognition helps us share that with the world.”
The beaches were ranked according to eight criteria: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched, soundtrack of nature, easy to enter the water, often calm water, not too crowded and frequency of idyllic conditions.
As anyone who lives in the U.S. Virgin Islands already knows, Trunk Bay on St. John ticks all those boxes, boasting pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical surroundings. With its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, the bay is known as a hot spot for nature-driven snorkelers. Visitors can explore the underwater world teeming with colorful fish and discover the underwater snorkeling trail.
The judges declared Trunk Bay — so named after the Leatherback turtle, locally known as “trunks,” that is native to the area — a “quintessential Caribbean paradise. Visitors praise the incredibly soft sand and the crystal-clear, pool-like waters, but what truly distinguishes Trunk Bay from other Caribbean destinations is its setting within the stunning Virgin Islands National Park. The protected status of the area ensures the absence of loud commercial activity and large buildings, allowing instead for lush greenery and local wildlife to flourish as a natural backdrop,” according to the release.
“Our 2024 list is a reflection of the countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors and World’s 50 Best team discovering beaches around the world,” said Tine Holst, co-founder of the contest. “Our list will help inspire travelers to leave the beaten path behind and enjoy the most stunning and relaxing beaches on earth.”
The World’s 50 Best Beaches spent months consulting the world’s top travel influencers and professionals, then organizing the beaches they submitted by the greatest number of votes and their ranking according to the criteria, according to the release. “By going right to the source — the people who are directly experiencing and influencing the travel market — The World’s 50 Best Beaches was able to present travelers with a list that is defined by countless years of expertise,” it said.
The full list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches 2024 is available here.
