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Most vacation destinations think they’re home to the best beaches in the world.
But for one Caribbean Paradise, it’s official!
According to research by World’s 50 Best Beaches, the best beach in the world is Trunk Bay on the US Virgin Islands.
But why?
Here’s what you need to know about this popular vacation destination:
Why Visit Trunk Bay Beach
52% of Americans say that beach vacations are their favorite type of vacation.
And if you’re going to visit the beach, why not choose the world’s best beach?
When you close your eyes and picture a perfect tropical paradise, you’re probably thinking of Trunk Bay!
Think soft, white sand beaches leading into crystal clear water.
The water here is calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing.
It’s also an incredibly popular spot for snorkelers as the crystal clear water makes it easy to see schools of colorful fish as well as the leatherback turtles that the beach is named after. (Leatherbacks are known as ‘trunks’ on the islands).
What makes Trunk Bay Beach unique and ensures it remains completely pristine is its setting within the Virgin Islands National Park.
What does this mean in real terms?
Well, unlike many other paradise beaches that are often spoiled by tourists and commercial activities, there are no big businesses allowed here.
That means no big buildings and no loud beach bars.
The backdrop of the beach is equally idyllic.
Think lush greenery and mountains, hiking trails, and the sound of local wildlife.
Just an incredible beach that you have to see to believe!
The Best Time To Visit
Trunk Bay Beach is on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
St. John tends to be quieter and have a more relaxed vibe than St. Thomas, the largest of the US Virgin Islands and the island with the most established tourist infrastructure.
The high season in the US Virgin Islands is during the winter months, but the best time of the year to visit the US Virgin Islands is between mid-April and June as the weather is mild, there’s still relatively little rainfall, and resort and hotel prices begin to drop.
The US Virgin Islands are best avoided between June and November as this is hurricane season in the Caribbean, and the Virgin Islands chain lies in the main pathway of many hurricanes through the Caribbean.
Not what you’re looking for from a relaxing vacation!
Because Trunk Bay Beach is in the Virgin Islands National Park, you’ll need to plan your visit in advance.
For example, if you want to learn more about the park then the Cruz Bay Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. except the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
This means you should schedule your visit for the morning.
The US Virgin Islands For American Travelers
The good news for American travelers is that visiting the best beach in the world isn’t a difficult mission.
The US Virgin Islands are just a 2.5-hour flight away from Miami, and there are direct flights to the islands from all over the country.
What’s more, you don’t even need to hold a US passport to visit!
If you’re an American citizen then you just need to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving the territory (such as a government-issued photo ID or your passport).
Why? Because the US Virgin Islands is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States.
This means that it follows U.S. laws but that it also has its own local government.
You’ll also find that English is the dominant language on the islands, so you won’t have any communication problems when you land on the islands either.
It’s an easy laidback vacation destination, and now officially the best spot for a beach getaway!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.