In an evaluation by Beach.com, Trunk Bay on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands was declared the world’s best beach for 2026.
The beach is protected within the Virgin Islands National Park. Famous for its soft white sand and clear turquoise water, Trunk Bay also features a 200-meter snorkeling trail that starts right from the shore.
Visitors can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and there are showers, restrooms and a cafeteria. Snorkeling gear is available for rent, and an entrance fee of $5 is charged for visitors aged 16 and over.
The Beach.com team reviewed hundreds of applications to determine the best beaches. The analysis used climate data from the European Union and NASA as well as around 100,000 traveler reviews. Criteria such as water quality, popularity, accessibility and climate were the basis for the ranking.
High season at Trunk Bay runs from mid-December to mid-April. During this period, visitors who want to avoid the crowds are advised to come around 8 a.m. or 3 p.m. Beach.com points to April, May or June for a quieter experience.
Travel writer Savannah Crowell commented on the beach: “This is inside a national park, there are breathtaking mountains on the horizon. And you get that classic combination — soft white sand and incredible turquoise water. It’s hard to believe a place like this exists until you go there.”
World’s Best Beaches: Top 10
Beach.com’s 2026 top 10 beaches are:
- Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
- Elafonisi Beach, Greece
- Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
- Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
- Golden Horn Beach, Croatia
- Palolem Beach, India
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, US Virgin Islands
- Playa Balandra, Mexico
- Praia da Falésia, Portugal
- Eagle Beach, Aruba
The top 25 beaches included destinations from four continents and 14 different countries.
