ST. JOHN — Visitors to Trunk Bay must now use credit cards, debit cards or mobile payment methods to pay the beach's daily admission fee, following a change implemented October 1 by the National Park Service that eliminates cash payments at one of the Virgin Islands' most popular beaches.
The new policy applies to the $5 amenity fee charged to visitors ages 16 and older. The fee itself has not increased, but visitors who previously paid with cash must now use an accepted electronic payment method.
In an updated notice on its official website, the National Park Service states that Trunk Bay is now cashless and advises visitors to prepare accordingly.
"For a faster, safer, and more convenient visitor experience, Trunk Bay accepts card and mobile payments only," the agency states.
The Park Service says the change is intended to reduce transaction times and improve the experience for visitors entering the beach.
Visitors Can Purchase Passes Online or at Trunk Bay
Visitors may purchase daily passes at the Trunk Bay fee station or electronically through Recreation.gov, the federal government's recreation booking platform.
Those using the Recreation.gov mobile application can purchase a pass through the site's QR-code payment system. The Park Service recommends downloading the application before arriving, as cellular service can be limited in some areas.
Passes can also be purchased online in advance and printed or downloaded to a mobile device for presentation upon arrival.
The $5 charge applies to visitors ages 16 and older, while children 15 and younger are exempt. Holders of qualifying Interagency Senior and Access passes receive a 50 percent discount, reducing their individual admission fee to $2.50. Those discounts can be obtained in person by presenting the applicable pass.
Although Trunk Bay charges an amenity fee, there is no general entrance fee for Virgin Islands National Park or Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. The Park Service also does not charge motorists simply to drive on roads within the national park.
The Trunk Bay fee is classified as an expanded amenity charge, meaning it remains payable even on designated federal park entrance-fee-free days.
Cashless Policy Part of Changes to Park Fee Collection
The transition follows earlier National Park Service planning to modernize payment collection at Virgin Islands National Park.
During a public presentation on proposed fee changes, the agency outlined plans to reduce cash handling, improve accountability and allow employees to devote less time to processing payments.
The Park Service said electronic payments could also reduce administrative costs and errors associated with cash collection.
The agency's current website confirms that the Cruz Bay Visitor Center also accepts electronic payments rather than cash for federal park passes.
Trunk Bay's new payment requirement has been in effect since October 1. Visitors planning to use the beach's paid facilities should have an accepted card or mobile payment option available or purchase their daily passes in advance.
