Caneel Bay: A Reborn Paradise

Discover the pristine beauty and rich history of Caneel Bay, St. John, where turquoise waters meet the remnants of a bygone era.

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Caneel Bay, located within Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, is emerging from the devastation of past hurricanes. Once the site of a luxurious resort founded by Laurance Rockefeller, it's now a public beach offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, with access to pristine sands and the ruins of a Danish sugar plantation.

A brief summary to Caneel Bay

Cruz Bay, Caneel Bay, St John, VI

Local tips

Bring your snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant underwater world of Caneel Bay, known for its diverse marine life.
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak season, as the three public lots can fill up quickly.
Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk from the parking area to the beach, and consider bringing sun protection.
Take a moment to view the Durloo Sugar Plantation ruins, offering a glimpse into St. John's history.

Getting There

Taxi

From Cruz Bay, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride to the entrance of Caneel Bay takes approximately 5 minutes. The taxi will drop you off at the entrance, from where you can walk to Caneel Bay Beach. Taxi fares typically range from $10-15.
Public Transport

While there isn't direct public transport to Caneel Bay, safari buses/taxis run regularly along the North Shore Road. You can catch one from Cruz Bay and ask to be dropped off at the Caneel Bay entrance. From there, it's a short walk to the beach. Safari bus/taxi fares range from $6-12 per person.
Walking

Walking from Cruz Bay is possible but not recommended due to the distance and limited sidewalks along the road. It's approximately a 30-45 minute walk. However, once you reach the Caneel Bay entrance, the walk to the beach is a pleasant 5-minute stroll.

Discover more about Caneel Bay

Caneel Bay, a 170-acre peninsula within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, is a location steeped in history and natural beauty. Once home to the Caneel Bay Resort, established by Laurance Rockefeller in 1956, the area is now undergoing a phased reopening to the public following significant hurricane damage. Before Rockefeller's arrival, the bay was the site of the Durloo sugar plantation, dating back to the Danish West Indies era. Visitors can now view the cleared and fenced-off ruins of this plantation, offering a glimpse into the island's past. Rockefeller, captivated by the island's beauty, bought much of St. John and donated a large portion to the U.S. government to create the Virgin Islands National Park. His resort was designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, boasting minimal amenities and low-profile buildings. Caneel Bay Beach is known for its soft, white sand and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families and snorkelers. The waters teem with marine life, including sea turtles, eagle rays, and colorful tropical fish. While the Caneel Bay Resort suffered significant damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and remains closed, public access to Caneel Bay Beach has been restored. Today, visitors can enjoy the beach from 7 AM to 5 PM daily. The National Park Service has provided three public parking lots, restroom facilities, and trash cans to accommodate visitors. While the Caneel Bay Beach dock is closed, the beach is accessible by land, allowing everyone to experience this iconic St. John destination.