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Caneel Bay: A Rebirth of Natural Beauty

Experience the rebirth of a Caribbean paradise at Caneel Bay, where history, natural beauty, and tranquility converge on St. John.

Caneel Bay, located within Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, is emerging from the devastation of past hurricanes as a pristine beach destination. With a rich history dating back to a sugar plantation and later transformed into a luxurious resort by Laurance Rockefeller, it now offers visitors a tranquil escape with soft white sands and clear turquoise waters.

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 right off Caneel Bay Beach. You might spot sea turtles and colorful fish!
  • Arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially during peak season. The beach is open from 7 AM to 5 PM.
  • Take a moment to view the remnants of the Durloo sugar plantation along the path to the beach, a reminder of the island's rich history.
  • Pack a lunch and plenty of water, as there are limited services currently available at Caneel Bay.
  • Consider taking a taxi to avoid parking hassles, especially if you're coming from Cruz Bay.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Caneel Bay entrance, follow the signs towards Caneel Bay Beach. The walk from the parking lot to Caneel Beach is about five minutes. Walk down the stairwell that used to lead to the resort. At the bottom of the stairs, walk to the right, which is in front of the old plantation structures. Take a quick right in front of the plantation structures and walk a few hundred feet before taking a left. There is signage throughout, so you will know exactly where to go.

  • Public Transport

    From Cruz Bay, take a taxi to the entrance of the former Caneel Bay resort. The entrance is about five minutes from Cruz Bay. The taxi will drop you right at the entrance. Taxi fares from Cruz Bay typically range from $10-15.

  • Driving

    From Cruz Bay, drive south on North Shore Road (Route 20). The entrance to Caneel Bay is a few miles from Cruz Bay on your left. Follow directions to park in designated public parking lots A, B, or C. Parking is free. From the parking lot, follow the walking directions to Caneel Bay Beach.

Discover more about Caneel Bay

Caneel Bay, nestled on a 170-acre peninsula within the Virgin Islands National Park, is more than just a beach; it's a destination steeped in history and natural beauty. Once the site of the Little Cinnamon Bay plantation owned by Peter Durloo, it provided refuge during the 1733 slave insurrection. In the mid-20th century, Laurance Rockefeller, captivated by its charm, purchased the land and established the Caneel Bay Resort in 1956. Rockefeller's vision was to create a harmonious blend of luxury and nature, a legacy reflected in the resort's design and operation. He later donated a significant portion of the island to the U.S. government, leading to the creation of the Virgin Islands National Park. The resort, known for its understated elegance, operated for decades with minimal modern distractions like telephones and televisions in the rooms, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the serene environment. Caneel Bay suffered extensive damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, leading to its closure. In April 2024, the Federal Government took ownership of the Caneel Bay Resort lands and improvements. After undergoing significant recovery and remediation efforts, Caneel Bay Beach was reopened to the public on August 1, 2024. Today, Caneel Bay Beach is open to the public from 7 AM to 5 PM daily. Visitors can once again enjoy its soft white sand, shallow, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The beach is easily accessible, with three public parking lots available. While the resort remains closed, the beach offers a glimpse into the past with the cleaned-up and fenced-off remnants of the old plantation structures visible along the path. Visitors can explore the shoreline, snorkel in the clear waters, and relax on the pristine beach. Keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles, and colorful Caribbean fish. Although access to Honeymoon Beach from Caneel Bay Beach is currently unavailable, Honeymoon Beach can still be accessed via the Lind Point Trail or by shuttle from the Caneel Bay entrance.

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