Caneel Bay, West End Travel Guide
Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Caneel Bay, St. John, where pristine beaches meet lush tropical landscapes.
Caneel Bay, located within Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, is emerging from the devastation of the 2017 hurricanes to welcome visitors once again. This iconic location, once home to a luxurious resort founded by Laurance Rockefeller, now offers public access to its pristine beach and a glimpse into its rich history and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Caneel Bay
- Cruz Bay, Caneel Bay, St John, VI
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Caneel Bay.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life along the shoreline.
- Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak season.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk from the parking area to the beach.
- Stay within designated public areas and heed safety warnings due to ongoing recovery efforts.
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Getting There
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Driving/Taxi
From Cruz Bay, head east on Route 20 (North Shore Road). The entrance to Caneel Bay is approximately 5 minutes from Cruz Bay. Follow signs to the designated public parking areas (Lots A, B, or C). From the parking lot, follow the walking path to Caneel Bay Beach, approximately a 5-minute walk. Taxi fare from Cruz Bay is approximately $10-$15. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
From the Cruz Bay ferry dock, taxis and safari buses are available to Caneel Bay. The taxi/safari bus will drop you off at the entrance to Caneel Bay. Follow the walking path to Caneel Bay Beach, approximately a 5-minute walk from the entrance. Taxi/safari bus fare is approximately $6-$12 per person. Alternatively, there is a shuttle from the Caneel Bay entrance to Honeymoon Beach for $6 one way or $12 round trip.
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Ferry
From St. Thomas, take the ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John. Ferries depart from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. The ferry from Charlotte Amalie costs $13 for adults and $3.50 for children, plus $4 per bag, and takes approximately 45 minutes. The ferry from Red Hook costs $8.15 for adults and $1 for children, plus $4 per bag, and takes approximately 20 minutes. From the Cruz Bay ferry dock, follow the 'Driving/Taxi' or 'Public Transport' guidance to reach Caneel Bay Beach.
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