Caneel Bay Beach Tours

Caneel Bay featuring tropical scenes and a beach
Caneel Bay which includes general coastal views
Caneel Bay which includes forest scenes and a bay or harbor
Caneel Bay showing general coastal views
Caneel Bay featuring snorkeling
Spot dolphins and sea turtles as you sail on a yacht or take a kayak around the glorious beaches that surround this vestige of the lavish Rockefeller dynasty.

Caneel Bay is a spectacular resort in harmony with the scenic forests decorating a peninsula on St. John. It is an idyllic spot for snorkeling, star gazing, kayaking and many other activities. Get to know the resort with a ride on its cute donkeys and explore the seas with a yacht trip.

Visit the many beaches that surround the resort on the island of St. John. See the turtles on Scott Beach, rent sail boats from Caneel Beach and watch the sunrise from Hawksnest Beach. Rent a hut on the pristine white sand of Honeymoon Beach, where tour operators rent out equipment for kayaking, hiking and snorkeling. Embark on the fairly arduous hike of Lind Trail that meanders through the coastal forest to Cruz Bay.

Go scuba diving in the clear water of Caneel Bay for a chance to spot angelfish, damselfish and parrotfish among the network of colorful marine life here. Admire the coral and sea urchins along with bigger creatures such as barracudas, reef squid and sea turtles.

The lights in the resort are mainly indirect, in order to ensure that vacationers have an unspoiled view of the stars at night. Take a break from the distractions of city life, where rooms are free of telephones and TVs. Appreciate the romantic and tranquil ambiance in this pristine natural setting.

Note that the resort takes its name from its eponymous bay, which derives from the old Dutch term for “cinnamon.” The hotel was built in the 1950s by famous American entrepreneur Laurance Rockefeller, after he fell in love with the picturesque beauty of the area.

Reserve a room at this hotel, which is open year-round apart from September and October.

Caneel Bay is on a large peninsula in the Virgin Islands National Park on the northwestern part of St. John. If you are arriving at the Cyril E. King International Airport on St. Thomas, register with the hotel’s reception inside the airport. You will be taken on a bus followed by a ferry to St. John. Make the most of your time on St. John by visiting other attractions, such as Lind Point, Salomon Beach and Hawksnest Beach.

Reviews of Caneel Bay Beach

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
27
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 9%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

2/5 - Disappointing

Ed

Road to the beach was closed to the general public due to hurricane damage. Apparently a bone of contention between resort and Park supporters. It's been a year and a half, get it together.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

The only entry is by boat, as the road in and the resort are closed due to hurricane damage.

Popular places to visit

Honeymoon Beach showing a beach

Honeymoon Beach

4.5/5(232 reviews)

From snorkeling to stand-up paddlingboarding, choose from a range of activities that will get you out in the water to see the rays and turtles that live around this excellent beach.

Honeymoon Beach
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Hawksnest Beach

5/5(14 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Hawksnest Beach during your travels in St. John? Amble around the area's seaside or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Hawksnest Beach
Salomon Beach

Salomon Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Salomon Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to St. John. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Salomon Beach
Our tradition while on the island is to buy a bottle of rum, sit in the water and enjoy the sunset. Absolutely my favorite time of day on STJ as the sunsets are typically amazing. #nationalpark #beach #sunset #Caribbean #nature

Gibney Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Gibney Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to St. John. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Gibney Beach
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St. John Spice

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St. John Spice
Trunk Bay which includes island views

Trunk Bay

4.5/5(356 reviews)

Backed by palms, this stretch of sparkling white sand is regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Trunk Bay

Best Lodging Options Near Caneel Bay Beach

Villa Island Paradise

Villa Island Paradise

St John, St. John, St John
Villa Island Paradise
The Westin St. John Resort Villas

The Westin St. John Resort Villas

4.5 out of 5
300B Chocolate Hole, P.O. Box 8310, Great Cruz Bay, St. John
The Westin St. John Resort Villas
Raintree Suites

Raintree Suites

3 out of 5
#5A vester gade Cruz Bay, St. John, vi
Raintree Suites
The Saint Resort

The Saint Resort

3 out of 5
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The Saint Resort
Gallows Point Resort

Gallows Point Resort

4 out of 5
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Gallows Point Resort
See all 3,725 properties in Caneel Bay Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Caneel Bay Beach

Caneel Bay Beach, St. John, offers a variety of activities for tourists, including island tours to explore the stunning surroundings, snorkeling adventures to discover vibrant marine life like reef squid, and romantic getaways perfect for couples. For those who enjoy hiking, the Lind Point Trail provides breathtaking views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area. Enjoy a memorable vacation filled with relaxation and adventure at this beautiful destination.

Shopping

Your shopping experience near Caneel Bay Beach includes Mongoose Junction, a vibrant shopping center just 1.3km away, featuring local boutiques and eateries. St. John Spice is also close, at 1.6km, offering unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Market Square East, located 12.9km away, for a public market experience.

Recreation

The Self Centre, located 644m from Caneel Bay Beach, offers rejuvenating body treatments in a serene environment perfect for relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mahogany Run Golf Course, 12.9km away, provides exhilarating golfing experiences surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, while Lionel Roberts Stadium, just 14.5km away, hosts various sporting events.

Adventure

The St John Eco Hike & Snorkel Adventure offers an exhilarating experience with scenic hiking trails and vibrant underwater exploration, located 1.6km from Caneel Bay Beach. For a shorter trek, the Lind Point Trail, 1.3km away, provides breathtaking views and adventure-filled paths. Don't miss the Skyride to Paradise Point, 12.9km away, for stunning panoramas and family fun.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Caneel Bay Beach. Catch a flick at Caribbean Cinemas US VI Market Square or enjoy a show at Pistarckle Theater for a cultural touch. For a fun night out, relax with drinks at Magic Ice Gallery, where romance and entertainment blend seamlessly.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Caneel Bay Beach

Discover the beauty of Caneel Bay Beach, where visitors can enjoy stunning beaches like Little Caneel Beach and Honeymoon Beach. Explore the serene Canela Beach Dock and take in the scenic views at Hawksnest Beach. With a focus on outdoor experiences, you can immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the nearby national park, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike.

  • Trunk Bay: Located 1.6km from Caneel Bay Beach, Trunk Bay boasts stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The underwater snorkeling trail is a highlight, offering a unique glimpse into vibrant marine life.
  • Virgin Islands National Park: Just 3.2km away, this national park features breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor adventures. Explore hiking trails that wind through lush landscapes and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach: Also 3.2km from Caneel Bay, Cinnamon Bay Beach is known for its serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. It’s an ideal spot for relaxing on the beach, kayaking, or enjoying a picnic amid nature's beauty.

Best time to go to Caneel Bay Beach

The best time to visit Caneel Bay Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. March is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January78.3°F (25.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March77.5°F (25.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April78.6°F (25.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December79.7°F (26.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Caneel Bay Beach

To save money on your trip to Caneel Bay Beach, consider visiting between September and November, when prices are typically lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Tuesdays are usually the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter options by budget and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for eco-friendly accommodations, which can also help you save while being environmentally conscious.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Caneel Bay Beach are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Caneel Bay Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Caneel Bay Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Caneel Bay Beach is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your Caneel Bay Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.