Caneel Bay, St. John
St. John USVI Beach Guide
The culture and atmosphere of Caneel Bay has seen many faces and many inhabitants over the centuries. The Tainos were the first to call this exotic island home and lived peacefully until the Caribs from the Lesser Antilles raided and most of the Tainos were gone.
The Caneel Bay area along with the entire St John Island became home then to pirates and others wishing to run from the punishment they would endure for their crimes. Later on, this beautiful bay area became home to a well established sugar cane plantation that fought off the Aminas during an uprising of Native Indians. The ruins still stand today where they won the battle and kept this Caneel Bay area to themselves.
Today, Caneel Bay is a wonderful resort area. You will enjoy basking in the sun on the white sandy beaches, snorkeling and swimming. To find Caneel Bay you need to start at Mongoose Junction, go east 1.2 miles on Route 20. Turn left on the road leading into the Caneel Bay Resort. Park in the parking lot and take a stroll down the beautiful landscaped path to the beach.
The resort does allow access to the beach area and does not charge a fee, but the beach chairs, kayaks, sunfish and paddle boats are reserved for their guests only. During the day you can find facilities open to the public which include restaurants, public restrooms and a gift shop.
You can enjoy lunch at the Caneel Bay resort and get out of the sun for a few minutes and then return for a relaxing nap on the beach.
Search the sand for seashells, unique rocks and other items that may have washed up from the sea. As you stroll along the beach enjoy the ruins and nature, you may be surprised this land was once home to pirates and fugitives.
Snorkeling along the rocks and reefs will give you an experience that will last you an entire lifetime. The colorful exotic fish, sponges, coral reefs are all beckoning you to come and visit them in their magnificent underwater world. You may even catch a glimpse of some local starfish, sea turtles and stingrays that also call this area home.
So, when you are visiting St John be sure to visit Caneel Bay. The land of sugarcane, snorkeling, swimming and of course the wonderful Caribbean sun is calling you to enjoy the entire day.
For More Information
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See you on the Island,
John "Big Hat" Walsh
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Where to Stay
