Caneel Bay Overlook St John
Discover the serene beauty of Caneel Bay, a St. John gem offering pristine beaches and vibrant snorkeling amidst historical ruins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Caneel Bay Overlook St John
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene beauty of Caneel Bay, a St. John gem offering pristine beaches and vibrant snorkeling amidst historical ruins.
"The beach and snorkeling make up for it. We also saw 7 turtles."
🚗 Parking & Access
Utilize the three parking lots; a short walk leads to the beach. Shuttle to Honeymoon Beach is available.
🐢 Turtle Sightings
Snorkeling here offers a great chance to see sea turtles! Keep a respectful distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Caneel Bay Beach
Caneel Bay
A stunning stretch of sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The ruins of the former resort add a unique historical backdrop.
Snorkeling and Turtle Spotting
Caneel Bay waters
The clear waters offer fantastic snorkeling. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, a common and delightful sight for visitors.
Honeymoon Beach Shuttle
From Caneel Bay parking lots
A convenient shuttle service transports you to Honeymoon Beach, where you can rent chairs and enjoy food and drinks.
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St. John Recs
🚗 Parking & Access
Utilize the three parking lots; a short walk leads to the beach. Shuttle to Honeymoon Beach is available.
🐢 Turtle Sightings
Snorkeling here offers a great chance to see sea turtles! Keep a respectful distance.
Itinerary Feedback - St. John
St John Honeymoon - Any Tips?
💰 Honeymoon Beach Fees
Umbrellas, lounges, food, and drinks at Honeymoon Beach have high fees.
💧 Temporary Facilities
Currently, only porta-potties are available as the park service reopens the area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Utilize the three parking lots; a short walk leads to the beach. Shuttle to Honeymoon Beach is available.
🐢 Turtle Sightings
Snorkeling here offers a great chance to see sea turtles! Keep a respectful distance.
💰 Honeymoon Beach Fees
Umbrellas, lounges, food, and drinks at Honeymoon Beach have high fees.
💧 Temporary Facilities
Currently, only porta-potties are available as the park service reopens the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Caneel Bay for its beautiful beach and excellent snorkeling, with many highlighting sea turtle sightings. While the ongoing restoration means temporary facilities, the natural beauty and accessibility are significant draws. Some find the costs for amenities at Honeymoon Beach high.
"The beach club is great. Staff works hard. The shuttle is well worth it and the beach chairs are nice.
Cabanas are crazy $$ but why not….some might pay and the biz needs to make $$.
We had excellent service and it is one
Of the finest beaches on the island. Also close to Cruz Bay and hiking."
b c
"Caneel Bay beach reopened to the public in August. Three parking lots and a 5 minute walk to the beach. Free. Only porta potties now as the park service is slowly getting it open again. The ruins of the once beautiful resort remain.
The shuttle to Honeymoon Beach runs from the parking areas. At Honeymoon they have umbrellas, lounges, food and drink but the fees are high."
Paul Jeffrey
"Beach is great. A little under whelmed by the cabana setup and food/drinks. But the beach and the snorkeling make up for it. We also saw 7 turtles."
Rob Howard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is via three designated parking lots. From there, it's a short walk to the beach. A shuttle service is also available to Honeymoon Beach.
Yes, there are three parking lots available for public access to the beach.
You can drive to the parking lots, which are a short walk from the beach itself.
While there isn't direct public bus service, a shuttle operates from the parking areas to Honeymoon Beach.
The walk from the parking lots to Caneel Bay beach is approximately 5 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Caneel Bay beach is free to access for the public.
As the area is being reopened by the park service, specific operating hours may vary. It's best to check with the National Park Service for the most current information.
No advance booking is required for beach access. However, if you plan to use amenities at Honeymoon Beach, it's advisable to check their availability.
Currently, only temporary porta-potties are available as the park service continues its restoration efforts.
Honeymoon Beach offers umbrellas, lounge chairs, food, and drinks, though these come with higher fees.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and excellent snorkeling. You might even spot sea turtles! The ruins of the old resort are also interesting to see.
Yes, Caneel Bay is known for its good snorkeling spots. The clear waters make it ideal for observing marine life.
Many visitors report seeing sea turtles while snorkeling or swimming in the waters around Caneel Bay.
The ruins are remnants of the once-grand Caneel Bay resort, which is currently undergoing restoration by the park service.
While beach access is currently available via land, historically, boat access has also been a way to reach Caneel Bay.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food and drink options are available at Honeymoon Beach, accessible via shuttle from the Caneel Bay parking areas. Be prepared for higher prices.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally recommended to save on costs, especially if you plan to spend a full day at the beach.
Honeymoon Beach typically offers a range of food and beverages, similar to what you'd expect at a beachside concession.
While Caneel Bay itself is undergoing restoration, dining options are available in nearby Cruz Bay.
Yes, reviews indicate that the food and drink prices at Honeymoon Beach are on the higher side.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers beautiful coastal views. The ruins of the old resort provide a unique, historical element for photography.
Mornings generally offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Park areas. It's best to check with the National Park Service for current regulations.
The name 'Caneel Bay Overlook' suggests there are vantage points offering panoramic views of the bay and surrounding coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A waterproof camera or housing is useful for underwater shots while snorkeling.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🐢 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Caneel Bay's Reopening
For those seeking more developed amenities, a shuttle service runs from the parking areas to Honeymoon Beach. Here, visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and purchase food and drinks. However, it's important to note that these services come at a premium price. The ongoing restoration efforts mean that the area is slowly being brought back to its former glory, offering a unique glimpse into its past while enjoying its natural beauty.
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling at Caneel Bay
Beyond turtles, expect to see a variety of colorful fish and coral formations. While the beach itself is accessible, the best snorkeling spots might be found by venturing a bit further out or exploring different sections of the bay. Remember to practice responsible snorkeling by not touching coral and giving marine life plenty of space. Bringing your own snorkel gear can save on rental costs, especially if you plan on frequenting different snorkeling spots around the island.
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