Caneel Bay Beach

Caneel Bay showing a beach and tropical scenes
Caneel Bay which includes general coastal views
Caneel Bay showing a bay or harbour and forest scenes
Caneel Bay showing general coastal views
Caneel Bay which includes snorkelling


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.

Popular places to visit


Top Caneel Bay Beach Hotel Deals

The Westin St. John Resort Villas
The Westin St. John Resort Villas
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300B Chocolate Hole, P.O. Box 8310, Great Cruz Bay, St. John
The Westin St. John Resort Villas
Gallows Point Resort
Gallows Point Resort
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3 AAA Gallows Point Road, P O Box 58, St. John, St John
Gallows Point Resort
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.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

Black Friday: Members save 30%+

Members save 30%+ on selected hotels until 4 Dec (property time) with our Black Friday deals. Stay by 15 Dec 2025.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.