Activities and Recreations at Caneel Bay, St John

Caneel Bay offers an astounding array of activities for all ages, but its enticing beachfront location means water and beach activities are paramount for all guests. Circling the peninsula, Caneel Bay features seven secluded beaches: Honeymoon Beach, Caneel Beach, Little Caneel Beach, Paradise Beach, Scott Beach, Turtle Bay Beach and Hawksnest Beach. Each of the beaches is defined by its own unique personality. Honeymoon is the only “uninhabited” beach, free of resort accommodation. Caneel and Little Caneel are popular with families thanks to their gentle waters and abundant watersports activities. Paradise and Scott are known as the “peace and quiet” beaches and are famed for their glorious sunsets. Turtle Bay is an intimate cove with gentle breezes and picturesque island vistas. And Hawksnest, known as the “wild beach,” is preferred by those seeking a golden sunrise and the lull of gentle surf. The resort's outstanding 11-court tennis facility is the perfect complement to Caneel Bay's array of low-key luxury facilities, services and amenities, including The Self Centre and Turtle Town for kids.

Leisure Activities
Hiking and Nature Walks
Choose from Caneel Bay's own nature trails or moderate to advanced trails in the national park system. Hiking affords close-up views of more than 500 species of plant life. The resort's 170 acres are criss-crossed with well maintained paths for hikers, joggers and strollers. Caneel Bay's resident horticulturist conducts nature tours of the gardens.
Turtle Point Trail (for intermediate hikers)
Guests must allow 45-60 minutes for this trail which affords beautiful views of neighboring islands along the way. It begins on nearby Hawksnest Beach and ends on Turtle Bay Beach.
Cinnamon Bay Trail (for beginning hikers and above)
For a leisurely half-hour picturesque walk, guests may choose this shorter trail which originates near the rock gardens by the tennis courts and ends on the south point of Hawksnest Bay. Comfortable sneakers are recommended for both trails.
Sightseeing
The 5,000-acre Virgin Islands National Park surrounds the resort with spectacular views across the sea to other islands. Quaint shops and restaurants can be found in the nearby town of Cruz Bay via a quick open-air taxi ride. Excursions to St. Thomas, to Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, and other destinations can be easily arranged. The resort's kitchen can prepare picnic lunches. Historic Annaberg Plantation's restored sugar mill ruins offer a fascinating insight into the history of the region.
Learn to Paint with Resident Artist
Relax in the shade on beautiful Turtle Bay Beach as Kat Sowa guides you through color theory, drawing and watercolor techniques. You will discover the process of seeing, exploring and capturing the world in paint — and be taking home a memory of your own creation! This extensive class prepares the novice with enough information and resources to continue painting on their own. All professional quality materials are provided. Class time is approx. 3 hours. There is a 3-person minimum for a class.

Sports and Recreational Activities
Tennis
Soak up the sun on one of Caneel Bays' 11 all-weather outdoor tennis courts, including 7 hard courts and 4 OMNI artificial grass courts. Enjoy complimentary tennis clinics, women's-only sessions and cardio tennis classes or a private lesson with the tennis pro or staff trained by Peter Burwash International. Weekly round-robin tennis tournaments are also available for those with a more competitive side.
Geocaching
A new and unique way to explore the island, geocaching is a high-tech form of a scavenger hunt in which guests use GPS pocket navigators to search the resort and the island in pursuit of hidden geographic coordinates and memorabilia. Through an exclusive partnership with Garmin International Inc., Caneel Bay offers the complimentary use of GPS 60s as a guest amenity to aid in the fun.
Snorkeling
Caneel Bay offers some of the most extraordinary snorkeling found in the Caribbean from the launch point of its seven pristine, powder-white beaches. Guests are invited to explore on their own or with a private snorkeling session led by the resident "Snorkologist." Guests are sure to be amazed by the vast array of fish found off of Caneel Bay's coast including: doctor fish, parrot fish, porcupine fish, angel fish, yellowtail snapper and trigger fish. They might even be fortunate enough to spot a school of squid or an octopus. For the more adventurous types, there is a nearby underwater snorkeling trail at renowned Trunk Bay, a short drive from the resort.
Sailing
Relax while spending the day at sea with Caneel Bay's complimentary sunfish sailing or on a full day sailing excursion. Half-day excursions are also available, as are private boat charters and deep sea fishing trips. Watch the sunset while relaxing on a beautiful sunset cocktail and beach BBQ cruises.
Scuba Diving
Scuba excursions are offered daily right from the property. There are numerous sites in the immediate vicinity for day and night dives based on certification levels, from beginner dives to more challenging open water and wreck dives. Certification is offered at Caneel Bay and requires 3-4 days. The Scuba Clinic meets on the beach and classroom sessions are held in the resort's own dive shop.
Additional Water Sports
-Complimentary sea kayaking and windsurfing
-Beautifully landscaped, freshwater swimming pool surrounded by floral "fencing"
-Three-hour guided Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Tour with VI Ecotours, twice per week

Nearby Championship Golf at Mahogany Run
Opened in 1980 and designed by George and Tom Fazio, Golf Digest proclaimed Mahogany Run, "an engineering marvel being carved and blasted into an area of land just less than 110 acres." With 77,000 square feet of greens and tight, winding fairways, this is target golf with beautiful views culminating in the signature holes 13, 14 and 1, known as the Devil's Triangle. Mahogany Run is located in St. Thomas, a short water and land transfer from the resort. The course has a fluctuating rate schedule based on the season. Tee times may be reserved up to 48 hours in advance of the date of play.

Optional Recreational Pursuits Available

• Sailing trips
• Scuba diving and instruction
• Tennis instruction
• Sunset Cocktail Cruise
• Day trips to Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, BVI
• Guided snorkeling tours
• Tours of St. John
• Watercolor lessons
• Fishing and boat charters
• Self-drive power boat rentals
• Jeep rental
• Massage services
• Babysitting and children's programs at Turtle Town
• Self Centre programs