Day 5 - Caneel Bay

 Looking at Honeymoon Beach from under the mangroves

The adventure started around 10am as we headed out to catch the ferry for St. John. St. John is very visible from Sapphire Beach and is only 20 minutes away via the ferry.

A little history lesson:

In 1950, Lawrence Rockefeller purchased more than half of the island from the Dutch West Indies Company. He was some impressed by the sheer beauty and raw nature, he wanted to make sure it would not be spoiled by further development. He constructed Caneel Bay Resort and then donated the rest of the property to the federal government for the explicit use of park land.  Since then, the USVI has purchased additional land and now the national park makes up more than two-thirds of the island.

Can anyone say, "Taco Hell"?

Anna at the Sugar Cane House.

Prior to the ferry ride, we stopped at Taco Hell. Great little walk-up-to-shack and get-a-taco-to-go place. All of us had at least one. As we gobbled down tacos, the sprinkles turned to a downright down pour. Thomas and I darted over to the ferry terminal before getting completely drenched. The girls were a bit smarter and sought shelter nearby and came to the terminal when the rain stopped.

Olivia's tuna salad at Longboards.

Upon arriving at St. John, we hopped in a taxi and headed over to Caneel Bay. It was a short five minute ride. Entering the resort you are greeted by absolutely beautiful grounds. We were drop off by the taxi right next to an old sugar cane house, now converted to a restaurant. They left the sugar cane house ruins intact as it gives the whole area an old Dutch trading colony vibe. 

Caneel Bay Beach 

After a little exploration of the house, we made are way to the main area of Caneel Bay and it opened to a gorgeous view overlooking the bay. Sitting in front of the beach bay are all the main buildings and cabins. The main buildings are built in an open frame construction style with high-vaulted ceilings and roofed with cedar shingles. The cabins are more of a 1960’s look and feel – more metal and block. It all looks perfectly nestled in this truly tranquil paradise.

Mama and LT in the main beach lounge area of Caneel Bay.

The resort and park have more than seven beaches. We made it only to Honeymoon Beach. Wouldn’t you guess – we had the beach to our entire selves!!! It was phenomenal. The beach sand was white as a snow and silky soft. Apparently the early rain had kept everyone away. Kudos for us!!! We snorkeled for about 45 minutes and then just hung out at the beach.

It wasn’t long until we headed back to the main resort for some drinks. We didn’t stay too long. We paid the tab and grabbed a cab. Headed back to Cruz Bay, where all the shops restaurants and the ferry terminal was at. We had the cabbie drop us off at Longboard, a local well known restaurant and bar.

Stingray Thomas pointed out to me.

Not sure what these are yet?

You guessed it – more snack’n! Thumbs up to the chef! I think everyone enjoyed there appetizers. 

Before we know it,  night was upon us. We made arrangements to head back to St. Thomas via the ferry at 7pm. The sun starts to go down here a little after 6:30pm. Somewhat plays tricks on your inner clock. Come 9pm we are all tired and ready for bed. Some of us struggle through on fight on to see 11 or midnight.

We got back to the resort at around 7:35 and mellowed out for the remainder of the evening. The kids ended up going to hang out with some kids they met the night prior and hung out at the pool.

Giant Sea Urchin with spikes at least two feet wide at Caneel Bay.