There are a variety of water sports and activities available right off Caneel Bay’s beaches. With the help of a snorkel map guests can navigate the waters on their own. If a guide is preferred, the knowledgeable staff at the Water Sports desk will take guests offshore to explore the coral reefs and marine life. They can also assist with teaching how to use the complimentary non-motorized water equipment which includes:
- Sunfish sailboats
- Ocean kayaks
- Stand-up paddle boards
- Hobie Cat
- Snorkeling gear
Motorized water sports are available outside of the National Park boundaries, arrangements can be made through the Concierge.
There is nothing quite like watching the sunset while on the Caribbean water. The Sunset Cocktail Cruise takes guests around Caneel Bay’s shores on Thursdays and Sundays at sunset. Enjoy the musical sounds of steel pan music while hors d’oeuvres and beverages are served on one of Caneel Bay’s ferries.
For assistance confirming activities, please contact the Concierge.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving at Caneel Bay is a great place to experience the depths of the ocean. Besides the regular encounters with turtles, guests diving at Caneel Bay might see moray eels, sting rays and eagle rays, nurse sharks, spotted drum and, of course, dolphins. A wide range of PADI courses are offered through the Patagon Dive Center right on site at Caneel Bay. From an introductory Discover Scuba Diving course up to professional certification as a Dive master, guests can learn as much about scuba diving as they want. With the Young Explorers of the Sea program, even children as young as five can participate.
Guest can stop by the Dive Shop and talk with one of the PADI Pros about any questions they might have about scuba diving or an interesting fish that was seen while snorkeling. For more information visit Patagon Dive Center.
Sailing at Caneel Bay
Sail aboard a 50-foot Sloop on a half day, full day or sunset sail that departs directly from the Caneel Bay dock. The half-day sail includes a two-hour sail and one snorkel stop. Beverages are served onboard during the half-day sail. The full-day sail includes two long sails and one snorkel stop. Beverages and lunch are included in the full-day sail. The sunset sail begins around 5:30 p.m. (time varies depending on sunset) and includes beverages along with hors d’oeuvres. Tailor-made itineraries may be arranged for private parties of up to six people. For more information visit Sail St. John.
Kayak - Hike - Snorkel
V.I. Ecotours offers a Kayak-Hike-Snorkel adventure right at Caneel Bay. This is the perfect way to try all three of these activities in one trip and to introduce guests to the property while having the assistance of a guide. For more information visit VI Ecotours.
Fishing & Boat Charters
What better way is there to enjoy a vacation in paradise than to navigate the seas on a fishing or boat charter? There are various fishing and boat charters available to accommodate small or large groups (two boats may be arranged if needed). Whether it is sport fishing, deep-sea fishing, inshore or offshore fishing, guests can climb aboard recommended fishing charters and enjoy the ultimate fishing experience.
Boat charters are also available where guests can sail around the island of St. John or visit the neighboring British Virgin Islands on a powerboat. Guests can have the luxury of doing so with a Coast Guard certified captain or on their own (boating experience needed).
Day Trips to the BVIs
Explore the British Virgin Islands in a chartered day trip. Visit the Baths at Virgin Gorda, snorkel at Diamond Reef, have lunch in Marina Cay and then finish the day at Jost Van Dyke and the Soggy Dollar Bar. A current passport is required to both enter the BVI and then to return to the USVI.