Caneel Bay Family Activities

Beaches and Watersports
One of the special things about being first is that you get to choose the best location. Caneel Bay's spread features seven beaches. The longest, Scott's Beach, stretches about a quarter-mile; however, Scott's Beach as well as Paradise Beach restrict users to adults. For sand and surf families should head to Honeymoon, Little Caneel and Caneel beaches. Turtle Bay and Hawksbill, both good snorkeling beaches, attract nesting turtles in season.

Complimentary activities at the resort include the use of Sunfish sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers and snorkeling gear. Once a week or so, the resort shows family oriented movies for free. There are also scuba clinics, tennis clinics and lessons, a plus a small fitness center for adults and a pool. Caneel Bay's four sailboats are available for half-day, full-day and sunset cruises or fishing trips.

Virgin Islands National Park
A favorite family trip, of course, is to explore the Virgin Islands National Park. Highlights include the underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay, still nice even though the coral is not what it used to be as a result of so many visitors as well as storms, and the Reef Bay trail. Sign-up in advance for a ranger led hike downhill through the forest to the beach. Be sure to visit the ruins of the former sugar mill.

The concierge at the resort can help you book additional trips, including day sails to lesser-known, vibrant reefs for snorkeling and to out-of-the-way beaches for picnics.

Turtle Town
Turtle Town, the children's center, operates programs for potty-trained children three to 11 Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evening dinner and movie sessions are available Monday through Saturday from 6:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. With prior registration, the resort will operate a Sunday program. Lunch and dinner can be provided for a fee.

Located in the quieter Turtle Bay section of the resort, the children's facility is a good-sized, air-conditioned room with a wall of windows overlooking the greenery. Kids do not go swimming. They do go on nature walks and treasure hunts, listen to stories and create crafts. The children are not generally divided into different age groups unless there are many participants. Because of the lack of swimming and the types of activities, we think the children's program works best for ages three to eight. Older children, of course, are welcome and may very well be interested in a particular activity.

Caneel Bay also sponsors an artist-in-residence program. On select days, adults and well-behaved teens can sign-on for watercolor, pastel or other hands-on creative sessions. Typically, one day a week, the artist offers a special class geared to children. Additional fees apply.