Caneel Bay

About This Anchorage

Caneel Bay is home to the iconic Caneel Bay Resort — one of the Caribbean's most celebrated luxury resorts, developed by Laurance Rockefeller on land that he donated to establish the Virgin Islands National Park in 1956. The resort sits within the national park and has seven pristine beaches. As of 2026, the resort is in redevelopment following Hurricane Irma damage. The outer anchorage provides good sand holding and protection from the ENE trades, with the resort's mooring balls reserved for guests. Visiting yachts anchor in the outer bay and can dinghy ashore to explore the resort grounds and multiple beaches — a magnificent setting just 1nm from Cruz Bay. The combination of national park setting and resort-quality beaches makes Caneel Bay one of the most beautiful anchorages in the USVI.

Hazards

• !Northern exposure — northerly swell and north Atlantic ground swell can enter the bay; check forecasts before overnight
• !Resort mooring balls — private resort moorings; do not use without resort permission or booking
• !NPS rules strictly enforced — anchor only in sand; no coral anchoring
• !Resort development activity may affect access — check current resort status before visit

Skipper's Tips

• →Dinghy ashore to explore Caneel Bay Resort's seven beaches — even without a room booking, the beaches of a national park resort are some of the finest in the USVI
• →Caneel Bay is 1nm from Cruz Bay — ideal overnight anchorage with easy dinghy access to Cruz Bay restaurants and provisions
• →The combination of national park and resort beaches means some of the least-visited sand in the USVI — come mid-week for the quietest experience
• →Check current Caneel Bay Resort status before arrival — as of 2026 the resort is in various stages of redevelopment post-Hurricane Irma
• →Excellent snorkelling off the rocky headlands surrounding the bay — sea turtles and rays frequently seen

Nearby Anchorages