Land-Based Access to Caneel Beach Open to the Public
National Park Service Press Release | August 1, 2024 |
ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands— Virgin Islands National Park today opens Caneel Beach for public access as part of the Caneel Bay phased reopening outlined by the Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI) the National Park Service has been carrying out since the Virgin Islands District Court affirmed the federal government’s ownership of Caneel Bay Resort lands and improvements in April 2024.
The land-based opening of Caneel Beach will occur on August 1, 2024. The public is advised to use designated public areas only, and not enter areas that are still closed due to remaining safety risks.
This restored public access is the next step in the phased reopening of the Caneel Bay property outlined by the Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI) that Virgin Islands National Park has been carrying out since the VI District Court issued their decision of ownership of Caneel Bay Resort lands and improvements to the United States in April 2024. “We are very pleased to continue taking positive steps to open areas of Caneel back up to the public and continue providing safe, and memorable experiences in Virgin Islands National Park,” stated Park Superintendent Penny Del Bene.
Operating hours for Caneel Beach will be from 7AM to 5PM daily. There will be three public parking lots for visitors who wish to visit the beach. Trash cans and Port-o-Johns will be available for visitors. There are signs in place to direct visitors to and from the public parking areas and Caneel Beach. The public will have access to a designated viewing area for the historic ruins of Caneel’s Durloo Sugar Plantation; a key point of interest during the significant events of the 1733 African Revolution on St. John.
Visitors and boaters should be aware that the adjacent Caneel Beach dock will not be open for use. There will be no access to Caneel Beach via trails or foot traffic from Honeymoon Beach at this time. Honeymoon Beach will continue to be open to the public and accessible by the Lind Point Trail, shuttles from the Caneel Bay entrance, or by boat.
We would like to thank the communities of St. John and St. Thomas for their continued support and engagement with the Virgin Islands National Park’s efforts in carrying out the phased reopening as outlined in the FONSI. The National Park Service strives to provide public access and opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of these natural and historical spaces for local communities and the visiting public that we serve.
