This is such great news everyone! Things are happening at Caneel Bay!
As you probably know, a judge recently ruled that Caneel Bay will be given to the National Park following a nearly two-year court battle over ownership rights. Well the Park hasn’t wasted any time getting inside of the 150-acre property, and cleanup work has begun! This is what I have seen and know…
A National Park ranger is now stationed inside the entry booth. Previously a security guard employed by EHI Acquisitions had been stationed here. I also see National Park vehicles at the entrance. It’s such a great sight!
For the first time in nearly seven years, I can finally see the remnants of the plantation buildings from the Caneel Bay overlook. The buildings, including the horse mill where ZoZo’s was located before the storms, had been obscured due to overgrowth. Not anymore!
I also saw a construction truck on the sand at Caneel Bay beach yesterday, so presumably some sort of cleanup is underway over there too.
A few dead trees look to have been removed at the main entrance, and I saw a ranger working on the front gate last week too.
The Virgin Islands National Park said in a release last week that they are working to reopen the property in a phased approach; however there isn’t a timetable for the public opening at this time.
“We thank our neighbors and visitors for their patience as we work towards re-establishing visitor services at Caneel Bay,” Virgin Islands National Park Superintendent Penny Del Bene said in the release. “Our goal is to invite Virgin Islanders and visitors back to Caneel Bay as soon as safely possible. The full reopening of the Caneel Bay Resort will take time, and we ask for your continued understanding.”
There is a public meeting regarding Caneel Bay tomorrow night (May 13th) at 5:30 p.m. at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. Park staff will update the public about the current work happening on the property. There will also be an opportunity for the public to ask questions. There will also be two public taxi tours happening on Wednesday morning. The first will leave the Cruz Bay Visitor Center at 9 a.m. The second will leave at 10:15 a.m. Each tour will be approximately two-and-a-half hours. You are asked to bring water if you plan to attend.
I took a quick video from the overlook yesterday morning. Check it out:
I will keep you posted on all of this! Have a great day everyone!
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I hope they open the parking lot soon! Just having parking for Honeymoon will be a step forward. 😍😍
Good morning. Are reservations needed for the public tours? If so, is there a link? Thank you!
It does not appear that you need to reserve a spot according to their Facebook post.
Thank you!
Thanks, Jenn, for passing on this good news.
Great news! Glad to hear about the progress!!
So appreciate knowing this positive news about a special, cherished spot. Caneel Bay was an annual family tradition in the ‘60s and ‘ 70s, and we had a big family reunion planned for 2017. So sad for all those on St John who lost so much during the hurricane. Jenn, love your posts!
A long time visitor to St John. For several years I dove with Sawyer Dive at the Caneel Bay Resort with Mickey and Perry. My friend Dave came to the resort for some years :we dove together with Low Key.
It was an iconic place. I do hope we can soon find that magic again.
Thanks for the news.