Caneel Bay Resort - Island Information
Near the top of the Caribbean chain, the U.S. Virgin Islands are just 80 miles east of Puerto Rico at about 18 degrees north latitude and 65 degrees west longitude. St. John is the smallest and most serene of all of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cruz Bay, the main town on St. John, is quaint with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There are several shops near the dock and a local museum to pick up souvenirs. Two-thirds of St. John is reserved as part of the Virgin Islands National Park. The sanctuary harbors coral reefs, marine life, volcanic mountains, tropical rainforests and wildlife that have been damaged by over-development on the other islands. Shallow reefs surround the islands and offer interesting offshore snorkeling and diving. "Snuba" diving is a popular substitute for scuba diving and uses a long hose connected to an air tank located on a raft above. The beaches of St. John are postcard perfect. Trunk Bay is lively with big crowds at high noon. For a more private getaway, try the secluded beaches of Hawksnest, Cinnamon, Maho and Francis Bays. The nights on St. John are very laid back, with great conversation and storytelling being a delightful end to the sun-filled days spent on the island. In Cruz Bay on St. John, the place to go and dance is Fred's for calypso and reggae beats. Other popular places to relax are JJ's and Cruz Bay Park. The bars on Coral Bay feature live bands with the rhythmic sounds of the Caribbean and great drink specials. For those looking for a more intimate atmosphere, the star-filled skies make an excellent canopy for midnight strolls along the calm ocean. Bring a blanket and watch the sunset, or sunrise, whichever you prefer. Both are magnificent sights to behold! Get swept away by a glorious island sunset view while riding the sky tram from the Havensight dock area to Paradise Point. Listen to the sweet serenades of wild parakeets, mountain doves and hummingbirds in the lush, tropical rainforests of St. Croix. Rent a convertible for the afternoon and drive along Skyline Drive to Mountain Top for a breathtaking view of the island. Bring a blanket and create a nest for yourselves in the secluded coves of Hawksnest Bay on St. John. Explore the unique underwater park at Buck Island with a guided snorkeling tour. Sample the delightful tastes of local fruits and vegetables sold at the outdoor market on Company Street. Wrap yourselves in the wilderness of the Virgin Islands National Park, which harbors coral reefs, marine life, volcanic mountains, tropical rainforests and wildlife.
Slip into something sexy and head for Blue Moon for some live jazz and dancing under the stars. You'll definitely feel like you're in heaven when you visit one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere in St. Thomas. The floor is covered in the island's soft, white sand, representing the desert that Moses and the Israelites crossed.
