Sunday July 06, 2008
Cane Bay Beach

There are some advantages to visiting a beach that hasn't been"discovered" by thousands of tourists, like not having to struggle through a crowd every time you want to take a dip and Cane Bay Beach offers just that.

Cane Bay Beach is on the northern side of St. Croix, where the breeze picks up and the waters are not often calm. An offshore reef and nearby dropoff create incredible snorkeling and scuba diving sites where guests can view all types of underwater life. Soft white sands and good waters invite guests to swim and enjoy the beach. A canopy of swaying palms provides shade to visitors who need a break from the sun.

Despite the fact that Cane Bay Beach isn't the most secluded beach you can find, visitors will find fewer people here than on many of the Virgin Islands' other beaches. Therefore, even though it's not the most secluded or romantic spot, you'll find this beach is a great alternative to more popular or urban beaches.

You won't find beaches in the Virgin Islands to be far from the beaten path, still, this beach is more secluded than most, helping to make it a great spot for many visitors. Cane Bay Beach is still fairly central.

Many visitors feel that the amenities and attractions at or around a beach can be the most important attributes. Others feel that opportunities for privacy and spending a relaxing day in the sun are the most important thing. There are plenty of beaches in the Virgin Islands, and you may decide that Cane Bay Beach is precisely what you're looking for.

Location

You'll find this sunny section of sand on the northwestern coast of the Virgin Islands; it is located near the Carambola Beach Resort, 1.5 miles away. Cane Bay Beach is close to Salt River, so a trip into town is a definite option.

Nearby Hotels

The number of other people sharing the beach can vary widely -- it depends on when you visit. The beach is not near any major hotels but you may see visitors from smaller hotels in the general area. You'll find 7 hotels near this beach. Those hoping to stay in the vicinity of this beach should be able to find what they are looking for.

The following table provides additional hotel options near this beach.

Nearest Hotels to Cane Bay Beach
Hotel NameDistanceNo. of
Rooms
Carambola Beach Resort 1.5 mi. 177
Sugar Beach Condominiums 6.1 mi. 46
Frederiksted Hotel 6.5 mi. 40
Hotel Caravelle 7.1 mi. 44
Best Western Holger Danske Hotel 7.2 mi. 36
Club Comanche 7.2 mi. 42
Club St. Croix Beach & Tennis Resort 7.3 mi. 54

Amenities and Ambience

Bring your flippers for some of the best snorkeling on the island. Cane Bay Wall, a drop-off just 200 yards from the shore, is spectacular for viewing underwater coral and sea life. Divers also come out for this prime location.

The amount of people on the beach depends on the time of day, season, and other factors. A few of the Virgin Islands' beaches may hardly ever be crowded, while others are frequently crowded especially during the high tourism season. An important element to consider when planning a day at the beach can be, for some beach goers, the possibility of crowds. While some prefer a crowded beach filled with people and activity, some prefer to just hear the sounds of the surf.

Like everything else about the Virgin Islands this beach has a distinctive personality which will appeal to certain visitors. The special qualities of this beach are a little different from what you'll discover in other parts of the Virgin Islands. Although the snorkeling here is some of the best on the island, this area only attracts a modest number of visitors to its shores, ensuring a tranquil experience.

Attractions

If you're like most vacationers, you enjoy seeing plenty of wonderful sights during your visit-- and also relax. The beach can help you relax, but natural wonders, like Mt. Eagle (located 1.6 miles to the south of Cane Bay Beach) can give your vacation a little something extra.

If you want to discover more interesting facts about the history of the Virgin Islands there are close by opportunities. For example Carl and Marie Lawaetz Museum is located 4.8 miles to the southwest of Cane Bay Beach.

Beaches are a great attraction to visit, but there's plenty else to see during your stay.. The following table includes other attractions close to this beach.

Attractions Near Cane Bay Beach
Attraction NameDistanceDirectionType
Mt. Eagle 1.6 mi. S Natural Attraction
Salt River National Historical Park 3.4 mi. NE Recreation (land-based)
University of the Virgin Islands 3.9 mi. SE
St. George Village Botanical Gardens 4.4 mi. S Natural Attraction
Cruzan Rum Factory 4.8 mi. S Bar and Other Nightlife
Carl and Marie Lawaetz Museum 4.8 mi. SW Historical Site
Estate Mount Washington Plantation 5.0 mi. SW Historical Site
Equestrian Stables 5.5 mi. SW Tourism Oriented Business
Whim Plantation Museum 5.9 mi. S Museum
Paul E. Joseph Stadium 6.0 mi. SW

Food

If you start getting hungry during your afternoon at the shore, not to worry, this beach has you covered, and you don't have to go far from the shore.

The following table provides some restaurants closest to this beach.

Restaurants Near Cane Bay Beach
Restaurant NameCuisine TypeMeals ServedDistanceDirection
Off the Wall Eclectic lunch & dinner 0.3 mi. SW
The Mahogany Room International dinner 1.5 mi. SW
The Hideaway American breakfast, lunch, dinner 4.7 mi. NE
Cormorant Beach Club Restaurant International breakfast, lunch, dinner 4.8 mi. NE
Sunset Grill American lunch & dinner 5.8 mi. SW
Breezez Eclectic lunch & dinner 6.1 mi. E
Comanche Club Caribbean lunch & dinner 6.3 mi. SW
Pier 69 American breakfast, lunch, dinner 6.3 mi. SW

Each location in the world has its very own culinary style, and the Virgin Islands is no different. A great place to sample the local fare is directly on the beach. Your hotel may be happy to pack a picnic lunch for you, or you can find picnic supplies en route to the beach.

Other Beaches

There are plenty of beaches in the Virgin Islands, so you can choose Cane Bay Beach or one of the others. Travelers who like this beach might also enjoy Caneel Bay; it's situated 39.7 miles to the northwest. Caneel Bay, a chain of seven pristine beaches on St. John, offers one public beach to guests which can be accessed through the exclusive Caneel Bay Resort, where fantastic swimming and lounging areas, and basic facilities line the shore.

But, if you're interested in a more active beach, you might like Secret Harbor. You'll find it 38.0 miles to the northwest.

You may also enjoy Davis Bay, located 1.7 miles from Cane Bay Beach. With a gorgeous beach, Davis Bay is a fine swimming spot on the northern side of St. Croix, and although it can get a bit windy, families and bodysurfers gravitate to this area to play in the waters.

You might not find Cane Bay Beach to be the best choice for you, and if this beach doesn't strike your fancy, the Virgin Islands is home to many other options.