Caneel Ba

What’s the status of Caneel Bay? I know the resort is in ruins and closed indefinitely. But, I also know that Zozo’s has opened there. Can we grab a mooring ball at Caneel and take a taxi to and from Cruz Bay for dinner? Is there a dinghy dock and taxi stand? Or would that be STRICTLY for dinner at zozo?

If you can grab a western most mooring at Caneel the dinghy ride into Cruz Bay is not bad.
I don't know if Zozo's is controlling the dinghy dock, for sure use a dinghy stern anchor if you do go in.

We sailed off STJ late last month. We had dinner at Zozo's and the setting was fabulous - they are also open for lunch and happy hour. We had a mooring ball off Caneel/Honeymoon and took the dinghy to the dock. That said, I don't think they would be happy with you using their dock as a parking area and taxi access if you were not eating/using services there. We also took the dinghy in from this area to Cruz Bay - not too long or wet a ride Mooring balls are at a premium here so get there early or be prepared to hover and race to secure them. Not kidding.

The dinghy ride from Caneel to Cruz Bay is downwind. You might get moist on the way back, but, well, cocktails.

The status of Caneel Bay is along sad story. The NPS is still testing eight acres for environmental contamination. The existing lease expires in 2023.

NPS Caneel Bay

Cheers, RickG

Just posted this under another thread...

You can get a mooring ball at Great Cruz Bay, have a short dinghy ride to shore (Westin) and easily get a cab into town. We reserved our ball ahead of time with Proper Yachts, paid for it via Venmo and the balls looked in great condition. We liked this option better than Honeymoon just due to the dinghy ride back home in the dark after spending a night on the town.

Zozos is controlling the dinghy dock in front of the former Caneel Bay. We grabbed a mooring on the west side of the bay unsure of what our options were, and dinked over just to take a look. One of the staff met us at the dinghy dock and welcomed us to come ashore. Tables on the deck facing the bay and sunset. Small shop and bar. Watched their boat take some guests back to a boat on a mooring, So I guess that is an option instead of using a dinghy.

We just had a drink but talked to the staff and met John the owner. He explained about his Five Tries Rum and offered us a taste. Five Tries comes from the fact that this is now his fifth location of trying to run a restaurant in the area! We saw the night's (Thursday) dinner option, which was a price fix $100 per person multicourse meal. We passed as we had just come from St Thomas, spent that the prior night at The Easterly, and had $900 worth of groceries on board!🤪

We did see some folks arriving from the road, so assume one could summon a taxi. Maybe buy a $13.00 drink before?