We are considering Caneel Bay for our 2 week honeymoon in July 2005 and wondering the best places to find snorkling (any day trips available? what price range should we plan on?), kayaaking, etc. And how easy is it to take a ferry to another island for a day? What islands besides St. Thomas can we get to for a day trip? What costs can we plan on for the ferries?

We liked Leincester Bay (spelling?) the best for snorkeling. Great variety of fish and we saw a sea turtle in about 10' of water. Very cool.

Not sure about ferrys, but there are quite a few day trips available to the BVI's (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke). We took a day cruise on the New Horizon's II. This was a great trip which went to the Baths on VG, Snorkeling, Lunch at Marina Cay, and a stop at Jost Van Dyke. About $100PP.

Caneel has a variety of excellent activities available, including kayaking and snorkeling. Through them can be booked a 4 island BVI trip. - It was the best snorkeling trip that I ever did. In addition they have a beach barbeque, which I have never done, but it goes to Warterlemon Cay for snorkeling, which is supposed to be a premier spot. Also there is a snorkeling trip with Lucy, a marine naturalist which is also excellent, and a private snorkeling sail which includes Joat Van Dyke can be arranged. There is a day trip to Little Dix from which you can get to the Baths , and tours of St. John and a hiking trip through the National Park. It is the same cost to book through them, and in my opinion, you get better service because those operators do not want to lose Caneel for their future business. Your Caneel airport transfer incluses unlimited passage to St. thomas using their private multi-times scheduled/day private launch. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for the responses...i have heard about a couple of the day trips, i.e. Little Dix...not about the 4 island BVI? Can you tell me more about that? i can't wait to snorkle again! Is this information easily accessible at the resort, or do you recommend picking what day trips we would like to make and booking them beforehand?

I would be interested in hearing about that 4 island trip as well. I am thinking about Cruz Bay St John for my next vacation. Anyone have experience with Gallows Point or Lavender Hill Suites? vinow.com has a list of the ferry schedules and I saw them on another website as well. Would be interested in hearing about options for a stop at more than 1 island but don't see how there could be time for 4. The ferry for Virgin Gorda from STJ leaves approx 0830 and returns 1500 for example. Any info appreciated.

The 4 island BVI trip is with Captain Cathy Packo. Her trip leaves from Caneel's dock, although I do not believe you have to be a guest there in order to go. I believe she has a website, but if you are unable to find it, call Caneel's activities desk for that or further information.
When I did the trip, I felt it was the best snorkeling that I ever experienced for visability and the huge variety of beautiful fish. As I recall, there was a brief stop at Virgin Gorda, snorkeling at Indian Head - fantastic, from there more snorkeling at Norman Island and a swim to the swim-up caves lovely and not dangerous, lunch on a 'pirate ship' where luncheon type foods are served, and then more snorkelig to a reef off of Peter Island. It was a full day fun trip. Because of the small amount of passenger that the boat holds, a good commoraderie was built among all.
It probably would be a good idea to pre-plan your daytrips before arrival since they do not go out daily and you can schedule the ones you want around each other. Caneel's activities center can give you the days scheduled of each. After making your plans, it may be a good idea to call again a week or two in advance to guarantee that you get all that you want. With 2 weeks you will have time to lots of things and still enjoy the resort. Should you decide to go to Charlotte Amalie, the Caneel launch will drop and pick you up in the heart of the shopping district. An excellent place for lunch is within walking distance, Herve's - excellent food, great view.
I have not had personal experience with Gallows Point, but have met a number of people who have stayed there and all said very good things about it.
You will have a wonderful trip. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
I am in the process of planning my return trip, and can't wait for my next visit.