SSypniewski

To the above poster, (Dianebridle) you mentioned that you prefer taking the boat (tour) from Caneel, did that mean that you booked your tour directly through Caneel when you were there? I did read that you can book tours through the Caneel when you stay there. Or did you reserve your tours before you got there? Thanks, Susan

Dianebridle

Message: Susan<BR><BR>I booked the tour at the Activities Desk at Caneel. The tours that I mentioned are part of their scheduled weekly activities. I also made outside, in addition to in house, restaurants with them. They have complete menus of all, and I felt that my seating may have been preferable as a result. If you have any questions, you can call them prior to arrival, but it can be done there as well.<BR><BR>I did call their dive boat directly to charter a combination dive snorkle trip for my family, which was independent of their regular schedule. It was great with lots of individual attention. Price per person was not too much different.<BR><BR>The BVI trip was the best snorkeling I have ever experienced in terms of natural beauty, abbundance of fish, and visibility.<BR><BR>The people at the Activities Desk are great, and try to make your vacation everything that you want it to be.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful time!!<BR><BR>

SSypniewski

So would you recommend booking any of the day trips before I arrive at Caneel? Or just wait until we get there. I did find a website that offers tours, such as the Stormy Petrel, 4 British Virgin Islands, etc. I inquired through them and they said that it would be a good idea to book a trip with them 1 to 2 weeks prior to my arrival? So I don't know if I should go with them or the activity desk at Caneel? Again, (I may be repeating myself) so should I try to book something in advance through Caneel or another tour company?

lcv

We had no problem arranging our excursions with Caneel once we arrived (we were there in early November). They do a great job and have some wonderful activities. The snorkeling right off of their beaches was also fabulous - as another post said, better than Trunk Bay in my opinion. We also had no problems getting a car to town - although we didn't want to leave the resort more than once or twice. It IS that great! Enjoy!

Dianebridle

Message: Susan<BR><BR>It may depend on the time that you are traveling. I have made trips in May and November, which probably is not their busiest time. As a result, I always obtained the tours that I wanted. However, I did reserve them shortly after my arrival.<BR><BR>You can call ahead and ask the Activites desk to reserve what you want. Since it will be charged to your room, you will not be asked for a credit card guarantee as outside tour operators require.<BR><BR>I have read good posts on Stormy Petrol, but since I have not used them I cannot comment. I have taken tours from St. Thomas with a good company, but I enjoyed the Caneel trips more. It is so convenient since you board at the Caneel dock as opposed to having to travel to another site. I also enjoyed the more individual attention that comes with a smaller group. A determining factor may be their individual destinations. The Caneel trip included Indian Rock, Norman Island with swim up shallow water caves, and a reef off of Peter Island. It does not include the Baths. Having done both, my preference was the Caneel trip because the snorkeling was better, and the travel to the sites shorter.<BR><BR>Hope this helps. You probably will enjoy whichever you choose.

SSypniewski

That is good to know about the activities desk at Caneel. We are going there from Oct. 11th - Oct. 17th so I would assume it should be a slow time, although I know October is a popular wedding month so we'll probably get a lot of honeymooners. This will be our 2nd anniversary trip so I just want to be informed on all the various options of tours. Thanks again for everyone's input. -Susan