We only have three full days at Caneel Bay...
 

would you leave the resort? Would you take a snorkel cruise? Explore the island?

We are just planning on snorkeling and eating and napping. I was just curious if we should leave the resort to do any further exploring.

Thank you for your time! We leave next week!

There's no right or wrong answer. Really, only YOU can answer that question. Personally I'd "play it by ear" rather than make any specific plans. The "season" is winding down and the island won't be too crowded thus if you decide at the last minute to take a snorkel cruise you shouldn't have any problem getting a sme day booking.

Spend your first full day at the resort - see how you feel by mid-afternoon. If you think you'll be bored on day 2 you can always take a cab to visit another "off-resort" beach that may give you just the variety you need. If you are "itching" to do something you can take a snorkel trip - perhaps a 1/2 day trip would be the perfect length of trip to break up your stay. Whatever you decide I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay. Don't overplan.

ditto a_traveller
the most i would plan is a drive to an alternate beach to snorkel or just "see" the island for a couple hours.
your front desk ppl can get you a cab or car to drive, or make a tour reservation if you decide to go anywhere. (the baths on virgin gorda would probably be the only thing to entice me out of caneel)
please tell andrea at the desk that dover-foxcroft says hey. (her home town).

Thank you both for the feedback. That's what I was thinking, take it easy & see if we wnat to do something else.

Is there still good snorkeling at Caneel after lunch? Or is that a good time to take a drive? or possibly take a snorkel cruise?

Thanks again for your time & expertise!

Luv2plan, you are going to love Caneel Bay for it's beautiful grounds & beaches. There is some very good snorkeling right off their main beach. As you look toward St. Thomas snorkel to your right and around the point, exiting at the next beach. It's very easy snorkel. Do you get in one afternoon, then 3 full days at Caneel and then leave the 5th morning/day? If this right I would definitely rent a car for at least one day and explore the island. There are many more beautiful beaches and snorkel spots that are just a short drive from Caneel.

Being it's still high season I wouldn't drive into Cruz bay, minimal parking, but take a cab from Caneel. There are some great restaurants in town.

Then again there are worse things in life than spending 3 full days sunning on the beach!

In my opinion, I would not take a snorkel excursion as STJ has the greatest snorkeling from shore.

there are a lot of beach options within the compound, but as others have said, head out to see another beach or too!!

and if snorkeling is your thing...we always had great luck at Francis.
enjoy

You might consider a short excursion to Jost Van Dyke and the Soggy Dollar bar for lunch and drinks. I would try to go on the early side. Beautiful beach, STJ doesn't really have the beach bar experience, and there is a fun vibe at the Soggy Dollar or Ivan's. Hang out for an hour or two, have lunch and some painkillers, and then go back to your home paradise at Caneel. It's fun being out of on the water to see the islands. I agree that there isn't a need for snorkeling when you have good beach options at Caneel.

A half-day tour of St. John might be an interesting diversion. Otherwise, you don't have a lot of time to soak up Caneel. You won't get bored with Caneel's 7 beaches, all with wade-in snorkeling--you'll see a wide variety of sea life.

Having visited St. John 7-8 times and stayed at Caneel each time I would say with only 3 days, assuming good weather, I would stay at theresort. While there you can take Sally and her Tug Boat, thru Caneel for a 2 hour snorkel trip where you will see things you would miss snorkeling off the 7 beaches of the resort. It is fun and safe. My last trip 2005 Sally was going strong. If you must, you might negotiate a rate with a taxi, for a 2 hr. mini island tour for $60-$75 but not around 7:30-9AM or 4-6PM.NO need to go into Cruz Bay. It can be crowded, duty free not very good and no real interesting sights.
Enjoy.

With just 3 days, I also don't think I'd go for the snorkel cruise. There's plenty of snorkling right at Caneel's beaches. I might consider renting a car for the day and touring the island, but would stop in Cruz Bay! If you're not on the meal plan at CB, it's a chance to try something different and there are some great shops (depending on what you like)....
Have a great time...and make sure to check out Caneel's afternoon tea.

Caneel has enough great beaches to snorkel that I would stay right there. Maybe go to Trunk Bay for it's gorgeous views from above---but not on a cruise ship day.

I also might go in to Cruz Bay to shop a little and eat at "Morgan's Mango".

Keep an eye out for Kenny Chesney!!!

Thanks alot everyone!

We probably won't go to Cruz Bay, we do not have any desire to shop.
We actually don't drink either ; )

We would like to take a short snorkel cruise out to deepr water, so if we can do that from Caneel, that's great.

When we stayed on Grand Turk at Coral Garden, we took a cab each night to dinner. So, that's fine with us.

What would you see if you took a drive for a few hours? We would probably snorkel at Caneel in the morning then head out. I think we can rent a car from Caneel, right?

And yes, we arrive tues afternoon, and have three full days, then fly home saturday. And we will not have our boys, age 4 & 8, with us!!

Thanks again for your time & advice!