Location: 4 mi (6 km) Northeast of Charlotte Amalie,
Saint Thomas
Tel. (340) 775 1555
Open: 9am- 5pm Sat- Thu
Coral World Ocean Park, located on the northeastern coast of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a premier marine park and tourist attraction renowned for its immersive exhibits, interactive experiences, and commitment to education and conservation. Situated at 6450 Coki Point Road near the pristine Coki Beach, this 5-acre facility has been a cornerstone of eco-tourism in the Caribbean since its opening in 1978. As of April 10, 2025, Coral World remains a top-rated destination, offering visitors a chance to explore the vibrant marine life of the region through a variety of unique attractions, from underwater observatories to hands-on animal encounters. Its blend of natural beauty, innovative design, and focus on marine literacy makes it a standout experience in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Coral World Ocean Park is designed to provide an intimate connection
with the Caribbean Sea’s ecosystems, sprawling across a compact yet
diverse 5-acre site. The park’s layout integrates indoor and outdoor
exhibits, seamlessly blending natural habitats with carefully curated
environments. Its signature feature, the Underwater Observatory Tower,
is a cylindrical structure that descends 15 feet (4.6 meters) below the
ocean surface, located 100 feet (30.5 meters) offshore. Accessible via a
bridge, the tower offers panoramic views of a living coral reef through
20 large windows, allowing visitors to observe tropical fish, sea
turtles, and other marine life in their natural habitat without getting
wet. This structure, one of the only such observatories in the
Caribbean, remains a marvel of engineering and a highlight for all ages.
The Caribbean Reef Encounter is another centerpiece, an
80,000-gallon (303,000-liter) open-air tank that replicates a coral reef
ecosystem. Encircled by a walkway, it houses a dazzling array of local
species—barracuda, parrotfish, tarpon, and stingrays—circulated by an
open-water system that pumps fresh seawater directly from the ocean.
This exhibit showcases the biodiversity of the region and educates
visitors on the fragility of reef systems. Adjacent to it, the Marine
Gardens feature 21 smaller aquariums, each highlighting specific
underwater niches with creatures like seahorses, octopuses, and
scorpionfish, offering a close-up look at the smaller wonders of the
sea.
The park’s coastal location enhances its offerings with
outdoor habitats. The Shark Shallows is a shallow pool where juvenile
sharks swim, observable from above, while the Turtle Pool serves as a
rehabilitation center for rescued sea turtles, many of which are
released back into the wild once recovered. The Stingray Lagoon allows
visitors to wade in and feed these gentle creatures, their velvety wings
brushing against hands in a tactile encounter that’s a favorite among
families. A Lorikeet Garden adds a terrestrial twist, where visitors can
hand-feed nectar to colorful Australian rainbow lorikeets in a
walk-through aviary, their playful antics and vibrant plumage a delight.
Coral World Ocean Park opened in 1978 as the second venture of Coral
World International, following its inaugural park in Eilat, Israel.
Conceived by marine enthusiast Morris Kahn, the St. Thomas location
aimed to bring the underwater world to the surface, emphasizing
education over mere spectacle. Its early years were marked by success,
but natural disasters tested its resilience. Hurricane Hugo in 1989
destroyed much of the park, followed by Hurricane Marilyn in 1995, which
again devastated the observatory and tanks. Rebuilt each time, Coral
World was sold to new owners in the late 1990s, ushering in a period of
expansion and innovation.
The park evolved with additions like
the South American sea lion enclosure in 2007, reflecting a growing
focus on interactive experiences. In 2012, a controversial proposal for
a dolphin swim attraction sparked debate, but by 2018, construction
began on an in-ocean dolphinarium, completed post-Hurricane Irma and
Maria (2017), which caused an estimated $2 million in damage. These
storms, among the worst in decades, prompted a major recovery effort,
with the park reopening stronger, bolstered by community support and a
renewed commitment to conservation. Today, it stands as a testament to
resilience, blending its original vision with modern enhancements.
Coral World operates daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though off-season
hours (May–October) may vary, so checking ahead is advised. General
admission is $29 USD for adults and $17 USD for children (ages 3–12),
with infants under 3 free, as of recent updates. Located a 20–30-minute
drive from Charlotte Amalie or the cruise port, it’s easily reached by
taxi ($10–$15 USD per person from downtown) or rental car, with ample
parking available. Its proximity to Coki Beach, one of St. Thomas’ best
snorkeling spots, makes it a perfect half-day outing, often paired with
a beach visit.
The self-guided tour, aided by a colorful souvenir
map, takes 2–3 hours, weaving through exhibits like the Underwater
Observatory, Caribbean Reef Encounter, and Marine Gardens. Daily feeding
presentations—sharks at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., stingrays at 10:40 a.m. and
1:30 p.m.—offer educational insights from passionate staff, many of whom
are marine biologists. The Nature Trail, a short loop through coastal
scrub, features free-roaming iguanas, red-footed tortoises, and Bahama
ducks, adding a terrestrial dimension to the marine focus.
For
thrill-seekers, add-on activities elevate the experience (additional
fees apply, typically $50–$150 USD):
Sea Trek: A 30-minute helmet
dive along an underwater trail, no swimming skills required, with air
supplied through a surface-connected hose.
Snuba: A snorkel-scuba
hybrid, offering a guided dive without certification.
Dolphin Splash
& Swim: An unscripted encounter in a natural sea sanctuary with dolphins
like Nina and Coco, introduced post-2018.
Sea Lion Swim: A deep-water
interaction with playful South American sea lions.
Shark Encounter: A
chance to wade with juvenile sharks, guided by experts.
These
programs, bookable in advance, cater to adventurers and families alike,
with wetsuits provided where needed. On-site amenities include gift
shops selling marine-themed souvenirs, a café with light fare, and
locker/shower facilities, enhancing convenience, especially for those
heading to Coki Beach afterward.
Coral World’s ecological mission is rooted in conservation and
education. Its open-water system minimizes environmental impact by
recycling seawater, while its turtle rehabilitation program has released
numerous individuals back into the wild, supporting local populations
like the endangered hawksbill. The park’s focus on “ocean
literacy”—understanding the ocean’s influence on humanity and vice
versa—shines through in staff-led talks and exhibits, fostering
awareness of marine ecosystems among its 100,000+ annual visitors.
Culturally, Coral World reflects the U.S. Virgin Islands’ deep ties
to the sea, a legacy of the indigenous Taíno and later colonial reliance
on marine resources. Its location near Coki Point, a historic fishing
area, ties it to this heritage, while its modern role as an educational
hub bridges past and present. The park’s resilience through hurricanes
mirrors the islands’ own, making it a symbol of endurance and
adaptation.