Coral World Ocean Park, St. John's - Things to Do at Coral World Ocean Park

Things to Do at Coral World Ocean Park

Complete Guide to Coral World Ocean Park in St. John's

About Coral World Ocean Park

Coral World Ocean Park sits on Coki Point's rocky shore, where marine exhibits showcase Caribbean sea life in naturalistic habitats fed by pumps that circulate actual ocean water. Founded in 1977, the park's highlight is the underwater observatory where visitors descend 15 feet below sea level to watch tropical fish swimming in their natural environment through large viewing windows. Above ground, touch tanks allow hands-on encounters with starfish, conchs, and stingrays, while the shark and sea turtle exhibits house rescued animals that cannot survive in the wild. Admission costs $21 for adults and includes access to all exhibits plus the adjacent Coki Beach, one of St. Thomas's best snorkeling spots. Visit mid-week when smaller crowds allow more time with the naturalist guides who share fascinating details about marine ecosystem relationships.

What to See & Do

Underwater Observatory

The park's original attraction lets you descend 15 feet below sea level to watch tropical fish and coral through large windows - it's like snorkeling without getting wet, and surprisingly mesmerizing

Sea Turtle Pool

Home to rescued sea turtles that can't be released back into the wild. The feeding demonstrations are genuinely educational and give you a real appreciation for these ancient creatures

Shark Shallows

Walk through a shallow lagoon where nurse sharks and stingrays glide around your feet. It sounds scarier than it actually is - these guys are pretty mellow

Caribbean Reef Encounter

A 80,000-gallon tank that recreates a Caribbean reef ecosystem. The diversity of fish here gives you a good sense of what the surrounding waters looked like decades ago

Sea Lion Harbor

Interactive sea lion experiences and shows. While some might find it a bit touristy, the trainers clearly care about these animals and the educational component is solid

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by cruise ship schedules

Tickets & Pricing

Adult admission typically runs around $25-30, with children's tickets slightly less. Online booking might save you a few dollars and guarantees entry during busy periods

Best Time to Visit

Mornings tend to be less crowded, especially if you can get there before 10 AM. Avoid days when multiple cruise ships are in port if you prefer a quieter experience

Suggested Duration

Plan on 3-4 hours to see everything comfortably, though you could easily spend half a day here if you're really into marine life

Getting There

Coral World sits 20 minutes from Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas's northeast coast. Rent a car or grab a taxi-expect to pay $10-15 per person each way for the cab ride. Smart move: hit adjacent Coki Beach while you're there. Free parking awaits. The park doesn't charge for spots, which beats most tourist attractions these days. Coming from St. John means taking the ferry to Red Hook first, then driving or catching a taxi from there.

Things to Do Nearby

Coki Beach
Right next door to Coral World, this popular beach offers excellent snorkeling and a lively beach bar scene
Coral Bay Snorkeling
Some of the best snorkeling spots in the Virgin Islands are just offshore from this area, with clear water and healthy coral formations
Paradise Point Skyride
A scenic gondola ride offering panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie harbor and the surrounding islands
Blackbeard's Castle
Historic watchtower turned hotel and restaurant with fascinating pirate history and great harbor views
Magens Bay Beach
Often ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, it's about 15 minutes away and worth the detour

Tips & Advice

Bring reef-safe sunscreen - the park is serious about protecting marine life and you'll be spending time in and around water
Consider combining your visit with Coki Beach next door, but note that the beach can get quite crowded when cruise ships are in port
The underwater observatory can get warm and humid, so dress accordingly and maybe save it for mid-visit rather than your grand finale
If you're interested in the interactive experiences like swimming with sea lions, book those in advance as they tend to fill up quickly during peak season

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