One of St. Thomas's most popular tourist attractions. A recent, extensive $2 million refurbishment makes Coral World a very popular marine park and observatory, located on the island's north shore, offers visitors a glimpse into the Caribbean's fascinating underwater and coastal environments.
The attraction's most memorable feature, a three-story observation tower, is the focal point of the park. The Observatory Tower sits 100 feet offshore in the middle of a living coral reef. You reach the Tower via a foot bridge. Panoramic views of the surrounding islands and cays can be had from the tower's top level. This area will also serves as a gallery for rotating exhibits. A circular tank, home to a variety of sharks, stingrays, barracuda and moray eels, surrounds the tower's middle level. A lower-level underwater observatory offers a glimpse into life in and around an active coral reef. The 360-degree, glass enclosed viewing area will expose visitors to the Caribbean Sea and its many inhabitants.
Outside the observation tower, four saltwater pools house a variety of the Caribbean's most delicate marine life. Public feedings and educational discussions are offered every day at the shark shallows. Kids will especially enjoy the "touch pool" which allows interaction with a variety of gentle sea creatures. Rescued baby turtles may be seen maturing in a pool dedicated to turtles. A variety of stingrays also have their own saltwater pool.
Twenty-one aquariums, each housing rarely seen plant and animal life in their natural marine habitat, are also featured at the park. Visitors may spend hours identifying the hundreds of tropical fish that swim among the park's multicolored coral reef protected in an 80,000-gallon, open-air circular tank.
Coral World emphasis is placed on the educational aspects of the popular tourist attraction located on Coki Point. Educational displays situated throughout the park teach visitors about the delicate ecosystems that live throughout the tranquil waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands. Daily talks by marine experts and animal feedings provide guests with a personal interpretation of the park's living attractions. A café, several gift shops and a dive shop are also be available for visitors' enjoyment.
Adults and children of all ages will be in awe of the many underwater wonders brought to the surface at Coral World. After spending a day at the marine park, visitors will surely understand why Coral World consistently remains a must-see for both cruise-ship passengers and overnight guests.
The above information is just a beginning. There are so many activities, displays, events and types of exhibits at Coral World we cannot give you all the details here. Our first recommendation is that you come to Coral World in person. Our second recommendation would be to visit the Coral World Web Site for more extensive information. Click the Coral World logo on the right to visit the site.
