Saint Thomas: A Guide For Visiting Coral World Ocean Park

The United States Virgin Islands are known for their stunningly beautiful beaches. And one of the most popular of them all is the Saint Thomas-based island of Saint Thomas. It’s home to many beautiful attractions, including some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean. But there’s one attraction that stands out above all the rest: the Coral World Ocean Park.Coral World Ocean Park is an underwater marine park that encompasses over 40 acres of pristine coral-studded waters. With an array of sea life, both above and below the water, visitors will have plenty to explore. You can even take a dip in the park’s magnificent lagoon.If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, nothing beats visiting Coral World Ocean Park in Saint Thomas. But before you board your plane to get there, you’ll need to know the basics, including the cost to enter and what type of activities you can enjoy once you arrive. This guide will provide you with all the answers you need.

Cost to Enter Coral World Ocean Park in Saint Thomas

The cost to enter Coral World Ocean Park in Saint Thomas is reasonably priced and quite affordable considering what you get in return. Admission starts at $35 for adults, $17.50 for children, and $20 for seniors. There are also great discounts available for groups, so if you’re planning on hitting the park with friends and family, be sure to check out their group rates for even more savings. Tickets can either be purchased at the entrance of the park or online in advance. Purchasing your tickets in advance is usually more convenient, plus you can also take advantage of special discounts. For example, if you buy tickets on the GetYourGuide website here, you can get up to 15% off your total purchase.

What You Can Do at Coral World Ocean Park in Saint Thomas

Coral World Ocean Park is home to one of the most beautiful coral gardens in the Caribbean, and it offers an array of activities that will keep everyone entertained and engaged. Here are some of the top things you can do at the park:

Underwater Observatory Tower:

This is without a doubt one of the most popular attractions of the park. The 34-meter high tower offers unparalleled views of turtles, rays and a variety of beautiful fish. Plus, visitors can touch stingrays and have their picture taken with them.

Glass Bottom Boat Cruise:

Explore Saint Thomas from a different perspective with an incredible glass bottom boat cruise. On this cruise, visitors can view a variety of sea life from underneath the boat, including giant sea turtles and a wide selection of colorful fish. During your tour, you’ll also get to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Sea Turtle & Sea Lion Interaction Programs:

Animal lovers will definitely want to check out Coral World Ocean Park’s Sea Turtle & Sea Lion Interaction Programs in which visitors can learn about sea turtles and sea lions while also getting up close and personal with them by touching, feeding and even swimming with them. It’s an incredibly unique experience that both young and old will enjoy!

Shark Encounter:

Head over to Shark Encounter and watch as trained divers interact with reef sharks while narrating their behavior. You’ll even have an opportunity to get in the water and get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. It’s an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss!

Conclusion

Visiting Coral World Ocean Park in Saint Thomas is a great way to spend a day exploring the natural beauty and vibrant marine life of this gorgeous island paradise. With a variety of activities, you’ll be able to explore all that this underwater park has to offer at a surprisingly affordable price tag. So if you’re looking for a unique activity to add on to your Saint Thomas vacation plans, then Coral World Ocean Park is definitely worth a visit! If you want to book your ticket now, then be sure to head over to GetYourGuide today.

Saint Thomas: An Insider’s Guide to Exploring the Island

Saint Thomas is a jewel in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Located in the Caribbean Sea, this paradise island offers a plethora of activities and attractions that will leave visitors yearning for more. Here’s an insider’s guide to exploring the island beyond the conventional spots.

Local Attractions

While popular attractions like Coral World Ocean Park are undeniably worth a visit, there are also hidden gems that only locals know about. One such treasure is the unique outdoor sculpture collection at the famous Charlotte Amalie Market Square. This collection of sculptures showcases both local and international artists in a stunningly tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll.

Another hidden gem that visitors to Saint Thomas should check out is the Blackbeard’s Castle. This historic landmark offers fantastic, panoramic views of the city of Charlotte Amalie and boasts charming gardens, winding stone staircases, and a fantastic pool.

Dining Spots

St. Thomas’s culinary scene is diverse and delightful, offering everything from fresh seafood to robust Caribbean and Creole flavors. One of the must-try cuisines while on the island is the local delicacy, fungi. Enjoy a plateful of tender, creamy, cornmeal dumplings served with fresh fish and a side of plantains at Gladys’ Cafe.

For a superb fine dining experience, head to the Old Stone Farmhouse. The restaurant features a lush setting and romantic ambiance in an 18th-century stone building, along with a unique menu that offers a range of handcrafted cuisine from skilled chef teams.

Cultural Experiences

Saint Thomas pulsates with rich culture and offers visitors a chance to engage with the island’s local culture. A must-see event is the fantastic carnival celebrations, which take place in the late spring. Visitors can experience the spectacular parade of exotic costumes, mouth-watering food, and music that fills the streets.

Another cultural experience that travelers cannot afford to miss is the St. Thomas Food Tour. It is a guided tour that takes visitors to five ethnic restaurants serving up Caribbean, Puerto Rican, and West Indian cuisine. Travelers will learn about the food history of the islands and iconic ingredients such as johnny cakes, saltfish, and conch fritters in this tasting journey.

Local History

Saint Thomas has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors to the island will delight in learning about the island’s past, from the dramatic tales of piracy, the era of slavery, and the Danish colonial period. The St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Garden is an excellent spot to explore the island’s history and get a sense of how this place came to be what it is today.

Another historical site to visit is the 99 Steps. Despite the name, they are more of a winding staircase than the actual steps. The Stairway was built in the 1700s to connect the neighborhoods of the island, and visitors can follow them up to see the magnificent view from the top.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

If you’re looking for something more adventurous and unique, St. Thomas has no shortage of thrilling activities that cater to adrenaline chasers. The Coral World Ocean Park offers one-of-a-kind animal encounters like swimming with Sea Lions or Caribbean Reef sharks. However, one activity that not many know about is the island’s Glow-In-The-Dark kayaking trip along the coast. Here, visitors can paddle across the bioluminescent waters that light-up like fairy dust due to the microorganisms which form the plankton.

Wrap-Up:

St. Thomas is a kaleidoscope of sophistication, charm, and adventure. This USVI destination has something to offer everyone who visits. Whether you’re exploring hidden gems, tasting vibrant culinary flavors, engaging in cultural experiences, learning about history, or getting off-the-beaten-path activities, you’re assured of a trip like no other. So come, let your senses indulge and fall in love with this magnificent island in the Caribbean.