Sea Lion Swim
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Coral World Ocean Park

4.5
·3k reviews·St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Explore vibrant marine life, walk underwater with Sea Trek, and swim with dolphins at this St. Thomas ocean park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Catch shows and exhibits

CrowdMedium
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Sea Lion Swim

Coral World Ocean Park

Best Time

Afternoons

Catch shows and exhibits

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore vibrant marine life, walk underwater with Sea Trek, and swim with dolphins at this St. Thomas ocean park.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"Awesome experience doing the Sea Trek - walking on the ocean floor in a helmet!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐠 Sea Trek Bucket List!

Walking underwater is a dream come true for many!

🐬 Dolphin Swim Discount

Stay at Margaritaville & attend a pitch for a discount on dolphin swims.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Trek Adventure

Sea Trek Adventure

Underwater

Walk on the ocean floor in a special helmet, interacting with marine life. A truly unique underwater experience!

Dolphin Encounters

Dolphin Encounters

Marine Mammal Pool

Swim with dolphins or participate in an encounter program for an unforgettable marine interaction.

Instagram+1
Undersea Observatory

Undersea Observatory

Observatory Tower

Descend into an underwater tower for panoramic views of marine life and coral reefs.

Reddit
Nature Trails & Exhibits

Nature Trails & Exhibits

Park Grounds

Explore diverse exhibits, see tortoises, iguanas, and learn about marine conservation efforts.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Excursions Wisely

While Coral World Ocean Park offers exciting activities like Sea Trek and dolphin swims, be mindful of booking through cruise lines. One traveler reported a $600 excursion that didn't meet expectations, highlighting potential issues with transport and value. Consider booking directly or researching third-party operators for better deals and clarity on what's included. Reddit

Check for Closures & Plan Your Visit

Some attractions within Coral World, like the undersea observatory, may be under construction without prior notice on their website. It's wise to check for any temporary closures before your visit to avoid disappointment. Arriving in the afternoon might still allow you to catch shows and see aquatic life. TikTok

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Catch shows and exhibits
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#stthomas #usvirginislands #coralworld #vacations #seatrek
@mskeeboo
131.9K likes • 2.5M views

🐠 Sea Trek Bucket List!

Walking underwater is a dream come true for many! TikTokInstagram+1

🐬 Dolphin Swim Discount

Stay at Margaritaville & attend a pitch for a discount on dolphin swims. Reddit

This is a really cool tour to do when in St Thomas USVI #usvi #stcroix #stthomas #stjohn #travel #traveling #travelgram #usvirginislands #islands #caribbean #usa #nopassportrequired #coralworld #coralworldvi #coralworldstthomas #coralworldoceanpark #wildlife #ocean #snorkle #scuba #iguana #seatrek #sea #underwater
@wanderlustismari
15.1K likes • 507.3K views
Hokey Pokey it’s time to celebrate Coki! 🐬 #coralworldoceanpark #marinemammals #aquarium #stthomas #usvi #swimwithdolphins #vaca #caribbean
coralworldvi
101 likes • 2.2K views

🎟️ Excursion Ticket Hack

Get a free park ticket if you book an excursion; don't pay twice! Reddit

🐢 Nature Trail Wonders

See tortoises, iguanas, and enjoy the park's lush greenery. Reddit

This is NOT a sanctuary. Coral World Ocean Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands keeps dolphins confined in sea pens exposed to raw sewage runoff from nearby resorts and storm drains. These dolphins swim, eat, and breathe in polluted waters every single day-without escape. They market it as education and conservation. But there’s nothing educational about watching dolphins suffer for tourist entertain...
theopalofficial
17 likes • 773 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐠 Sea Trek Bucket List!

Walking underwater is a dream come true for many! TikTokInstagram+1

🐬 Dolphin Swim Discount

Stay at Margaritaville & attend a pitch for a discount on dolphin swims. Reddit

🎟️ Excursion Ticket Hack

Get a free park ticket if you book an excursion; don't pay twice! Reddit

🐢 Nature Trail Wonders

See tortoises, iguanas, and enjoy the park's lush greenery. Reddit

🍔 Onsite Dining Options

Try the Shark Bar for burgers and 'Shark Bite' rum drinks. Reddit

📍 Next to Coki Beach

Conveniently located; park in Coral World's lot if visiting the beach. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find Coral World Ocean Park to be a pleasant experience with engaging marine life and unique activities like Sea Trek. The staff is often praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, and the park's proximity to Coki Beach is a major plus. However, some guests have expressed concerns about the cost of certain attractions and potential undisclosed closures of facilities.

"Great place. Nice paths and the bird sanctuary was nice. We were able to catch a few shows even though we arrived in the afternoon. Just this had everything you could ask for. Exotic plants and plenty of lizards ! Wonderful aquatic life. Staff was courteous and knowledgeable. The large aquarium was great and the staff knew a lot about the fish. Plus the beach is right around the corner. Don’t want a plus !"

Mike

"We had a WONDERFUL time at the dolphin swim! It's a bit pricey but you can get a discount if you stay at Margaritaville and sit through their sales pitch 😁 still, it was a ton of fun. We're very happy to support the dolphin team! Jasmine was an absolute delight and so much fun! My daughter got to dance with a dolphin - her dream!!! My only thought/recommendation was that the aquarium itself was kinda meh. You can only see a sea lion if you attend one of their presentations so we completely missed it. It's next door to Coki beach and you can park in coral worlds lot if you attend the aquarium. Pretty sure you get a free ticket into the park if you book an excursion -so don't pay twice!!!"

Keturah Kitty Martin

"Awesome experience doing the Sea Trek - walking on the ocean floor in a helmet!!! We held a sea egg, star fish, and invertebrate and got to see so many beautiful creatures and coral! Our guides made it the best. In addition, we caught the sea lion talk, walked the nature trail to see tortoises and iguanas, caught the sea turtle talk, saw the dolphin that another family was enjoying swimming with, and several small exhibits. We ate at the Shark Bar onsite; they had a decent menu. We got the burgers and a “Shark Bite” rum drink. My family of four with two teen boys enjoyed this place. Highly recommend."

Emilie Garrelts

What People Like

Sea Trek adventure
Dolphin encounters
Proximity to Coki Beach

What People Dislike

High cost of excursions
Undisclosed closures
Aquarium exhibits basic

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Coral World Ocean Park is about a 30-minute taxi ride from the cruise pier in St. Thomas. Taxis are readily available at the port. Be prepared for potential costs, as a taxi for three people can be around $90. Reddit

Yes, Coral World Ocean Park offers parking. If you are visiting Coki Beach, you can often park in Coral World's lot. Reddit

Public transportation options might be limited or less direct. Taxis are the most common and convenient way to reach Coral World Ocean Park from the cruise port or other accommodations. Reddit

The park generally has paved paths, making it accessible for many visitors. However, specific accessibility details for all attractions, especially the undersea observatory, should be confirmed directly with the park. TikTok

For a day trip, taking a taxi is recommended for its directness and convenience. This allows you to maximize your time at the park and easily return to your cruise ship or accommodation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets directly at the park's entrance, or often online through their official website. If booking an excursion through a cruise line, tickets are typically included. Reddit

Discounts may be available if you book certain excursions or stay at partner hotels like Margaritaville, which might require attending a sales pitch. It's always worth checking their website or contacting them directly for any current promotions. Reddit

General admission typically grants access to the aquariums, nature trails, and exhibits. Special activities like Sea Trek, dolphin swims, and snuba usually require separate booking and fees. Reddit

Coral World Ocean Park's hours can vary, but they are generally open daily. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. TikTok

Refund policies can be strict. One visitor reported being offered only a 10% discount and no refund when the undersea observatory was closed without prior notice. It's crucial to inquire about refund policies for unexpected closures. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

The Sea Trek helmet dive is a highly recommended, unique experience. Dolphin encounters and swims are also popular. Don't miss the nature trails with iguanas and tortoises, and the aquariums. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, Coral World Ocean Park is generally considered family-friendly. Children often enjoy the interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and the proximity to Coki Beach for swimming. Reddit

Sea Trek allows you to walk on the ocean floor wearing a special helmet, enabling you to breathe underwater. You can interact with marine life, hold starfish, and see coral reefs. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, Coral World Ocean Park offers dolphin swim programs and encounters where you can interact closely with dolphins. Instagram+1

You can see a variety of marine life in the aquariums, including fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. The park also has a bird sanctuary and free-roaming iguanas and tortoises on its nature trails. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is an onsite dining option called the Shark Bar, which offers a decent menu including burgers and specialty drinks like the 'Shark Bite' rum drink. Reddit

Coral World Ocean Park is located next to Coki Beach, which often has local vendors and smaller eateries offering food and drinks. Reddit

Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not widely available. It's generally advisable to check the park's policy or plan to dine at their onsite facilities or nearby Coki Beach vendors. Reddit

Specific dietary options at the Shark Bar are not detailed. It's recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival about vegetarian or vegan choices. Reddit

While specific prices aren't listed, reviews suggest a decent menu. Expect typical tourist attraction pricing for food and drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots during the Sea Trek experience, with dolphins, and the vibrant marine life in the aquariums. The nature trails with iguanas and tortoises also offer great photo ops. TikTokInstagram+1

Photography during the dolphin swim is usually permitted, but it's best to check the specific rules for the encounter program you book. Sometimes professional photographers are available for hire. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and the animals. TikTok

Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting, reducing harsh shadows. The natural light filtering into the aquariums can also create beautiful underwater shots. TikTok

The undersea observatory offers a unique perspective for photos looking out into the ocean. The Sea Trek helmet itself can also make for a fun, unique selfie. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Coral World Ocean Park is a great option for families. Kids will be thrilled by the interactive exhibits, the chance to see iguanas and tortoises on the nature trails, and the possibility of swimming with dolphins. InstagramReddit The Sea Trek experience, while an extra cost, is often a highlight for adventurous children. Instagram+1

Consider arriving in the afternoon to catch animal shows, which can be particularly engaging for younger visitors. The proximity to Coki Beach also provides a fantastic opportunity for family fun in the water, making it a well-rounded day trip. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While some activities like Sea Trek and dolphin swims are pricey, general admission to Coral World Ocean Park can be a more budget-friendly option. Reddit Look for potential discounts by staying at partner hotels or booking excursions strategically, but be wary of the sales pitches. Reddit The park's location next to Coki Beach offers a free alternative for enjoying the ocean and snorkeling. Reddit

Focusing on the nature trails and aquarium exhibits can provide a good experience without additional costs. Packing your own snacks or planning to eat at more affordable local spots near Coki Beach might also help manage expenses. Reddit

💑 Couples & Adventurers

For couples seeking a unique adventure, the Sea Trek experience offers an unforgettable underwater journey together. Instagram+1 Alternatively, a dolphin encounter can be a romantic and memorable activity. Instagram+1

Explore the nature trails hand-in-hand and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the park. The adjacent Coki Beach provides a perfect setting for a romantic stroll or a shared snorkeling adventure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sea Trek Experience

The Sea Trek is a standout activity at Coral World Ocean Park, allowing visitors to experience walking on the ocean floor. Participants wear a special helmet that provides a continuous air supply, enabling them to breathe naturally underwater. This immersive experience allows for close encounters with marine life, including holding starfish and sea urchins, and observing coral formations. TikTokInstagram+3

Travelers rave about Sea Trek, calling it a 'bucket-list' item and an 'awesome experience.' The guides are often praised for making the adventure memorable and safe. It's a unique way to explore the underwater world without needing extensive diving certification, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Reddit

While the cost is an additional fee, many feel it's well worth the unforgettable memories. It's recommended to book this activity in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. Instagram

Marine Mammal Encounters & Conservation Concerns

Coral World Ocean Park offers various marine mammal encounters, most notably with dolphins. These programs allow visitors to interact with dolphins, including swimming and dancing with them, which is a dream come true for many. Instagram+1 The staff's enthusiasm during these encounters is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect. Reddit

However, it's important to acknowledge that there are conservation concerns raised by some visitors and organizations regarding the confinement of dolphins in sea pens. One perspective highlights that these pens may be exposed to pollution and lack the vastness of natural ocean environments. Instagram This raises questions about the ethical implications of such attractions, even when marketed as educational. Instagram

While Coral World aims to educate and engage visitors with marine life, potential visitors may want to research these concerns and consider their personal stance on animal encounters in captivity. The park also features other exhibits and talks, such as those for sea lions and sea turtles, contributing to its overall marine education mission. Reddit

Exploring the Park's Natural Attractions

Beyond the ticketed activities, Coral World Ocean Park boasts natural attractions that are equally engaging. The park features well-maintained nature trails where visitors can encounter wild iguanas roaming freely, as well as tortoises. InstagramReddit

The aquariums showcase a diverse array of marine life, from colorful fish to stingrays and sea turtles. While some reviews suggest the aquarium exhibits might be less extensive than in larger parks, they are generally well-presented and informative. Reddit The park also includes a bird sanctuary, adding to the variety of wildlife on display. Reddit

Its location adjacent to Coki Beach is a significant advantage, offering visitors the opportunity to combine their park visit with a relaxing beach day, snorkeling, or swimming in the clear Caribbean waters. InstagramReddit

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