Coral World - have you been there? - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Big4Chaps · 10-04-2005, 04:18 PM

I'm sorry, I meant to say Coki Beach instead of Coral Beach. Coral World & Coki Beach are side-by-side. Our taxi dropped us off at Coral World for the snuba excursion. We stepped up to a deck that had a snack bar & table & chairs. From there, if you went right you went to Coral World; left took you to Coki Beach.

I felt like Coral World was mentioned so much on the Cruise ship that alot of people visit it from these cruise ships. There were 3 ships at port the day we were there & our ship had 1800+ pax. It was crowded on Coki Beach. And the more people there, the fewer the fish to be seen. We didn't see that many fish when we snuba-ed. The next time we visit St. Thomas, I'm sure none of us will want to go to Coki Beach again. Too many people for no bigger than that beach was.

Sea Otter · 10-05-2005, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziggy7

Whats Duffy's Love Shack ????

It is a bar in Red Hook. There is also one on St. Johns.

http://www.duffysloveshack.com/prodopenstt.htm

Ziggy7 · 10-05-2005, 03:03 PM

Thanks Sweet Angel and Sea Otter

Will have to check it out one of these times we vist there

nealberk · 10-05-2005, 03:20 PM

We have been to St. Thomas twice and have gone to Coral world both times since we lvoed it so much. If you ever went to Marineland or Seaworld in the US before they turned both parks into giant tourist attractions with big production shows, rides, and what not, you would have a good idea of Coral World. It is relatively small but is a nice place to really see aquatic life. The turtle pens are very nice and it is very relaxing to see the turtles lazily swimming around (Note, all the turtles were brought to Coral World because they were injured, not because they were needed for a tourist attraction)

The hands on displays are interesting and are fantastic for kids (and adults who do not know what a shark feels like). Think beack tidal pool with live specimens to look at. The big aquatic tanks are totally natural and are actually open to the ocean so they get natural sea water. For those who want to see salt water aquariums, they have a full building with tanks set up with displays.

The big attraction is the underwater tower. On a clear day it is amazing since it puts you in a building that is underwater about 50 feet from the shore - in effect an aquarium in reverse. There can be an amazing collection of fish depending upon the day, water conditions, and luck. A few fish have decided that the structure is enough like a natural reef that they have established colonies in and around the structure.

Then there are the above water areas including the mangrove swamp (They have used cuttings from their mangrove trees to reforest other islands) a cactus garden (some of the Carribean is not wat!) and their wildlife areas. Oh yes, and then there are the iguanas -EVERYWHERE!

I have a section on Coral World on my Holland America site for pictures and more desctription.

We loved Coral World. It is a place that really has not been spoined by big business tourism.

Ziggy7 · 01-04-2006, 04:22 AM

Great information thread, Thanks!

AngieBaby · 01-04-2006, 09:34 AM

Coral World has what is call the helmet dive. (There is another thread on this specifically)

If you do this excursion, you get admission to Coral World also.

Enjoyed it when we went there!

beth n rod · 01-06-2006, 07:59 AM

We have been to Coki beach - I love it because you can't go wrong if you are planning to snorkel. Pay the $5 to get the gear, get the milk bone dog biscuit, take an under water camera, and enjoy! Dozens of beautiful fish eat from your hand while you take photos. Very memorable.

Beth

AngieBaby · 01-20-2006, 01:05 PM

Bring to the top for twank98

EJ · 01-20-2006, 01:39 PM

I was at Coral World in November.

I started off going on a semi sub ride around the coral bay. Through the glass bottomed boat we got a good view of the coral and fish swimming about. A diver brought some sealife to the windows for us to have a look at e,g water spiders, crabs etc. The guide on the boat was both informative and funny. She told us all about the stories of the infamous pirates, all tongue in cheek. This was a good tour and well worth doing, especially for the family.

Coral World itself is quite small but at the same time very food. There is an observatory tower which you can view various fish, including sharks. There is also a small turtle pool. The aquarium is very interesting and the dark room is particular fun. Just look at some of those ugly looking creatures ( no it wasn't my reflection in the glass

)

If you would like a drink try there ice fruit drinks. Available in both alcohol and alcohol free versions. As you enter Coral World pick up a map as there is a voucher for money off the drinks.

The gift shop is also worth a visit.

The added bonus to Coral World is the view. It is a beautiful.

EJ · 01-20-2006, 01:52 PM

I have uploaded some photo's here

http://www.cruiselineforums.com/gall...00&ppuser=2015