The Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, offers a captivating aquatic adventure for visitors of all ages. With its expansive 5-acre grounds, the park boasts an 80,000-gallon open-air reef, interactive touch pools, and the awe-inspiring Shark Shallows exhibit. Guided tours by certified experts provide fascinating insights into the park’s diverse marine ecosystem, while the inclusive design ensures an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone. The general admission ticket grants unlimited access to the park’s exhibits, presentations, and facilities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy the wonders of the ocean. But there’s more to discover beyond the park’s captivating surface.
Key Points
- The Coral World Ocean Park general admission ticket provides unlimited access to the park’s exhibits and experiences, including the 80,000-gallon open-air reef.
- Visitors can interact with marine creatures like sea cucumbers and hermit crabs in the touch pool, as well as observe teenage sharks in the Shark Shallows.
- A 45-minute guided tour by certified experts offers an immersive educational experience, enhancing understanding of the diverse marine ecosystem.
- The general admission ticket includes a souvenir map, access to the undersea observatory tower, and live presentations showcasing the park’s vibrant marine life.
- The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with on-site showers and unlimited access to Coki Beach, ensuring a comprehensive ocean-themed adventure.
Overview of Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World Ocean Park is a 5-acre aquatic park located in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, offering visitors an immersive and educational experience into the wonders of the underwater world.
With a general admission ticket, guests can explore interactive exhibits and witness live presentations that showcase the park’s diverse marine life.
The park features an 80,000-gallon open-air reef, where visitors can observe the vibrant corals and the bustling sea life.
Plus, the park offers a touch pool where guests can interact with sea cucumbers and hermit crabs, as well as the Shark Shallows exhibit to observe teenage sharks up close.
The park’s certified guides provide a 45-minute tour, enhancing the overall educational experience.
Interactive Exhibits and Experiences
What truly sets Coral World Ocean Park apart are the captivating interactive exhibits and experiences that immerse visitors in the wonders of the underwater realm.
Guests can venture to the Touch Pool, where they can gently interact with the curious sea cucumbers and hermit crabs that inhabit the tranquil waters. Nearby, the Shark Shallows exhibit offers a thrilling opportunity to observe the park’s teenage sharks as they glide gracefully through their enclosure.
The park’s centerpiece is the impressive 80,000-gallon open-air reef, where a guided tour by a certified guide takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant marine ecosystem.
With these immersive exhibits, Coral World Ocean Park provides an unforgettable exploration of the ocean’s rich biodiversity.
Touch Pool and Marine Creatures
At the heart of Coral World Ocean Park lies the captivating Touch Pool, where visitors can gently interact with the park’s resident sea cucumbers and hermit crabs, marveling at their unique adaptations and behaviors. This hands-on experience allows guests to feel the velvety texture of a sea cucumber or the intricate shell of a hermit crab, fostering a deeper appreciation for these fascinating marine creatures.
The Touch Pool isn’t only educational but also immersive, inviting visitors to become active participants in the underwater world.
Discover the alien-like sea cucumbers and their remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts.
Observe the hermit crabs’ clever use of abandoned shells as protective homes.
Gain a newfound respect for the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
Shark Shallows and Open-Air Reef
Beyond the captivating Touch Pool, visitors can enjoy the Shark Shallows, where they’ll witness teenage sharks gracefully swimming in an 80,000-gallon open-air reef. This dynamic exhibit allows guests to observe these impressive predators up close, fostering a newfound appreciation for the vital role sharks play within the delicate marine ecosystem.
The open-air reef showcases the vibrant, colorful coral formations and diverse marine life that call this underwater habitat home. Guided by a certified expert, visitors can marvel at the sharks’ effortless movements and gain a deeper understanding of these misunderstood creatures.
The Shark Shallows and open-air reef provide a truly immersive and educational experience, inviting guests to connect with the wonders of the ocean.
Guided Tour by Certified Guide
A certified guide leads Coral World Ocean Park’s 45-minute tour, providing visitors an informative and immersive glimpse into the vibrant marine habitats showcased throughout the expansive aquatic attraction.
The guided tour allows guests to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse array of sea life, from the playful sea cucumbers and hermit crabs in the touch pool to the mesmerizing teenage sharks in the Shark Shallows.
Visitors can expect to:
- Learn fascinating facts about the park’s unique coral reef ecosystem and the various species that call it home.
- Witness live animal presentations and demonstrations led by the park’s knowledgeable staff.
- Ask questions and engage in discussions to further enhance their understanding of the marine environment.
Included in General Admission Ticket
The general admission ticket grants visitors unlimited access to Coral World Ocean Park’s diverse exhibits and experiences, including a souvenir map, the undersea observatory tower, and a variety of live presentations throughout the day.
Visitors can explore the park’s interactive touch pools, where they can interact with sea cucumbers and hermit crabs, or observe the teenage sharks in the Shark Shallows exhibit.
The park also features an 80,000-gallon open-air reef, allowing guests to witness the vibrant marine life up close.
Guests can take advantage of the on-site showers and unlimited access to Coki Beach, making for a well-rounded and immersive visit to the ocean-themed park.
Excluded From General Admission Ticket
While the general admission ticket provides visitors with extensive access to Coral World Ocean Park’s main attractions, some additional offerings aren’t included in the base price.
Specifically, guests must pay extra for:
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off services
- Food and drinks
- Additional activities inside the park
This allows guests to curate their experience and budget according to their preferences, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable visit to the ocean-themed destination.
Visitor Information and Park Details
Boasting a 243-review strong track record and a Badge of Excellence, Coral World Ocean Park opens its doors to visitors starting at 9:00 am daily, welcoming guests of all ages and abilities with its wheelchair and stroller accessible facilities.
Operated by the Coral World Ocean Park team, the 5-acre aquatic park in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, offers a range of captivating exhibits and experiences. Visitors can explore the 80,000-gallon open-air reef, interact with sea cucumbers and hermit crabs in the Touch Pool, and witness teenage sharks in the Shark Shallows.
What’s more, a 45-minute guided tour by a certified guide provides an immersive educational experience. Service animals are also welcome, ensuring an inclusive and accessible adventure for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?
Yes, Coral World Ocean Park offers discounts for seniors and children. Seniors receive a reduced admission price, while children under a certain age can get in for free or at a lower cost than the regular adult ticket.
What Is the Dress Code for the Park?
The park has a casual, relaxed dress code. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking around the exhibits. Swimsuits are allowed for those planning to visit the beach areas or touch pools.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
Guests are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks into the park. However, outside food and beverages may not be permitted in certain areas, such as the café or dining venues. It’s best to check the park’s policies before visiting.
Are There Designated Areas for Picnicking?
According to the information provided, Coral World Ocean Park does not have designated picnicking areas. The park’s admission excludes outside food and drinks, suggesting visitors should purchase refreshments from the on-site dining options during their visit.
How Long Does It Typically Take to See All the Exhibits?
It typically takes visitors 2-3 hours to fully explore all the exhibits and experiences at the park. The guided tour, presentations, and interactive exhibits allow guests to enjoy the underwater world at their own pace.
Recap
Coral World Ocean Park offers visitors a captivating aquatic adventure in the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With its diverse exhibits, interactive touch pools, and guided tours, the park invites guests to enjoy the wonders of the marine ecosystem.
The general admission ticket provides unlimited access, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an educational and memorable connection with the ocean’s rich biodiversity.
