Coral World Ocean Park

Description:

• This marine complex, which is St. Thomas's number-one tourist attraction, features a three-story underwater observation tower 100 feet offshore. Inside, you'll spy sea sponges, fish, coral, and other aquatic creatures in their natural state. An 80,000-gallon reef tank features exotic marine life of the Caribbean; another tank is devoted to sea predators, with circling sharks and giant moray eels. Activities include daily fish and shark feedings. The latest addition to the park is a semisubmarine that lets you enjoy the panoramic view and the "down under" feeling of a submarine without truly submerging.

  Nondivers can get some of the thrill long known to scuba aficionados by participating in Sea Trek, which is slightly different from Snuba. For $68, or $59 for children, you can get a full immersion undersea with no experience necessary. Participants are given a helmet and a tube to breathe through. The tube is attached to an air source at the observatory tower. You then enjoy a 20-minute stroll in water that's 18 feet deep, observing rainbow-hued tropical fish and the coral reefs as you move along the seafloor. It's a marvelous way to experience the world through the eyes of a fish. Note: Reservations are required, so call ahead or log on to the park's website.

  Coral World's guests can take advantage of adjacent Coki Beach for snorkel rentals, scuba lessons, or simply swimming and relaxing. Lockers and showers are available. Also included in the marine park are the Tropical Terrace Restaurant, duty-free shops, and a nature trail.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010