| Most families have visited aquariums, but few | | | | If you are thrilled by the predators of the |
| can compare to St. Thomas' Coral World Ocean | | | | deep, you can take your obsession one step |
| Park. As one of the highest rated attractions | | | | further at the Shark Encounter. After |
| on the island, Coral World delights scores of | | | | participating in a lesson about these often |
| visitors every year. Unlike many other | | | | misunderstood creatures, you can hop in the |
| aquariums, Coral World also features several | | | | Shark Shallows Pool with the guide and swim |
| distinct activities - each highlighting a | | | | with over a dozen young lemon, blacktip and |
| different aspect of the Caribbean's diverse | | | | nurse sharks. With your mask and snorkel, |
| underwater universe. Families can interact | | | | your guide will allow you to get within two |
| with sharks or observe a colorful coral reef | | | | feet of the sharks. Afterwards, guests are |
| from an underwater observatory. If you want | | | | invited to touch one of the park's baby nurse |
| to get in the water yourself, Coral World is | | | | sharks. |
| located next to one of St. Thomas' most | | | | |
| popular beaches for snorkeling and the park's | | | | If you decide you want to get wet out at sea, |
| two-story catamaran, complete with slides and | | | | make a reservation for the park's popular Sea |
| rides, takes visitors out into the Caribbean. | | | | Trek. Supported by an underwater handrail, |
| When you visit St. Thomas, trust the | | | | visitors walk on the bottom of the sea while |
| recommendations and experience the Coral | | | | schools of fish dart through the coral reefs. |
| World Ocean Park for yourself. | | | | Sea trekkers are supplied with giant |
| | | | underwater helmets capable of providing |
| For aquarium lovers or anyone curious about | | | | oxygen and stability without the weight of a |
| life under the sea, the Underwater | | | | tank. A less-wet - but no less eye-opening - |
| Observatory is the can't-miss attraction. | | | | alternative is the Nautilus semi-submarine, |
| Located 100 feet from the shore, the | | | | described as half-boat, half-submarine. From |
| observatory takes you 15 feet underwater to | | | | the air conditioned interior, you can relax |
| the home of coral reef and more fish than you | | | | and watch all the bustling activity of the |
| can imagine. At the complex's bottom level, | | | | Caribbean through oversized windows. |
| you can photograph numerous species of | | | | |
| tropical fish swimming amongst the natural | | | | Within the past year, Coral World Ocean Park |
| coral reef. Check the times of the | | | | also added two new activities - Sea Lion |
| twice-daily feedings as you will have the | | | | Splash and Lorikeet Garden. The Sea Lion |
| opportunity to see creatures of all sizes | | | | Splash allows visitors to interact and swim |
| swim into view to meet the courageous diver. | | | | with some of the world's friendliest sea |
| | | | creatures. The Lorikeet Garden is an aviary |
| Another part of the offshore facility is the | | | | full of sociable tropical birds. If you |
| Predator Tank, a 50,000 gallon aquarium | | | | saunter the trails of the garden with a cup |
| housing all of the region's most imposing sea | | | | of nectar, the birds will flutter down and |
| creatures. Gazing into the massive tank, you | | | | eat from your hand. |
| can expect to see plenty of sharks, moray | | | | |
| eels and tarpon. Much like the observatory | | | | Once you have experienced all the sites of |
| that is open to the sea, Coral World has | | | | the Coral World Ocean Park, walk up the shore |
| scheduled feeding times for the predators | | | | to Coki Beach - one of the most popular |
| throughout the day. Lastly, while you are | | | | beaches in St. Thomas and a great site for |
| keeping dry underwater in the sprawling | | | | snorkeling. Rental equipment is available at |
| offshore exhibit hall, check out the | | | | the beach for snorkeling and other water |
| Caribbean Reef Encounter. In addition to | | | | sports. When you are finally done playing in |
| being one of the world's largest coral reef | | | | the water, relax on a stretch of sand and |
| tanks, this 80,000 gallon aquarium is open to | | | | plan your next adventure in St. Thomas. If |
| the light at the top, providing a truly | | | | you just can't get enough of the Coral World |
| unique way to view different types of coral, | | | | Ocean Park, you can always head back the next |
| sponges and tropical fish. | | | | day and take advantage of free admission for |
| | | | return visitors. |