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