Coral World On Your Own?

[QueenTrident]

Has anyone done Coral World on their own? I'm scheduled to do the DCL-sanctioned excursion, but would like to have the freedom to be on our own, especially if it's too much for DD. Plus, it's cheaper to do on our own. Is it difficult to get to/from Coral World on our own? Is it worthy doing it as part of the excursion?

Thanks!

 

[NCRedding]

DD (age 9) and I did Coral World and Coki Beach on our own. Very easy to do. We grabbed at taxi at the dock for $7 per person. Dropped us off at the front entrance. We had a coupon to get into Coral World (can get these online, at the mall area near the dock, or right outside of Coral World) . We enjoyed the aquarium, etc. then went over to Coki and played in the water. We were given wristbands to come and go from Coral World so we were able to use their bathrooms and their showers. Then we caught another taxi back to the dock area. It was great to come and go on our own without sticking to an excursion's schedule, or having to wait for all the other people on the excursion to gather.

 

[LuvMyRedHeads]

I was wondering if the taxis charge the same amount for children. I have a four year old and two year old. That would be $28 to just get there. Does anyone know how long the ride is to Coral World from the ship? I wonder if all the taxis charege the same or can you negotiate the price with them. Thank you in advance for any replys.

 

[kcashner]

Absolutely, you can do it on your own. And, there are even discount coupons in some of the flyers around the shopping area right off the dock. Stop at the tourist desk there for a magazine of coupons. Adult taxi fares are fixed, but you can negotiate on the kid fares...especially if you are filling the whole vehicle.

This was my daughter's favorite excursion. Disney makes it easy, but you pay for the convenience. Almost every excursion that Disney offers can be done independently for a considerable savings....especially if your children are 9-11. Disney charges adult rates at age 9, while most places start at 10 or 12.

 

[NCRedding]

You can negoitiate with the taxi drivers on price. They charged the same for kids as adults. I saw them lower the price for a large number traveling together and for people who would tell them when to return so that they can get extra $$. Be forewarned: the vast majority of the taxis are modified truck bodies, open air with no seat belts. It was one of those things that I didn't think about until later, then I was like :"how risky am I??" We rode back in an airconditioned van with seat belts. I would definitely look for those with young kids. I think the trip took about 30 -45 minutes going over, with 3-4 stops: we stopped at the ferry to St John, and a couple of other hotels before getting to Coral World. It was a little quicker coming back because everyone in the taxi was going to the dock.

 

[dis4me]

We did this on our own. 2 adults 3 children On the way there we paid $21. He said he would count my 2 dd as 1 and my ds would ride free on my lap. On the way back the man joked that he was just charging us for my dh but actually we paid $14 for the 2 adults. This driver basically sits in the coral world parking lot.He has a van with seat belts and will take you back as soon as you are ready.
I would hesitate to take a Disney excursion with young children because you are on their time schedule. We have done many excursions on our own to Disney excursion places and not only saved money but saved the time of everyone meeting in the Walt Disney Theatre and everyone going back together.
PS If you don't get a discount on Coral World from the websites ask the taxi drviers. They have various coupons and we saved lots of money. I know one coupon that is common is one taht saves $3 per adult and $1 per child.
Have fun.

 

[pal2pluto]

I agree wholeheartedly w/NCRedding...........about the seatbelt issue.....and do realize that the modified truck beds have no seatbelts and are fairly open........look for a "taxi" where you can sit INSIDE the cab. The two taxi's we took went very quickly on very curvy, narrow roads........picture a kids roller coaster.....

Coki beach is beautiful........some of our most beautiful water/beach pics are from there. And do get a pass to Coral World. We didn't and regretted it.......the public bathroom .......you don't want to go there. If you get the pass to Coral world, you are able to use a much, much, much nicer restroom. Trust me!

 

[DIScruisers4]

We did Coral World and Coki Beach on our own with two families and enjoyed it a lot. It was very simple and we enjoyed being on our own schedule, especially with little ones. We also used a coupon that we got on-line for Coral World. As for taxis, we were charged $7 per person including children. However, we arranged to have the same taxi driver pick up us about 4 hours after he dropped us off. Because we agreed to use him for our return trip, he agreed to give us a reduced price for the return trip. It's always worth asking for a deal. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[hilltopfamily]

we paid $7 per person each way (2 adults, 3 kids) when we went. Total of $35 to get there, $35 to get back. I attempted to negotiate a better deal but was told no. Good luck at getting a better deal, I'd still give it a try if I was you. Worst that can happen is they'll also tell you "no".

 

[dancermom]

Jenn-

We did Coral World on our own because we didn't have anything planned for St Thomas and our server recommended it. It was very easy, and I liked not having to adhere to anyone else's schedule. There is nothing more annoying then waiting for someone who can't be on time because they feel that rules don't apply to them and that everyone else will be late so why should they be on time. Maybe we'll see you there, because Gracie wants to go back and see the fish. Last time we were there we didn't go to the beach (my mom isn't a real beach person), but since it will be DH with us this time, maybe we will head to the beach for a while.

Jamie

 

[QueenTrident]

Thanks for all the info. We're going to go it alone. I think it makes more sense. How close is Coral World to the downtown shopping area?

I really don't want to be tied up in an excursion because I want to (window) shop. That was my favorite part of St. Thomas, when we were on our honeymoon.

Jamie - Maybe we will see you there! DIS meet at Coral World?

 

[hilltopfamily]

can't recall how close, but I know on our trip back to the ship from Coral World we had our taxi drop me & 2 DD's off for shopping while my DH & son stayed on the taxi and went the rest of the way to the ship. Then when we were done shopping, 2 DD's and myself got on another taxi and went to the ship (sorry I cannot recall the exact cost of this taxi ride, but it was just a few dollars per person I think & a pretty short trip although I don't think we could have walked it--too far for that). Maybe someone else will have more clear memories and more specific info???

 

[IrishCowboy]

We did Coral World and Magen's Bay Beach on our first Magic cruise back in May 2001. We debarked as soon as possible and immediately rented a car from Budget (about $60) and headed off to Coral World. We spent about 3 hours there and then headed over to Magen's Bay Beach. Had plenty of time to enjoy the beach! We had brought along a soft-sided cooler and packed a picnic lunch for the beach (sandwiches, fruit, cookies, and drinks).

A family of 4 can rent a car, see Coral World and spend some time at a beautiful beach for about $100. Plus, each person can have there own seat belt.

Having a rental car provides you with so much more flexibility to do the things that you want to do. Many of the big open air taxis will wait until they are full before they depart. I don't want to spend my 'island hours' sitting in a taxi waiting for it to fill up.

Have a great cruise!!