St Thomas Coral World ?

[mhb]

Okay, I live in NJ and have been to both the NJ and Balitmore MD Aquariums. Is Coral World similar? Would hate to spend the money and time, if I can go right in my own back yard and see fish.

Thanks

 

[NJ Cruisers]

They had to rebuild Coral World after a hurricane a few years ago and I haven't visited since then. But before that is was really cool. In one section YOU were in the tank and the fish were outside (in the water, of course). It seemed like they came looking in the windows at us. That's the part that got destroyed. I'm not sure if they fixed it.

But - NO - nothing like Baltimore's.

There's lots to do in St Thomas so if you feel you've "been there, done that" with aquariums then you should try something else.

Diane

 

[kcashner]

I've never been to the aquariums in Baltimore....but I have been to Coral World. There is an underwater viewing area, a large "typical aquarium" area, many "hands on" displays where the kids can touch a shark as well as many other sea creatures. In addition, there are hiking trails, a gift shop, snack shop, etc. Across the "street" which is more like the parking lot is Coki Beach...which is lovely.

This is an easy excursion to do on your own, and much cheaper on your own than with DCL. When you get off the ship, go to the tourist info booth. They will have a coupon booklet (free) which includes a discount coupon for admission (one coupon was good for the family). The taxis are right there, and will take you directly. Remember to get towels from the ship if you are going to the beach. The best thing about going on your own is that you can miss the DCL crowds and do it in YOUR timing. If you want 1/2 day at the beach, do it. If you want 10 minutes, also fine. The beach is free.

 

[tvguy]

We went to Coral World on past trips, but this was the first trip for the kids, so we went again. It isn't in the same caliber as say the Monterey Bay Aquarium we have here on the West Coast, so in my opinion, it is kind of a grade B sealife park.
If you have something else you might like better, I'd do it.
We also wanted to cram in as much as we could in St Thomas that WASN'T shopping related. My wife and I have been to St. Thomas 5 times now, and after the first 2 times used that as our "sleep in" day because we aren't big shoppers. Couldn't sleep in this time however because of the 6:30 am immigration check.
We did the Skytram in the morning, came back to the ship for a dining room lunch, did the Coral World/City tour excursion, and got a good balance of sights, sea, and shopping.

 

[mhb]

Thanks so much TVGuy, I forgot about the Skytram. Does anyone know details about that. I think our family of 5 might enjoy that. Could we do shopping, skytram, some sightseeing, and still do the beach. Think we'll have enough time?

Thanks,

 

[NJ Cruisers]

mhb - we did all of that - sightseeing, beaches, shopping and more - but not the skytram although there's no reason you couldn't. We got off the ship and got a cab for the whole day. Sorry - I don't remember what it cost, but since there were 4 of us it wasn't too bad per person. That's the best way if you want to "do it all".

I was the tour guide - telling him where to take us - I've done weekly vacations on St Thomas many times and I've cruised there probably 15 times. I love the island and wouldn't think of sleeping in - I'm first off the ship and last back on. BUT - you don't need to be the tour guide. Just give him a list of the places you want to visit and he'll figure the best route.

I was showing my parents "my" island so we went to Magen's Bay, Coki Beach, Mountain Top, Drake's Seat, Skyline Drive and few other spots that are special to me (Lindbergh Bay Beach was one). A very personal tour. We swam, snorkled, shopped and really enjoyed our day.

Diane

 

[tvguy]

Skytram is $15 a person.
It is right where the ship docks so we just walked over there first thing. The view is great, and they have the mandatory shops up top too. Just what St. Thomas needs, more shops.
We did the afternoon Coral World/City tour.

 

[Mojomanny]

Here are photos - just go in the right "album" which is St. Thomas on page 2.


http://community.webshots.com/user/mojomanny

Also read my review at http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=3673026477

search for Wednesday if you do not want to read the whole thing

 

[wdwa1]

Is there a snack bar/beach bar at the beach at Coral World? We really just want a nice beach with a place to get lunch and drinks, that is near the ship. We really do not care about Coral World, is ther another beach that would be better for us?