St. Thomas, one of the beautiful islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), is a top travel destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, rich history, and abundance of activities for visitors. Whether you’re a family looking for fun, a couple seeking adventure, or a solo traveler wanting to explore, St. Thomas has something for everyone. From scenic vistas and water sports to unique wildlife experiences, the island offers endless opportunities for unforgettable adventures. One of the top attractions on the island is Coral World Ocean Park, where visitors can swim with dolphins, splash around with sea lions, and engage with fascinating marine life.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the best fun activities on and near St. Thomas, including the exciting and family-friendly **Swim and Splash at Coral World Ocean Park**.
St. Thomas is famous for its breathtaking beaches, each offering a different vibe and set of activities. Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove, a beach with water sports, or a spot to relax and enjoy the sun, you’ll find a perfect beach for your needs.
Magens Bay Beach: Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Magens Bay is a must-visit for anyone traveling to St. Thomas. The beach offers soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a mile-long stretch that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding. There are also picnic areas and a nature trail for those who want to explore the lush surroundings.
Sapphire Beach: Known for its stunning views of neighboring islands, Sapphire Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling and windsurfing. The clear, shallow waters make it ideal for families with young children, while more adventurous visitors can enjoy snorkeling with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish just offshore.
Coki Beach: Located near Coral World, Coki Beach is a lively and colorful beach that’s great for snorkeling and diving. With its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, you can easily spot parrotfish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures. This beach is also home to a variety of food vendors, offering delicious local dishes and refreshing drinks.
Whether you’re relaxing on the shore or exploring the underwater world, the beaches of St. Thomas are the perfect place to soak in the beauty of the Caribbean.
One of the top attractions in St. Thomas, Coral World Ocean Park, is an interactive marine park that offers visitors the chance to engage with marine life in a fun and educational setting. Coral World is a favorite among families, marine enthusiasts, and animal lovers, providing unique experiences that bring you up close to some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures.
Swim with Dolphins: One of the park’s most popular experiences is the chance to swim with dolphins in St Thomas. Guests can interact with these intelligent and playful animals in a safe and controlled environment, learning about dolphin behavior, conservation, and communication while enjoying a hands-on encounter. Whether you’re swimming in the salt water lagoon or participating in a dolphin encounter from the dock, this activity is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Sea Lion Swim: Another unforgettable experience at Coral World is the Sea Lion Swim, where visitors can play and interact with friendly sea lions. This interactive program allows you to meet these charming marine mammals, watch them perform tricks, and learn about their natural habitats.
Shark and Stingray Encounters: For those interested in more thrilling experiences, Coral World offers encounters with sharks and stingrays. You can feed and touch gentle stingrays in the Stingray Lagoon or watch nurse sharks glide gracefully through the water during a shark encounter.
Marine Gardens: The **Marine Gardens** exhibit features a series of aquariums filled with colorful tropical fish, coral reefs, and sea creatures from the Caribbean. This exhibit offers a fascinating look at the underwater world, perfect for visitors of all ages.
Undersea Observatory Tower: Coral World also boasts an Undersea Observatory Tower, which takes you 15 feet below the surface to observe the vibrant marine life in the surrounding reef. This underwater observatory gives you a close-up view of sea turtles, tropical fish, and other reef dwellers without needing to get wet.
Coral World Ocean Park is a must-visit for families and anyone interested in learning more about the rich marine life of the Caribbean.
While St. Thomas has plenty to offer, one of the best ways to explore the surrounding area is by taking a boat tour to some of the nearby islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to several stunning islands that are just a short boat ride away, making them perfect for a day trip.
St. John: Just a short ferry ride from St. Thomas, St. John is home to the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of the island. St. John offers some of the best snorkeling in the region, with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. You can also hike through the lush tropical forests or relax on one of the island’s pristine beaches, such as Trunk Bay or Honeymoon Beach.
British Virgin Islands: Another popular day trip from St. Thomas is to the British Virgin Islands, including destinations like Jost Van Dyke and Tortola. These islands are known for their stunning beaches, vibrant bars, and lively atmosphere. Popular spots like the Soggy Dollar Bar and The Baths are perfect for a fun-filled day of exploration, snorkeling, and enjoying the island vibe.
Sailing and Catamaran Tours: For a more relaxed and luxurious experience, consider booking a sailing or catamaran tour that takes you to secluded beaches, hidden coves, and snorkeling spots around the Virgin Islands. Many tours offer all-inclusive packages with food, drinks, and snorkeling gear, making it easy to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Exploring the nearby islands by boat is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands and create lasting memories.
St. Thomas is a snorkeling and scuba diving paradise, thanks to its warm, clear waters and abundant marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to try snorkeling for the first time, the island offers plenty of opportunities to explore the underwater world.
Secret Harbour: Known for its calm waters and vibrant coral reefs, Secret Harbour is a popular snorkeling and diving spot on the east side of St. Thomas. The reef is home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays, making it a great place for underwater photography and exploration.
Cow and Calf Rocks: For scuba divers, Cow and Calf Rocks is one of the most famous dive sites around St. Thomas. These underwater rock formations are home to schools of fish, sea fans, and sponges. The site also features swim-throughs, caves, and ledges, making it an exciting adventure for experienced divers.
Coki Beach: As mentioned earlier, Coki Beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. The clear waters and easy access to the reef make it perfect for beginners, while the variety of marine life ensures that even seasoned snorkelers and divers will be impressed.
Snorkeling and diving in St. Thomas provide an unparalleled opportunity to discover the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and its vibrant ecosystems.
Beyond the beaches and water activities, St. Thomas is rich in history and culture. The capital city of Charlotte Amalie is home to a number of historic landmarks, shops, and restaurants, making it a great place to explore on foot.
Blackbeard’s Castle: This historic landmark offers panoramic views of St. Thomas and the harbor. Originally built as a watchtower by the Danish, it is now a popular tourist attraction where visitors can learn about the island’s pirate history.
99 Steps: Climb the famous **99 Steps**, one of the many stone staircases built by the Danes in the 1700s. The steps lead to beautiful views of Charlotte Amalie and the surrounding area.
Downtown Shopping: Charlotte Amalie is known for its duty-free shopping, with a variety of luxury goods, local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs available. Take a stroll through the historic streets and explore the vibrant market stalls.
St. Thomas offers a rich blend of history, culture, and adventure, ensuring that every traveler can find something to enjoy.
Excitement for Everyone on St. Thomas, USVI
From its world-class beaches and vibrant marine life to the fun and educational experiences at Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas is a dream destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re swimming with dolphins in St Thomas, exploring nearby islands, or enjoying the local culture in Charlotte Amalie, the island offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration. Plan your trip to St. Thomas, USVI, and experience the best of what this Caribbean paradise has to offer!
