Coral World Ocean Park
US Virgin Islands
Coral World Ocean Park, located on the East End of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a renowned marine park and tourist attraction established in 1978. It features a unique Underwater Observatory Tower that descends 20 feet beneath the ocean surface, allowing visitors to observe marine life in their natural habitat. The park houses an 80,000-gallon Caribbean Reef Encounter tank and enclosures for South American sea lions, sea turtles, stingrays, juvenile sharks, seahorses, and other native species. Many animals are rescued and rehabilitated before release. Coral World emphasizes educational and interactive experiences, offering visitors opportunities to feed animals, participate in swims with dolphins and sea lions, and explore coral reefs through activities like Sea Trek and Snuba diving. Despite damages from hurricanes Hugo, Marilyn, Irma, and Maria, the park has continued to evolve, adding new attractions and maintaining its commitment to marine conservation and visitor engagement.
ヒント: The best time to visit Coral World Ocean Park is during the dry season from December to April to enjoy pleasant weather and calm seas. Booking activities such as dolphin swims, sea lion encounters, and Sea Trek in advance is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. General admission is included with any activity booking, providing good value. Visitors should inquire about available discounts for children, seniors, or groups. Early arrival can help avoid crowds and maximize time for exploring the underwater observatory and interactive exhibits.
興味深い事実
- •The Underwater Observatory Tower descends 20 feet below sea level, offering a unique perspective on marine life.
- •The park uses an open-water system circulating ocean water through its exhibits to maintain a natural environment.
- •Many animals at Coral World, like sea turtles, are rescued from the wild and rehabilitated before release.
- •Former world boxing champion Julian Jackson worked as a celebrity tour guide in the 1990s to attract visitors.
- •Hurricanes Hugo (1989), Marilyn (1995), Irma, and Maria (2017) caused substantial damage to the park, but it has been rebuilt and expanded since.
歴史
Coral World Ocean Park opened in 1978 as the second marine park of Coral World International, following its first in Eilat, Israel.
The park suffered significant damage from Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Marilyn in 1995, leading to ownership changes.
In the 1990s, it gained attention by employing celebrity tour guide Julian Jackson.
Sea lions were introduced in 2007, and despite further hurricane damage in 2017, the park has continued to develop, including plans for an in-ocean dolphinarium starting in 2018.
場所ガイド
Underwater Observatory Tower1978
A signature feature of Coral World, this tower descends 20 feet underwater, allowing visitors to observe Caribbean marine life in their natural habitat through large viewing windows.
Caribbean Reef Encounter Tank
An 80,000-gallon circular tank housing local fish and sea creatures, designed with an open-water circulation system to mimic natural ocean conditions.
Sea Lion Enclosure2007
Home to South American sea lions, this interactive area allows visitors to feed and swim with the animals, fostering educational and recreational experiences.
Interactive Marine Activities
Includes Dolphin Splash and Swim, Sea Trek ocean floor walks, Snuba diving, and Sea Lion Swim, offering hands-on encounters with marine life for various age groups.
連絡先
電話: (340) 775-1555
