Get up close with juvenile sharks at Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas. This private experience combines education, adventure, and conservation for ocean enthusiasts.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with basic swimming comfort recommended.
Wildlife
History
Coral World Ocean Park has been a cornerstone of marine education and protection in the USVI for decades, promoting awareness of ocean life.
Conservation
The Shark Encounter supports Coral World’s shark conservation programs, helping protect shark populations and marine habitats in the Caribbean.
Coral World Ocean Park
Get up close with juvenile sharks at Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas. This private experience combines education, adventure, and conservation for ocean enthusiasts.
Coral World Ocean Park, located at Coki Point in St. Thomas, operates a marine attraction focused on up-close wildlife encounters, education, and reef access. The park runs a variety of guided experiences including dolphin swims, sea lion interactions, shark encounters, Snuba, Sea Trek ocean floor walks, and a themed Sea Lions Lost Treasure Adventure. General Admission grants access to a 5-acre in-ocean dolphin sanctuary, an underwater observatory, a nature trail, and habitats for sea lions, sharks, turtles, and stingrays.
Programs are designed for different ages and comfort levels. Snuba is available for guests aged 8 and up who can swim and is led by a certified instructor. Sea Trek and other guided encounters run in small groups to maximize safety and personal attention. Dolphin programs include a shallow-platform Dolphin Moment limited to intimate groups of ten and a Dolphin Splash and Swim with optional deeper interactions and professional photos for purchase. The Sea Lion Swim and Sea Lion Encounter offer wet and dry options; the swim requires reservations and adult supervision for younger participants.
Conservation and education are integral to the park’s experiences. The Shark Encounter focuses on juvenile sharks and teaches conservation principles. Several programs require reservations to manage group size and animal welfare. Coral World Ocean Park provides accessible marine experiences at Coki Point, offering families and ocean enthusiasts direct, educational contact with Caribbean marine life. Visitors can book experiences in advance and find schedule details, age limits, and safety guidelines on Coral World Ocean Park's official site.
Location
Coki Point, St. Thomas
Caribbean beachfront location
Tours Offered
9 experiences
Range for different ages
Marine Sanctuary
5-acre dolphin sanctuary
In-ocean protected habitat
Reservations
Required for some
Book select programs in advance
Reserve dolphin swims, sea lion encounters, Snuba, Sea Trek, and shark programs at Coki Point — space and reservations vary by experience.
Book Your Spot Early
This experience is reservation-only and spots fill up quickly, so secure your booking well in advance.
Follow Safety Briefings Closely
Pay attention to safety instructions provided by your guides to ensure a secure and enjoyable encounter with the sharks.
Wear Comfortable Swimwear
Opt for a snug swimsuit as you'll be entering water tanks with juvenile sharks; avoid loose clothing or accessories.
Stay Hydrated and Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself from the tropical sun by drinking water regularly and using reef-friendly sunscreen to preserve marine life.
Swimsuit
A comfortable swimsuit is necessary for entering water tanks safely with juvenile sharks.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin while preserving the delicate marine ecosystem around Coral World.
summer
Towel
Useful for drying off after your shark encounter in the water.
Waterproof Camera or GoPro
Capture underwater moments and memories from your unique shark encounter.