Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World Undersea Observatory Tower
18°20′56″N 64°51′54″W / 18.3490241°N 64.8650489°W / 18.3490241; -64.8650489
Date opened1978
LocationSaint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Volume of largest tank80,000 US gallons (303,000 L)[1]
Websitewww.coralworldvi.com

Coral World is a marine park and tourist attraction located next to Coki Beach on the East End of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Facilities and attractions

Since its opening in 1978, the park has featured a signature Underwater Observatory Tower. The tower descends 20 feet in the ocean to allow underwater viewing. Later additions to the park include an 80,0000 gallon circular Caribbean Reef Encounter tank, which houses local fish and other sea life, and an enclosure for South American sea lions. The park uses an open-water system to circulate ocean water through the exhibits.[2]

Other park animals include sea turtles, stingrays, juvenile sharks, seahorses, sea stars, conch, sea cucumbers, iguanas, and lorikeets. Many of the animals, such as the turtles, are rescued from the wild and released when possible.[2]

The park focuses on visitor education and interaction with the animals, through touch encounters, feedings, swims, snuba, and Sea Trek.[2]

History

Coral World opened in 1978, as Coral World International's second marine park, following Coral World Underwater Observatory in Eilat, Israel.[3]

In 1989 it was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo.[3]

In 1995 another storm, Hurricane Marilyn, destroyed the observatory and other tanks. Coral World was sold to new owners more than a year later.[4]

During the 1990s, Coral World hired former world boxing champion Julian Jackson as a celebrity tour guide, to attract more tourists to the park.[5]

In 2007 the park added sea lions.[6]

In 2012 Coral World proposed adding a controversial dolphin swim attraction.[7]

In 2017 Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria caused an estimed $2 million in damage to the park.[8]

In 2018 Coral World began construction of an in-ocean dolphinarium.[9]

References

  1. ↑ "Coral World Ocean Park". St Thomas Traveler. Archived from the original on May 22, 2006. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 "Coral World Ocean Park US Virgin Islands Eco Park". Coral World Ocean Park. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Coral World International". Coral World International. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Remaking Paradise". Harvard Magazine. January 2001. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  5. ↑ https://tripbucket.com/dreams/dream/visit-coral-world-ocean-park-saint-thomas-usvi/
  6. ↑ "Sea Lions to Provide 'Roaring' Good Time for Park Visitors". The St. Thomas Source. 2 May 2007. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  7. ↑ "A Dolphin Swim in the Works for Coral World". The St. Thomas Source. 18 February 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Coral World Coming Back from Hurricane Damage". The St. Thomas Source. 28 August 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Coral World Announces Construction of an In-Ocean Dolphin Habitat". The Virgin Islands Consortium. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
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