3 Travel BloggersIntroduction to Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a small town on St. John, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, as well as its history as a fishing village dating back to the early 1800s.
History of Coral Bay
Coral Bay was first settled by Danish immigrants in the early 1800s, who built a fort on top of a nearby hill to protect themselves from pirates. The community grew around this fortification.
The Origin Of The Name “Coral Bay”
The name “Coral Bay” comes from the coral reefs that surround most of St John’s shoreline, they can be seen underwater at any time of day or night when you’re swimming in this area. The reefs provide shelter for fish and other sea creatures, they also make for great snorkeling opportunities if you want to see some marine life up close without getting into deep water (which might be difficult if you’re not an experienced swimmer).
Getting to Coral Bay
Getting to Coral Bay is a breeze. You can travel by air, car or boat, and once you’re there, it’s best to think of Coral Bay as its own island within St. John.
If you’re flying into St. Thomas and renting a car at the airport (which is recommended), take Route 30 west until you reach Route 32 and turn right onto it.
Follow that road until it intersects with Route 10A near Cruz Bay; then take another right onto Route 10A and continue driving south until it dead ends into Coral Bay Road on your left hand side.
Where to Stay in Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a small town, and it’s easy to find accommodations that are close to the beach. There are several hotels in Coral Bay, including some resorts with restaurants on site. If you want more privacy or space than a hotel can offer, consider renting one of the many private homes available through Airbnb.
If camping isn’t your thing but sleeping under the stars sounds appealing, there are several campgrounds in Coral Bay where you can pitch your tent and enjoy views of Buck Island National Park across the waterway during sunset or sunrise (depending on when you visit).
Hotels: There are a few hotels in Coral Bay that offer basic amenities such as air conditioning and WiFi access. However, these accommodations tend to be more expensive than other options on the island since they’re located within walking distance from restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for something more affordable with fewer frills but still want easy access to activities like snorkeling or hiking trails nearby then staying at one of these hotels might be right for you.
Private Homes: If money isn’t an issue then renting out someone else’s house could be ideal because it gives visitors privacy while also providing them with all their needs being met without having any responsibilities themselves (such as cleaning duties). Some homeowners even offer meals through Airbnb so there’s no need worry about cooking meals either. This type of accommodation comes highly recommended by locals who know what kind experiences tourists want during their vacation time away from home.
Exploring Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a small town with a few restaurants and shops, but it’s also home to some of the best snorkeling in St. John. The best way to see Coral Bay is by boat or kayak, you can rent both from various locations around town, including Dive Center and Sea Breeze Bikes & Kayaks. If you want an even more immersive experience, try one of the many tours offered by local companies like St John Eco Tours or St John Adventure Tours.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing than snorkeling or diving, there are plenty of options for that too. You could spend your day at Coral Bay Beach Park swimming in the clear turquoise waters, hiking along trails through lush forests, exploring tide pools on shore, or just relaxing under palm trees while sipping on fresh fruit smoothies at one of many cafes in town (including The Reef Restaurant).
Eating in Coral Bay
Coral Bay has a number of popular restaurants, cafes and bars. These include:
- The Hideaway (a casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Beach Bar & Grill (a casual bar with live music)
- Soggy Dollar Bar (a beachfront bar with food service)
Shopping in Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a great place to shop for souvenirs and other items. There are several gift shops in the area, including:
- The Gift Shop at Coral Bay Villas & Resort
- The Greenhouse Gift Shop
- One Love Surf & Yoga Studio
If you’re looking for something more unique, there are also boutiques like:
- Planet Parrot (featuring clothing by local artists) and
- Paradise Point Art Gallery (featuring paintings by local artists).
Beaches in Coral Bay
The beaches in Coral Bay are some of the best on St. John, and there are plenty to choose from.
To get started, head down to Coral Bay Beach Park for a swim or picnic lunch. This beach is also home to one of the island’s best snorkeling spots: just offshore is a small reef where you can see sea turtles and colorful fish swimming around you.
If you’re looking for something more secluded, try Secret Harbor Beach–it’s located at the southern end of Coral Bay and has clear waters that are great for swimming (and diving!).
If you want something even more private than that, then check out Cinnamon Bay Beach Park, it has soft white sand and calm waters perfect for relaxing in after exploring nearby hiking trails all day long.
Nightlife in Coral Bay
Coral Bay is known for its live music and clubs. There are a few bars in town that feature live music, including The Beach Bar and The Sand Dollar. If you’re looking for something more than just listening to some tunes, there are also clubs like Club Paradise and Reef’s End that have DJs playing late into the night.
Outdoor Adventures in Coral Bay
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Coral Bay. Hiking, biking and kayaking are popular among visitors to St. John. There are also opportunities for horseback riding and scuba diving if you’re looking for something more adventurous!
Tips for Visiting Coral Bay
The best time to visit Coral Bay is between November and April, when the weather is generally sunny and dry. This is also the off-season in St. John, so you’ll find cheaper rates at hotels and restaurants during this time.
If you’re planning on traveling by land or sea during your trip, be sure that your vehicle has good tires and a jack! The roads can be rough and rocky in places, especially on St. John, so make sure that your car can handle them before heading out for an adventure.
Safety tips: Coral Bay is located near Salt Pond Bay National Park Reserve (SJNP), which means there are many hiking trails available for visitors looking for some fresh air after spending all day lounging around at their resort or hotel room. However, these trails are not always well marked, it’s important that you stay on them at all times because they lead through private property owned by locals who live nearby their homes within SJNRP boundaries.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a laid-back vacation in the Virgin Islands, Coral Bay is a great place to visit. This quiet town offers plenty of things to do and see, from snorkeling in Salt Pond Bay National Park Reserve’s beautiful waters to hiking through lush forests and exploring historic ruins. Have fun!
