Coral Bay: St. John's Tranquil Escape
Discover Coral Bay, St. John: a historic and peaceful escape offering stunning views, outdoor adventures, and a taste of local island life.
Escape the bustle of Cruz Bay and discover Coral Bay, a serene community on St. John's southeastern coast. Once the island's commercial hub, it now offers a laid-back atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and a glimpse into St. John's rich history.
A brief summary to Coral Bay
- Coral Bay, St John, VI
Local tips
- Explore the Annaberg Ruins, a former Danish sugar plantation, for an educational glimpse into St. John's colonial history.
- Hike the Johnny Horn Trail to Waterlemon Bay for incredible views and a chance to see the Windy Hill Greathouse Ruins.
- Visit Salt Pond Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and a relaxing beach experience.
- Enjoy the local cuisine and laid-back atmosphere at Skinny Legs, a popular Coral Bay bar and grill.
- Take a boat trip to Lime Out, a floating taco bar in Coral Harbor, for a unique dining experience.
Getting There
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Ferry and Taxi
To reach Coral Bay from St. Thomas, take the passenger ferry from either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John. The ferry from Charlotte Amalie is approximately 45 minutes and costs $12 per person. The ferry from Red Hook is shorter, about 15-20 minutes, and costs $8.15 per person each way, plus $4 for each checked bag. From Cruz Bay, taxis are available, but it's best to arrange a roundtrip in advance, as they are not always readily available in Coral Bay. Expect to pay around $30-$40 for a taxi from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay.
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Car Rental
If renting a car on St. Thomas, take the car barge from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. The barge ride is approximately 30 minutes, and costs $50. Upon arrival in Cruz Bay, follow Centerline Road (Route 10) or North Shore Road to Coral Bay. Note that Route 10 is technically the quickest driving route, but North Shore Road passes the beaches, making it very scenic. Parking in Coral Bay is generally free, but can be limited in some areas.
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Public Transportation
The Vitran bus system runs from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay along Centerline Road. The fare is $1 per person. However, the bus schedule can be unreliable, so it's best to check the schedule in advance and allow for extra travel time.
