Coral Bay: St. John's Tranquil Escape
Discover Coral Bay, St. John: a tranquil harbor with rich history, stunning nature, and a laid-back island vibe away from the crowds.
Escape the crowds and discover the laid-back charm of Coral Bay, St. John. This harbor town on the island's southeastern coast offers stunning natural beauty, a close-knit community, and a glimpse into St. John's rich history as its original commercial center.
A brief summary to Coral Harbor
- Coral Bay, St John, VI
Local tips
- Rent a car, preferably a Jeep with 4WD, to explore Coral Bay and the rest of St. John comfortably. Book well in advance!
- Visit the Emmaus Moravian Church, a historical landmark that reflects the town's rich past.
- Explore the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins to learn about the island's colonial history and sugar production.
- Enjoy the local cuisine at Coral Bay's laid-back restaurants and bars, such as Skinny Legs and Aqua Bistro.
- Bring snorkeling gear to explore the underwater world at nearby beaches like Maho Bay and Francis Bay.
Getting There
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Driving
From Cruz Bay, the most common way to reach Coral Bay is by car. Head east on Route 10 (Centerline Road). The drive is approximately 30-40 minutes, offering scenic views along the way. Be prepared for winding roads and steep hills. Parking is generally available in Coral Bay, but can be limited during peak season. Car rentals are highly recommended on St. John, especially for exploring Coral Bay. Expect to pay around $100 or more per day for a Jeep rental.
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Public Transport
The Vitran bus offers an inexpensive way to travel from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. The bus departs from the Cruz Bay ferry dock and travels along Centerline Road to Salt Pond Bay, with stops in Coral Bay. The fare is $1 per ride. The bus schedule can be unreliable, so it's best to check with the driver for return times. Note that the bus service does not operate on Saturdays.
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Taxi
Taxis are available from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay, but they can be expensive. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Expect to pay around $40-$60 for a one-way trip. Taxis do not regularly run to Coral Bay and must be booked in advance if a ride is needed. There is no Uber or Lyft.
Discover more about Coral Harbor
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St John
1.8 km
Experience the serene beauty and vibrant culture of St. John, the jewel of the U.S. Virgin Islands, featuring stunning beaches and lush landscapes.
Little Thatch
4.1 km
Escape to Little Thatch Island in the British Virgin Islands for pristine beaches, tranquil waters, and a serene Caribbean getaway.
Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins
4.2 km
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Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins
4.4 km
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Omar's Fusion
4.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Omar's Fusion, a top restaurant in Soper's Hole, Tortola, known for its fresh seafood and live music.
VOYAGE Charters
4.6 km
Experience the beauty of the British Virgin Islands with luxury yacht rentals at VOYAGE Charters, your gateway to unforgettable sailing adventures.
Arawak West End
4.6 km
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Pusser's Landing
4.6 km
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Soper's Hole Wharf & Marina
4.7 km
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DAY TRIPS BVI
4.7 km
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Omar's Coffee House
4.7 km
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West End Ferry Terminal
4.9 km
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Steele Point Estate
5.0 km
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Catherineberg Estate Ruins
5.1 km
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Whistling Cay, United States Virgin Islands
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Unmissable attractions to see
Coral Bay
0.4 km
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Hurricane Hole
1.7 km
Discover Hurricane Hole in St. John: a serene bay with vibrant marine life, perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring protected mangrove ecosystems.
Bordeaux Mountain Trail
1.8 km
Hike to St. John's highest peak on this challenging trail, rewarded with panoramic views and a glimpse into island history.
Brown Bay Trail
2.0 km
Discover St. John's hidden gem: Hike the scenic Brown Bay Trail for snorkeling, history, and stunning Caribbean views.
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
2.7 km
Experience the captivating history of sugar production at Annaberg Sugar Plantation, a historical landmark in St. John with stunning views and rich heritage.
Lameshur Bay Trail
3.1 km
Explore St. John's Lameshur Bay Trail: Hike through history, discover hidden ruins, and enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery in Virgin Islands National Park.
Tektite Trailhead
3.1 km
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Petroglyphs
3.6 km
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Little Lameshur Bay
3.6 km
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Virgin Islands National Park
3.9 km
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Beehive Cove Lookout Point
3.9 km
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Cinnamon Bay Trail
4.0 km
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Maho Bay Beach
4.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Lime Out VI
0.1 km
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Ekaete Pink Corner
0.4 km
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Patricias Beach Bar
5.6 km
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1748 Restaurant
6.4 km
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Tropical Fusion Beach Bar And Grill
6.5 km
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La Flaca
6.8 km
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Nardie's Beach Bar
6.8 km
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Tramonti Restaurant
7.4 km
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North Shore Shell Museum & Restaurant
8.6 km
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Selly's BBQ Pitt BVI
8.9 km
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Bananakeet
9.2 km
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Mountain View Restaurant
9.6 km
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Peg Legs Restaurant
10.1 km
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Nanny Cay Resort & Marina
10.2 km
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Omar's Dockside Nanny Cay
10.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Riteway Harbour Market
4.6 km
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BVI Island Surf and Sail
4.6 km
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Harbor Market
4.7 km
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Sage Mountain National Park
8.6 km
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VI National Park Store
8.6 km
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Treasure Point
9.9 km
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The Islander Swim Collection
10.3 km
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Arawak Nanny Cay
10.3 km
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The Bight Bay
10.3 km
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Riteway Nanny Cay
10.3 km
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Blue Water Divers
10.3 km
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Amorbeach
10.4 km
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Indigo Beach House
10.5 km
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Willy T
10.5 km
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The Bight
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Admiral's Bar
4.7 km
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West End
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Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar & Grill
5.6 km
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The Windmill Bar
6.3 km
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The Indians
9.0 km
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Stoutt's Lookout Bar
9.3 km
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De Wedding
10.3 km
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Captain Mulligans
10.5 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Glen Seaside Bar and Restaurant
10.7 km
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Paradise Club Lounge, Bar, & Restaurant
10.9 km
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Coco Locos
11.5 km
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Foxy's, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
11.7 km
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Rudy's Bar
11.8 km
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Cool Breeze Sports Bar & Restaurant
11.8 km
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Ali Baba's
11.9 km
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Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, Villas & Beach Bungalows
11.9 km
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B-Line beach bar & restaurant
12.0 km
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Hendo's Hideout
12.2 km
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Soggy Dollar Bar
12.2 km
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Gertrude’s Beach Bar and Grill
12.2 km
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Coco Loco
12.2 km
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Nicoles Beach Bar
12.5 km
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Oceans 7 Yacht Club
13.1 km
Dine at Oceans 7 Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands for fresh seafood and stunning harbor views.
