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Coral Bay: St. John's Tranquil Escape

Discover the serene beauty and laid-back charm of Coral Bay, St. John – a tranquil escape with stunning beaches, rich history, and friendly locals.

Escape the crowds and discover the laid-back charm of Coral Bay, St. John. This serene community on the island's eastern side offers stunning natural beauty, a relaxed atmosphere, and a glimpse into St. John's rich history and culture.

A brief summary to Coral Bay

  • Coral Bay, St John, VI
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Coral Bay.

  • Rent a car, preferably a Jeep, to explore Coral Bay and its surrounding areas. Many villas have steep access roads.
  • Visit Hansen Bay, a donation-based beach with easy parking and water activities available for rent.
  • Hike the Ram Head Trail for breathtaking ocean views, especially at sunset.
  • Explore the Annaberg Ruins, the remains of an 18th-century Danish sugar plantation, for a glimpse into St. John's colonial past.
  • Snorkel at Waterlemon Cay, a top snorkeling destination with clear waters and abundant marine life.

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Getting There

  • Ferry & Taxi/Car

    To reach Coral Bay, begin by flying into Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. From the airport, take a taxi to either the Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook ferry dock. Taxis to Red Hook cost approximately $13 for one person or $9 per person for multiple passengers. The ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John, takes about 15-20 minutes and costs $8.15 per person each way, plus $4 per checked bag. Ferries depart hourly. From Cruz Bay, the easiest way to reach Coral Bay is by rental car or taxi. The drive is approximately 8-10 miles. Alternatively, the VITRAN bus system travels from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay, but is known to be unreliable. Taxi fares vary based on destination.

  • Shuttle Boat

    For those looking to visit the Lime Out floating taco bar, a popular option is to take a shuttle boat from Coral Bay Marina. Tacoboatstjohn offers daily shuttle service to Lime Out for $30 per person for two hours, with departures at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Groups of 6 or more are $25 per person, and children under 12 are $20 per person. The marina is located behind the fire station; turn at the fire house, proceed to the water, turn right, and go 100 feet on the left.

Discover more about Coral Bay

Coral Bay, nestled on the eastern end of St. John, offers a tranquil contrast to the bustling Cruz Bay. Once the island's commercial center during the Danish colonial era, it retains a close-knit community feel with a slower pace of life. Here, you'll find remnants of old sugar plantations and historical landmarks like the Emmaus Moravian Church, a testament to the area's rich past.Coral Bay is a haven for nature lovers, boasting stunning beaches like Salt Pond Bay and Hansen Bay, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Hiking trails, such as the Ram Head Trail, offer breathtaking ocean views and access to secluded coves. Explore the unique flora and fauna, or simply relax on the beach and soak in the peaceful surroundings.While Coral Bay may lack some of the conveniences of Cruz Bay, its charm lies in its friendly, laid-back bars and restaurants where tourists mingle with locals. Enjoy fresh seafood, Caribbean cuisine, and lively music at local favorites like Skinny Legs, Aqua Bistro, and Miss Lucy's. For a unique dining experience, take a boat to Lime Out, a floating taco bar in Coral Harbor.

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