NOTES: Northeast of Charlotte Amalie and northwest of Red Hook, the best snorkeling on St Thomas is at Coki Point Beach on the northshore. The water at Coki Point Beach is crystal clear, calm and deepens very gradually. However, snorkeling at Coki Point Beach can be quite popular with the cruise ship tourists, so plan accordingly, especially when looking for the limited parking. The snorkeling to the right around the coral ledges near Coral Worlds underwater tower is popular, but stay outside of the white bouys. The rocks and reefs to the left hand side of the beach is also good for viewing elkhorn coral and sea fans. There is a surprising high density of marine life, including trumpetfish, squirrelfish, beaugregory, four-eyed butterflyfish, blue tang, trunkfish, grunts and parrotfish. The Coki Beach snorkeling is not known for turtles or sharks, and only occationally for southern stingrays.
To reach the snorkeling at Coki Beach from Charlotte Amalie, head east on SR38 (Smith Bay Road). Just before reaching Water Bay, turn left on Coki Road for 0.5 miles to the beach. There is limited roadside parking.
Note: do not leave items on the beach unattended to avoid theft. There are snorkeling dive lockers available for a nominal fee at the Coki Beach Dive Club on the east end of the beach.
Additional printed reading material on Coki Point Beach snorkeling can be found in Snorkeling Virgin Islands by from Lawson Wood.
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