Unique Attractions of the USVI

When it comes to sightseeing pleasures, the United States Virgin Islands has more in store in addition to pristine beaches and protected bays. The tropical island paradise also has an array of interesting destinations that take the island's natural beauty up a notch to provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Coral World Ocean Park

Coral World Ocean Park, at Coki Point Beach in St. Thomas, is a unique marine park showcasing the richness of the Caribbean ocean life. Among the wide range of attractions, is a three-story observation tower that is located in the middle of a living and breathing coral reef that is 100 feet offshore. The walk towards the tower is through a foot bridge with a clear view of the colonies of corals, and an array of fishes and other aquatic animals down below.

The tower's top-level offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding islands and cays. At the middle level is a very huge circular tank filled with deep-sea predators. The tank treats with you a face-to-face encounter with the fearsome creatures that are otherwise only seen in pictures. Among the tank's residents are different specifies of the sharks, moray eels, sting rays, and barracuda. The tower's base is an underwater observatory with a 360-degree glass enclosed viewing area that gives you an idea of the life in and around an active coral reef.

Apart from the Tower, Coral World Ocean Park also features exciting and educational attractions like, the Caribbean Reef Encounter, Marine Gardens, the Turtle Pool, Touch Pool, Sting Rays Pool, Sharks Pool, Iguana Alley and many more.

The Atlantis Submarine and Harbor Cruise

Atlantis Submarine, a recreational submarine company in St. Thomas, offers the world's first fleets of submarines that cater to tourists and guests. The expedition begins with a 20-minute scenic ride from St. Thomas to Turtle Cove, where guests are transferred to the high-tech Atlantis-15 submarine. The 40- to 50- minute and one-and-a-half-mile underwater adventure features going through a canyon area called Snapper Valley. Marvel at the rich and swarming sea-life like, the brain corals, stag horn and pillar corals, an array of tropical fishes and perhaps catch a glimpse of a shark.

The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts that sits across the beautiful waterfront in Frederiksted, St. Croix, is the only Museum Center in the Virgin Islands. The small museum is home to exciting and almost changing roster of exhibits. Many are cutting-edge multimedia creations that might come as a surprise given its out-of-the-way location.

The United States Virgin Islands is teeming with fun and adventure. With pristine beaches and protected bays, and along with the unique attractions listed above, there so much more that the USVI has in store for you on your Virgin Islands vacation.

Greg Hunt is a wanderer who has the knack for writing. Upon a trip to the Virgin Islands, fell in love with its hum and vibration. He currently resides in St. Thomas and works as a skipper for a St Thomas boat rental company, Pirates Paradise Adventures.