The Coral Bay Edition

Opposite the crazy ‘Cruz Bay’, Coral Bay offers the peaceful respite of your dreams.

Shivani Kumar
Around The World In A 1000 Words
3 min readJul 7, 2023

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Where is the City?

A town and sub-district on the island of Saint John in the United States Virgin Islands, Coral Bay is located on the southeastern side of the island.

What is the city known for?

An untouched Paradise, Coral Bay is one of the most beautiful parts of Saint John. Home to expats, artists, and sailors, Coral Bay is artistic, eclectic, and exudes an exotic bohemian spirit. Opening its arms to all, everyone is invited to this town-wide party. Boasting one of the best protected harbors in the Caribbean, Coral Bay is famed for its brilliant snorkelling and diving amenities where visitors and locals can plunge into the crystal-clear watery depths and discover a whole other world. If you enjoy a slower pace of life, Coral Bay is the place to go for your quiet and serene Caribbean getaway.

Quick guide for the city

• Annaberg Plantation

One of the several plantations in Coral Bay, the Annaberg Plantation allows you to be transported back in time to one of the most difficult periods in history. Owned by Frederick Moth, the first Danish Governor of Saint Croix and later the Governor General of the Danish West Indies, Annerberg became one of the biggest sugar producers on the island, where molasses and rum were also produced for export.

Explore the extensive ruins, including a windmill tower, factory, slave quarters, and other structures associated with the production of sugar.

• Salt Pond Bay

A scenic paradisal beach, Salt Pond Bay is a dream come true for beach bums and those who love lazing under the sun. Whether you unroll a towel and bake under the glorious Caribbean sun, or snorkel and say hello to the friendly sea turtles below, Salt Pond Bay has something for all. Day or night, sunrise or sunset, stars in the skies or a glorious full moon — Salt Pond Bay is a majestic beauty too glorious to bear.

• Drunk Bay Trail

Here in Coral Bay, it may be quite easy to become a little soft by consuming plate after plate of delicious Caribbean delights and lazing under the sun. However, Drunk Bay Trail allows action-ready visitors to grab their exercise without huffing and puffing. A respite from the pristine white beaches of Coral Bay, the trail offers a robust, but easy, jaunt through rough sandy beach territory. An easy footpath to follow, the trail follows the rim of the inland salt pond to a wild, rocky beach that is east facing to the British Virgin Islands.

Popular Destinations Near The City

• Honeymoon Beach

Honeymoon Beach is the perfect locale for those who want to experience the paradisal beaches of Saint John, but also to avoid the crowds at spots like Trunk Bay. Ideal for honeymooners, lovers, and families, this white sand sun- drenched beach allows sunbathers to kick back, relax, catch some rays, and marvel at the idyllic views of the ocean.

Accessible by trails and filled with exciting opportunities for water sport enthusiasts, where divers and snorkelers can discover rich communities of coral and sea life, Honeymoon Beach seems too good to be true.

• Cruz Bay

The main town of the island of Saint John, Cruz Bay evokes a party ready, spring break vibe that is carefree and infectiously energetic. Furrowed brows are not in fashion here and the town is more in favor of a silly grin that communicates how everyone is truly fortunate to be here. Hike, snorkel, and kayak to your heart’s content and go for a slap-up meal afterwards in one of the surprisingly diverse restaurants that populate the town. Get ready to fall in love and never come back, or go back home and start prepping your retirement plan.

Best Neighbourhoods

• Bordeaux

Despite the French city of the same name, Coral Bay’s very own Bordeaux is as far from the wine-making locale as you can get. With the Bordeaux Mountain reigning over the island, visitors can hike up the mountain and marvel at the stunning panoramic vistas atop the summit. Spectate at the celestial island that is spread below your feet where you can spot the golden threads of beaches and the lush tropical landscaping.

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