The US Virgin Islands Best Guide

Coki Point

Coki Point

Overall Rating

Overall rating
 
4.5
Scenery/View
 
4.4
Water
 
4.9
Shore/Sand
 
4.4
Snorkeling
 
4.2

Coki Point is a small, pretty, well-visited beach. It is loved by many for its lively vibe and easy snorkeling. Cruise-ship passengers dominate the beach during the week, and local families on weekends. Vendors and booths surround the beach selling just about everything beach goers demand including food, drinks, and souvenirs. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. There might be music playing softly, or if a DJ is mixing at one of the bars it might get loud. Rum happy bar patrons show off their reggae and soca dance moves. Occasionally the smell of cannabis wafts through the air. Scuba divers drop down into the nearshore underwater hotspots. Snorkelers admire the fish swimming around them. Sun kissed people lay out on the sandy shore while others cool off in the transparent blue waters.

The beach is called Coki Point, Coki Point Beach, Coki Beach and sometimes just Coki.

The shoreline at Coki Point is a crescent of white sand with some small pebbles. The beach is often lined with beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. Natural shade is limited to a few large trees dotting the shoreline. The view from shore is of lovely turquoise water and undeveloped Thatch Cay in the distance.

The crystal-blue water is usually very calm and deepens gradually. It’s lovely for swimming. A near shore rocky area offers good snorkeling for novices. The big draw of snorkeling at Coki Point is friendly fish. Over the years, tourists have been encouraged to buy dog biscuits to hand feed the fish. The fish are therefore not shy and approach swimmers looking for a handout. It’s a neat experience to be surrounded by fish, it’s also unnatural. Be environmentally aware that it’s not good behavior for the marine environment to feed the fish. Research the practice a bit and decide.

The feeling at Coki Point is of a touristic spot once the tours start arriving. It can get pretty crowded when there are multiple cruise ships in port.

Tip: Want to know how crowded Coki Point will be on the day you plan to go? Check the Cruise Ship Schedule to see how many ships are in port. More ships equals more crowds. Also, on Sundays and holidays Coki Point is a favorite with islanders for family picnics and parties.

Coki Point has a souvenir booth and several food vendors. Choices include burgers, wings, ribs, and steaks in addition to local dishes like pates, fresh fish, lobster and more. Drinks include locally made fruit drinks like tamarind and mango, plus a variety of beers and liquor. A few vendors rent snorkel gear, floats and noodles. Lockers are available. Lounge chairs run $5 and umbrellas $10. Cash or id deposit is required for some of the rental gear. Coki Point is one of the few beaches on St. Thomas that has beach wait staff selling drinks and food; and offering rental gear. Despite their sometimes-intrusive sales and rental pitches, the laid-back vibe of the beach prevails.

There is a popular dive shop called Coki Dive Center on site that offers introductory dive options for adults and children, certification, and both beach and boat dives. Snuba is offered nearby. You can book a parasailing trip. SUP is available. And a jet ski rental is located on the opposite side of the road from the beach.

Food service, rentals and watersports are generally open daily, or when there are cruise ships in port, and stay open until about 5PM. Some of the bars stay open later. The amenities at Coki Point include flush toilet restrooms with changing rooms, and you can rinse off at the basic, waist high showers behind the restrooms.

Coki Point is located right next to Coral World Marine Park; it’s easy to make a day of visiting both places. The closest resort property is about a quarter of a mile away, it’s the Margaritaville Vacation Club.

A wheelchair accessible ramp is available from the roadside down to the sand. Once on the sand assistance would be required to navigate a short distance in the sand to the water.

Access and Transportation: Entrance is free. There is a small paid ($5) parking area in a dirt lot, and roadside parking. On crowded days the parking situation can be a hectic. Taxis will take you there, and there is a taxi stand when you are ready to leave. The nearest bus stop is a little over half a mile away along the main public road.

 

Go To Coki Point

If you’re looking for a party beach, easy snorkeling, want to try local food while chilling on the beach, or want a great dive shop.

Don't Go To Coki Point

If cannabis sale and use will bother you or anyone in your group. You are looking for a well-manicured beach area like you might find at a resort or park. Or you want a quiet, off the beaten path beach.

In the United States Virgin Islands, recreational use of cannabis is illegal. The activity is overlooked at Coki Point and has been for years. Possession of one ounce or less of cannabis in the Virgin Islands for those age 18 and older was decriminalized in 2014. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed the Virgin Islands Medical Cannabis Patient Care Act into law in January 2019, making medical cannabis legal. (More Information on Norml.org

Amenities

  • <Swimming
  • Food Vendors
  • Bathrooms
  • Taxi's Available
  • Parking Available
  • Diving & Snorkeling
  • Jet Ski

Photos

Coki Point
Coki Point
Coki Point

Map

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Ratings
Scenery/View
Rate view, overall scenery.
Water
Rate clarity, swimming conditions etc.
Shore/Sand
Rate shoreline, cleanliness, sand type.
Snorkeling
Rate overall snorkeling.
Comments
Overall rating
 
4.8
Scenery/View
 
5.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
5.0
Snorkeling
 
4.0
My wife and I visited Coki about 10 years ago and this place has haunted my dreams ever since! Snorkeling was a blast and after about 3 days, we were teaching the cruise ship passengers how to attract fish!! It is the perfect size with all the amenities one could ask for. The locals argue to see who will be the servers for chairs, food, and drinks. St. Thomas has a lot to offer no matter where you fall on the economic ladder. You can chat with the locals, visit the shops in Charlotte Amelie, or take a ferry to another island. St. Thomas will always be our favorite vacation and Coki will stay in our minds forever!!
RD
Was this review helpful? 0 0
Coki Point Nice time
Overall rating
 
4.8
Scenery/View
 
4.5
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
4.5
Snorkeling
 
5.0
Good food and drinks, clear calm water. Good for families and couples
TR
Was this review helpful? 0 0
Coki Beach Not Overly Impressive
Overall rating
 
3.5
Scenery/View
 
3.5
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
3.5
Snorkeling
 
2.0
 Just got back from St. Thomas (11/`21) and we had a great time.  I'm an avid snorkel fan with intermediate experience.  Coki Beach was probably the most disapointing of the 5 beaches we visited (Sapphire, Linquist, Magens Bay, Secret Harbor being the other 4).  $5 to park is fine, could have parked down the road and walked.  It's pretty crowded with the beach being outlined by concessionaires selling cheap fairs and drinks.  Definitely a "local" flavor.  Not really a clean or pristine beach.  Snorkeling along the rocks to the left was disappointing. Nothing much to be seen, 5-20 ft depths.  To the right toward Coral World was OK.  A few more fish.  We didn't bother going to far on the right side...I was kind of over it and ready to move on somewhere else.  
S
Was this review helpful? 0 0
Coki is by far my favorite. If you want local culture and to interact with the locals and share some
Overall rating
 
5.0
Scenery/View
 
5.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
5.0
Snorkeling
 
5.0
Some love with each other, than this is the beach for you. It truly doesn't get better than this
NP
Was this review helpful? 0 0
Overall rating
 
5.0
Scenery/View
 
5.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
5.0
Snorkeling
 
5.0
I actually stayed on the island and visited Koki Beach, I was not a cruiser. On my last day I visited Koki Beach and regretted that I did not find this place earlier. “Catch of the Day” had the best food I had the entire tine I was there and they had a DJ named “Candyman” that played music that day and he was awesome! I have been trying to find a schedule when he will be there again so I can plan my next trip. I love to dance and he kept me on my feet. It was a day of good food, drink and dance music. The perfect ending to a perfect vacation. ❤️
A
Was this review helpful? 0 0
Paradise
Overall rating
 
4.6
Scenery/View
 
4.5
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
4.5
Snorkeling
 
4.5
The water is so calm and so clear. There are some smooth large rocks under the water to stand on. The sand is firm and easy to walk on with no sloping. You just walk 5 feet into calm, gorgeous water. Get their early around 9 a.m. to get a chair or after 2:30 p.m. when the cruise ships leave. It is literally our favorite beach on St. Thomas or St. John.
LR
Was this review helpful? 1 0
Overall rating
 
4.4
Scenery/View
 
4.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
3.5
Snorkeling
 
5.0
I've never had so much fun at a beach. The locals were so kind. Music was awesome. Loved it!
CM
Was this review helpful? 1 0
worth it!
Overall rating
 
4.5
Scenery/View
 
4.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
4.0
Snorkeling
 
5.0
Coki is a neat little place! well worth finding! The beach itself wasn't that impressive but the amazing clear water and snorkeling more than made up for it!! bought some great smoothies at a little hut. snorkel gear right there to rent like $10. would definitely go back! also you can get dog biscuits on the beach to inhance your snorkeling experience. fish follow you they are so pretty. and you can see clear way deep in the awesome water!
A
Was this review helpful? 1 0
Most Fish Snorkeling Anywhere
Overall rating
 
5.0
Scenery/View
 
5.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
5.0
Snorkeling
 
5.0
Awesome beach, and you'll see more fish snorkeling here that you see anywhere else. Great time and day. Just keep an eye on your stuff.
SC
Was this review helpful? 2 0
coki beach
Overall rating
 
4.5
Scenery/View
 
4.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
5.0
Snorkeling
 
4.0
just returned one week ago and had a wonderful afternoon here. i was concerned due to recent negative reviews, but we found it to be great! the water was clear, warm, and many colorful fish. the beach was powder-soft and clean. the vendors were not bothersome at all. we felt very safe here- saw police circling thru. the locals were very friendly. we will definately return here for another visit!
BM
Was this review helpful? 9 2
Not one of the nicest!
Overall rating
 
2.8
Scenery/View
 
3.0
Water
 
4.0
Shore/Sand
 
2.0
Snorkeling
 
2.0
Of all the beaches we visited the wk we were down there this was not one of my favorites. The beach was very dirty with food wrappers and cans and bottles. The locals really hound you to rent chairs and umbrellas. If you dont, they will let you know how they feel about it. The water was nice and the snorkeling was pretty good. If you bring a dog bisceut the fish will come and eat right out of your hand. {There is better snorkeling at secert hobour. Calm quiet water and GREAT reefs to the right of the beach along the rocks.} Dont get sucked into that this is the best.
GM
Was this review helpful? 4 5
Popular Little Beach
Overall rating
 
3.5
Scenery/View
 
3.0
Water
 
4.0
Shore/Sand
 
4.0
Snorkeling
 
3.0
This is a popular little beach with cruise ship people and with residents. It is a small beach, both in length and width. The shore is white soft sand and it’s sandy in the water too. The water was super clear, like a swimming pool. Nice for swimming and wading around. The snorkeling was ok along the rocks on the right side, not much for coral but saw some different fish. Lots of vendors on the beach selling drinks, food and souvenirs (t-shirts, towels, other stuff), also some ladies doing hair braiding and vendors renting snorkel gear and chairs. A bit much but convenient for those interested. View out toward the beach is nice, back at the beach not so much with the various vendor booths/shacks. It was pretty quiet early in the morning but the shore got filled quickly with chairs and umbrellas and beachgoers in general as the morning proceeded.
C
Was this review helpful? 4 1
Coki Beach the second time
Overall rating
 
4.8
Scenery/View
 
5.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
5.0
Snorkeling
 
4.0
The first time we visited Coki last year, we were a little put off by the people wanting to rent you chairs and parking. However, after you have had a taste of the excellent beach, good service, some exceptional snorkeling and diving, and learn this is how it is at Coki, you are in for a great time. This year we were there the third week in April and the water was a comfortable 81 degrees, crystal clear, and the experience was fantastic. We brought friends from North Carolina with us, and a great time was had by all. The plentiful wildlife under the turquoise waters made the diving and snorkeling a memorable trip. Colorful Carribean fish including parrots, seargent majors, an octopus, and even a squid that played games made you feel like you were in your own private aquarium. Someone was always availble to bring you a fresh drink, there are accomidations for dive and snorkel equipment, and the aquarium right next door which is an exellent facility with lots of activities, provided something for everyone. Yes, bathrooms are primative, however, we didn't go for the toilets. There are two primary reefs right off of the beach, one on the East end and one towards the rocks on the West side of the beach. Beautiful coral, soft sand, and visibility that was around 70 feet made you want to stay in the water even with a comfy lounge chair on the beach. Some don't like Coki because of it's surrounding area, however, once you are there you will find out why it is one of the top destination beaches in St. Thomas. Also, Coki Beach Dive Club has some of the friendliest staff of any dive operation I have every been with. The rum punch ain't bad either.
LB
Was this review helpful? 6 1
This is the Real St. Thomas
Overall rating
 
5.0
Scenery/View
 
5.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
5.0
Snorkeling
 
5.0
We visit Coki Beach at least once each year when we go to St. Thomas. This is where you get to enjoy the real local flavor of the Island. From Uncle Buddy's to the beautiful, colorful fish you see while snorkeling - it is a wonderful experience and we look forward to it each year. Order a Horny Turtle from Sasha as she strolls the beach taking orders - make sure it's frozen! The yellow fin fish with creole sauce is fabulous as well. You can rent chairs for the entire day for $5 each - and if you want can add an umbrella. Don't miss Coki on your visit - you'll miss a lot!
MS
Was this review helpful? 7 0
Fun & Fabulous!
Overall rating
 
5.0
Scenery/View
 
5.0
Water
 
5.0
Shore/Sand
 
5.0
Snorkeling
 
5.0
The atmosphere here is very cool. There was a man singing and playing the steel drum when we were there. It is a great place to go if you only have one child because they are bound to find a playmate! The color of the water here makes for some beautiful pictures! We only stopped for a a few drinks and for my son to get some swim time in after going to Coral World, but had a wonderful time while we were there. We will be back for a whole day next time.
MB
Was this review helpful? 5 8
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