Coral World SNUBA at Coki Point, St. Thomas: Is It Worth It?
If snorkeling on the surface leaves you wanting to go deeper — but a full scuba course doesn't — SNUBA is the in-between you're looking for. At Coral World on Coki Point, you breathe from an air line connected to a raft and dive 15–20 feet over the reef, in a group of just four, with no certification required. Here's what the experience is like and whether it's worth it. (Comparing options? See all the snorkel tours we rate on the homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Briefing plus the dive
No scuba certification needed
With a certified SNUBA guide
Highly rated by recent guests
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and prices for Coral World SNUBA — book directly with GetYourGuide.
What Is SNUBA, Exactly?
SNUBA is a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba diving. Instead of carrying a tank on your back, you breathe through a regulator on a 20-foot air line connected to a tank that floats on a raft at the surface. That lets you go well below the surface — usually 15–20 feet — without the training, certification or weight of full scuba diving.
At Coral World it takes place in the protected water around the Undersea Observatory Tower at Coki Point, with a certified guide leading groups of just four. After a short shallow-water briefing to get comfortable breathing, you descend along the reef.
What SNUBA Looks Like
What You'll See Below the Surface
Going 15–20 feet down changes what you see — you're eye-level with the reef instead of looking down at it. Expect:
- Dense schools of yellowtail snapper and sergeant majors
- Parrotfish, blue tang and angelfish among the coral heads
- A close look at coral structure you can't get from the surface
- The occasional ray or turtle passing through
Coki Point has some of the densest fish life on St. Thomas thanks to the reef around the observatory, so even a short dive is busy with marine life.
What's Included
A short, guided intro to diving with all the gear:
- All SNUBA equipment (regulator, air line, mask, fins)
- A certified SNUBA guide in a group of four
- A shallow-water briefing for first-timers
Good to know
Coral World Ocean Park admission may be separate from the SNUBA session (around $23 for adults) — check at booking. There's a minimum age of about 8, and basic swimming ability is required. Reef-safe sunscreen, towel and transfers aren't included.
Important Things to Know
SNUBA is beginner-friendly, but it's still breathing underwater, so the briefing matters — take your time getting comfortable in the shallows first. If you have ear-equalizing trouble, heart or respiratory conditions, or you're pregnant, it may not be suitable; check with the operator.
The session is short (about 75 minutes including the briefing), so it pairs well with a beach afternoon at Coki Point or a visit to Coral World. It's also one of the quickest options for a cruise port day.
Where It Happens
Who This Is (and Isn't) For
Perfect for curious snorkelers who want a taste of diving without the commitment. Not the right pick for:
- Children under about 8 (minimum age applies)
- Anyone who can't swim or is uneasy breathing underwater
- Travelers with ear, heart or respiratory issues, or who are pregnant
Coral World SNUBA FAQ
Do I need a scuba certification for SNUBA?
No. That's the whole point — you breathe from a surface-supplied air line, so you can dive 15–20 feet with just a short briefing and a certified guide, no certification or course required.
How deep do you actually go?
Usually 15–20 feet, limited by the length of the air line. It's deep enough to be eye-level with the reef but shallow enough to stay beginner-friendly.
Is SNUBA safe for first-timers?
Yes — it's designed for beginners, with a shallow-water briefing, a certified guide and groups of just four. Basic swimming ability is required, and there's a minimum age of about 8.
How is it different from snorkeling?
Snorkeling keeps you on the surface looking down. SNUBA takes you 15–20 feet below for a diver's-eye view of the reef, without the training or tank of full scuba.
Is Coral World admission included?
Park admission may be separate from the SNUBA session (around $23 for adults). Confirm exactly what's included when you book.
What Guests Say
Glen was so patient and explained SNUBA really well. It was our first time and we had an awesome experience — would love to do it again.
Going fifteen feet down without a scuba course was a game-changer — you're right in the reef. The guide kept it calm and easy for beginners.
Did SNUBA at Coki Point and saw far more than snorkeling on the surface. A small group of four and a patient instructor. Loved it.