Coki Point

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.