Just Back -- Review of Coki Beach

[Sandytoes]

This year we decided to try Coki Beach.

At the cruise ship pier there are dozens of vans waiting. You tell them exactly where you want to go.

$9 per person - one way to get to Coki Beach.

Sometimes the driver will make a few stops to drop off passengers at other locations. (Which happened to us) That was okay.

It took about 20 minutes to get to the beach.

Cab driver will ask you what time you want to be picked up.

They will be there waiting for you. That was a nice surprise. They treat you like their own customer. And do not like it when other drivers approach you for rides.

As soon as you enter you will be greeted with the locals working there. They will remember your driver and will help you out when it's time to leave.

They will give you a speech about "they are not there to take your money but to make your experience in Coki Beach a pleasant one and so on".

There is a sign for rentals. Lounge chairs $5, Umbrellas $10, snorkel equip. $5, dog biscuits 4/$1.00 and so forth. There is even a place to do a scuba dive.

FYI, the locals like to get "high" early in the morning. Could smell it a mile away.

 

The beach is long and narrow. If you want a good spot, with shade you have to go early. By late morning the beach is packed. Bumper to Bumper people.

There are waiters walking on the beach to offer drinks. Stores, restaurants, bathroom along the strip.

The water is beautiful there. The beach is clean. And the best part were the fish. One of the best spots we have seen. Go to the right (facing ocean) near coral area. The variety of fish and size was such a pleasure to see. We brought rolls to feed the fish.

When it's time to leave one of the locals that you dealt with in the morning will tell you where your cab driver is or he will get him/her for you. You'll be asked to wait in the cab waiting area under trees.

 

Comparing this beach to Meagan's Bay.

This was top notch. Next time we're in St Thomas this is where we'll go.

DH & I liked this beach a lot.

[poptart]

Sandytoes,

thanks for the review! We plan to take a cab straight to Coki when we cruise BUT our ship doesn't arrive in StT until 10:00 so we'll be somewhere amoung the masses. But---according to a cruise ship web site I looked at there are only 2 ships in port on 11/29 soooooooo maybe the crowds won't be too bad. If so we'll just use our elbows to scratch us out a spot in the sand.

[kchesneylover]

How does Coki compare to Trunk Bay?

[richtersl]

Trunk Bay is a larger beach with a gradual dropoff. There's a bit of a swim to get out to the snorkeling area but once you get there the trail is kinda neat.

 

Coki is a small beach that has a steeper drop off but the fish are right near the shore. Just walk out to where the water is about waist-high, put your mask and snorkel on, and have a ball.

 

You'll hear differing opinions from people regarding snorkeling at these two beaches. Regardless of which one you choose, you'll see underwater critters. ;)

[kchesneylover]

I have been to Trunk Bay. Will Coki be a disppointment in comparison to the scenery?

[richtersl]

I have photos of both beaches that may help you make a decision:

 

http://lrichters.smugmug.com/Travel/162954

[bruce-r]

The dive shop on at Coki Beach is http://www.cokidive.com and in addition to scuba gear, they rent snorkel equipment in case you don't have your own.

[beachlover2]

When there is only one ship in port, will Coki Beach be crowded? The day we are there, we are the only ship in port. Thanks

[richtersl]

When there is only one ship in port, will Coki Beach be crowded? The day we are there, we are the only ship in port. Thanks

Nope Coki will not be crowded at all on thay day. Have a ball!

[Sandytoes]

The day I was there 3 ships were in

-Adventure of the Seas

-Crown Princess

-Carnival Legend

You could tell which ship by the towels.....:)

 

As for renting snorkel equip....I would recommend to bring your own. For health reasons....