Buck Island Reef National Monument
St Croix, St. Croix
It’s not so much Buck Island itself that draws in visitors, but what lies beneath its waters just offshore. The elkhorn coral barrier reef system surrounding the island, protected within Buck Island Reef National Monument, features some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the US Virgin Islands.
The basics
The biggest attraction within the national monument is the underwater snorkeling trail, complete with signage pointing out what to see. The park also has two scuba moorings, picnic areas on land, and a marked hiking trail to an observation point where sweeping coral reef views await. Visitors who want to explore the park at their leisure can charter a private boat from St. Thomas with a customizable itinerary.
Things to know before you go
- Buck Island Reef National Monument is a must-visit for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
- Don’t forget to bring a towel, change of clothes, and reef-safe sun protection.
- There is no entrance fee for visiting the national monument, though private boats are required to pay an anchoring fee.
- The information center for Buck Island Reef National Monument can be found at Christiansted National Historic Site.
How to get there
The only way to reach Buck Island is by boat. Private vessels are permitted, but most visitors come by chartered boat or as part of a guided snorkeling tour.
When to get there
Buck Island is open daily from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. The best time to visit for maximum visibility is between April and June, when rainfall is scarce.
National Parks of the Virgin Islands
Buck Island is just one of several national parks within the US Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands National Park is known for its beautiful beaches, as well as its plantation ruins, while Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve documents 2,000 years of human history. Christiansted National Historic Site offers a look at European influence in the Caribbean.
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