Buck Island Reef National Monument

Updated August 16, 2026

Buck Island sits about five miles off the north-east coast of St. Croix. The island and the reef system around it are protected as Buck Island Reef National Monument, and the reason to go is what is under the water.

The underwater trail

There is a marked snorkel trail running through the reef, with interpretive signs set into the seabed. You follow it through stands of elkhorn coral in shallow, clear water. It is a genuinely unusual thing to have built, and it works — you get an organised route through a reef rather than swimming around hoping.

Above the water there is a beach on the island’s west end where most trips stop for lunch and swimming.

How to go

You cannot go on your own. Access is by National Park Service permitted charter operators only. Most depart from Christiansted harbour, some from the east end.

Trips generally come in two shapes:

• Half day — sail or motor out, snorkel the trail, come back.
• Full day — adds the beach stop, lunch, and usually a second snorkel site.

Boats range from small motor catamarans to sailing charters. The sailing trips are slower and better.

Booking it well

Go early in your stay. Buck Island trips get cancelled for weather and sea state. If you book it for your last morning and it blows out, you have lost it. Book it for day two and you have the rest of the week as backup.

Book ahead in high season. December through April, the good operators fill.

Check what is included — snorkel gear, lunch, drinks, and park fees vary by operator.

On the day

• Reef-safe sunscreen, and a rash guard is better than lotion for a long snorkel.
• Bring your own mask if you are particular. A leaking rental mask will define your day.
• There is no shade on the water. Hat, and more water than you think.
• Motion sickness: the crossing is short but can be lively. Take something beforehand if you are prone.
• Do not stand on the coral. It is why the monument exists.

From our villa

The Christiansted charter docks are about fifteen minutes down the hill from us. We are happy to point you at operators we would put our own guests on — ask when you book.

Operators, schedules and park fees change. Confirm current details directly with the charter company and the National Park Service.

Common questions

How do you get to Buck Island in St. Croix?

Only by a National Park Service permitted charter operator. Most depart from Christiansted harbour as half-day or full-day trips. You cannot visit independently.

Is Buck Island worth it?

For most visitors it is the single best half-day on St. Croix — a marked underwater trail through elkhorn coral inside a protected reef system, plus a beach stop.