Visit Buck Island Reef National Monument: The Ultimate Guide
Give this a shot you’ve managed to find yourself a little gem of the Caribbean, a setting that doesn’t yell about its beauty but tells you in hushed tones that you’re in awe. Buck Island lies right off the northeast shore of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it’s chunky and warm all at the same time. It’s a laid-back sort of spot that welcomes you home the second your feet touch sand, colorful even when you’re alone.
It will be something unique for the nature lovers. There is a mixture of white silky beach and colorful underwater creatures that seem to play their own little drama every day. Whether you’ve been snorkeling for years and are familiar with every curve and bend of the ocean beneath or simply looking for a sun-soaked haven in which to unwind, this island has a tendency to get the better of you time and time again with its looks, its surprises, and yes, those irrepressible moments which seem to resonate with its history.
Speaking of tales, walk long enough and you get to feel fragments of history intersecting with teeming wildlife. Every bend on the road feels to have in it a secret ancient tale waiting to be unfolded, slowly thread by thread as you stroll on such inviting beaches.
So, what’s the scoop on Buck Island Reef National Monument? Altogether, it takes up almost 880 acres, of which about 176 acres of land comfortably situated in a living coral reef. About 1.5 miles off the northeastern coast of St. Croix, this tiny piece of heaven has been carefully tended so that its unique habitats and haven for an incredibly diverse array of marine life can be protected.
Among its riches is the elkhorn coral barrier reef, an uncommon discovery in this time’s Caribbean. More than 250 various types of fish zig and zag through the corals, and if fortune smiles upon you, a spotted eagle ray, a nurse shark, or a lemon shark swims by. Down below it’s a splash-for-all color and life free-for-all that calls to snorkelers and divers who just have to get that real bite of nature’s artwork.
Above the sea, there’s Turtle Beach to look forward to a mile of wild white sand that even National Geographic found as one of the world’s most beautiful. Loping trails also surround the island, stopping occasionally with bird’s-eye glimpses of an unending Caribbean blue. It’s the best of both worlds: sea magic and land that is equally magical.
Pracling Buck Island is akin to assembling a mosaic wherein every patch is a varying experience. When the sea beckons, therefore, dive off those reefs and seek out darting sea dwellers whose stories small to be told. And if the shore has its delicate loveliness, then pace the ways furrowed by patches of greens and hidden grounds good for an hour’s heat-wearied break or an easy picnic beside your seas.
Every now and then, a guided tour adds some humor spin to the day. These tours will typically have some sprinkles of insider information, such as how the island environment is kept in check and even some quirky cultural tidbits mixing in useful things such as snorkeling gear (and maybe a few snacks, too). It’s an equal-opportunity, quirky way of getting close and personal with this Caribbean gem.
Book early and plan early before you arrive. Typically, getting there when the island is just so disposed is the difference some lovely but imperfect nature to yourself. The weather here is sometimes a little patchy (December through April are better bets, but that means more adventurers during peak season as well). If you’re planning your tours, perhaps plan your day around it: perhaps snorkel through the corals to see what color puzzle is underneath, or take a leisurely walk through the trails where native plants and animals make a subtle appearance. Honestly, doing something which puts that smile on your face is what fills the day with real satisfaction.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out park news prior to departure. National Park Service typically makes announcements or new closure alerts, just a heads-up which may make you adjust on the fly your plans so you won’t miss out on anything significant once you’re experiencing it all about Buck Island. Buck Island puts your vacation into action the moment you determine how you’ll get there. Most tourists just hop a ferry or even take a personal boat straight out of St. Croix’s crowded shores. It is not the trip per se—it is an experience in taking in breathtakingly beautiful blue Caribbean water while sailing off. Once you pull into Christiansted, a dynamic departure point, tour operators are standing by to help organize arranging an adventure most suited for the individual traveler or group. Booking the transfer in advance, or even driving down to the pier, can actually make it all run so much easier.
Early to rise, early to shine. An early morning departure is often best. An early morning send-off may find you with smooth seas and a relaxed demeanor that wafts you pleasantly into the day’s schedule. That peaceful, morning serenity places you in prime position to stroll down picturesque streets, swim on unblemished beaches, and simply absorb island atmosphere. A bit of pre-planning works its magic, sort of like a secret boost to your Buck Island Reef National Monument adventure.
There’s a combination of relaxation and activities on the island—no such recipe, at least. If adventure is the first thing on your mind, snorkeling provides a refreshing glimpse into hidden coral refuges and the opportunity to greet an entire menagerie of zany sea creatures in person. And if hiking beckons you, the twisting roads twist through lush, diverse scenery, sometimes displaying sweeping vistas over the Caribbean. The roads even invite you off the asphalt and into the fairy tale of nature, all with a delightful lightness.
And then beach life as well picture Turtle Beach and its white, sandy shore and attractively proximal waters to wade into for a peaceful coast picnic. Walking on the beach, you may find a worn shore that promises secrets of bygone days. A local guide in transit on a whirlwind tour can tip one’s hat respectfully to the way conservation these days is being made accessible in old-folks’ tales, and all that in English. It feels like every step of the way the way one should keep this wonderful little Caribbean gem is accumulating that much more. Preserving Buck Island isn’t rocket science, but good gosh does it pay dividends.
Even the small things count—like putting on reef-friendly sunscreen that doesn’t contain the yucky ingredients that are coral and other sea creatures killers. You stroll along, and more than likely you glance over and you see a sea turtle swimming off or tropical fish shooting off to impossible hidden alcoves and hideaways. Staying so distant from these animals and not being too friendly with them and, most importantly, staying vigilant to heedless advice from the park rangers only adds enchantment to the island. Early reservations continue to be worth it, particularly when the peak season is booked out. Book in advance on the internet so your place is reserved early, and your day is as you like, without last-minute running around—this tip can even prevent you from hurrying with less when booked less.
Lastly, to enjoy a hassle-free outing, carry some things along.
A refillable water bottle will see you through the trip, and a few snacks are just that appreciated energy boost between stops. Your trusty sun hat and some eco-sunscreen aren’t to be left behind either—they don’t only guard you but Buck Island’s delicate sea creatures as well. A quick scan of local news may even round out your preparation, so your adventure is comfortable and enjoyable. Also, double-check for last-minute park postings before you go. The National Park Service will usually post notice of new developments regarding things like changes in access or even closing the park for a while, and doing some quick web research can literally save you from finding yourself blindsided by something which will render your plans impossible. And don’t forget to bring something with you to bottle the magic. An antique camera—or, ahem, just your phone—is all you’ll need to capture the moments when you glimpse just fabulous coral, sunbaked beaches, or a serene slice of sea. Each photo you snap becomes a tiny gem, quietly speaking the magical ambiance of Buck Island.
Buck Island Reef National Monument is not another spot on your list; it’s an unusual combination of colorful underwater excitement, pristine beaches, and twisty trails somehow meshed beautifully with nature.
For the most part, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just wanting a hip day out, you’ll leave with memories as lush and unexpected as the island itself. Nature is all around you, simply waiting to be discovered. And if you’re a visitor out there to find this vibrant Caribbean treasure, our Travel Planning Guide can be your trusted companion, showing you to moments you’ll hold dear—little extras are a treat in themselves too.
