Buck Island Reef National Monument

How to Get to Buck Island Reef National Monument:

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of Saint Thomas, Saint Croix, and Saint John, all popular destinations in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are reached by several airlines with flights into the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Buck Island is located 5.5 miles from Christiansted on Saint Croix.

Visitors can travel by car or taxi to downtown Christiansted or to Green Cay Marina east of Christiansted. From these two locations there are five concession companies that provide transport by boat to Buck Island Reef National Monument. Park-licensed concession companies operate daily trips, full or half day. The trip is between 40 minutes to 1 1/2 hour depending on whether you sail or motor boat to the park.

You may want to make advanced reservations with one of the concessions authorized to offer trips to Buck Island Reef. Boat sizes and passenger limits vary from one concessionaire to another.

Park Size:

19,015 acres

Description:

The park features the finest marine garden in the Caribbean, as well as having coral grottoes, sea fans, gorgonias, and tropical fishes. The island, which has a nature trail and beaches, is a rookery for frigate birds and brown pelicans and is a nesting area for sea turtles.

Things to Do at Buck Island Reef National Monument:

There are a variety of activities for park visitors to enjoy while at the park, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, daily boat trips, hiking, bird watching, sunbathing and picnicking.

Operating Hours:

Buck Island Reef National Monument is open year-round. There is no overnight camping on the island; the park is closed from sunset to sunrise.

History:

Proclaimed on December 28, 1961.

Contact Information:

Buck Island Reef National Monument
Danish Custom House, Kings Wharf
2100 Church Street #100
Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
340-773-1460