Buck Island Reef National Monument
Buck Island Reef National Monument
4.5
About
Lying 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix, this 880-acre national monument includes 176 acres of land surrounded by 704 acres of water and coral reef system; it is a paradise for snorkelers, and the deep grottos and labyrinths are perfect for experienced scuba divers to explore.
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- dpascar22 contributionsExcellent half day trip to Buck IslandWe did half day afternoon trip to Buck Island with Big Beard’s and it was fantastic. We were lucky with mild sea conditions and we also got to see green sea turtle hatchlings!! Great snorkeling with plenty of fish and time.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 2, 2023
- Laura K7 contributionsGreat excursionWe visited as part of an excursion with Big Beard and really enjoyed the day. You can only explore a little. We anchored and practiced snorkeling off the island for 45 min prior to visiting the reef and snorkeling there just off Buck Island.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten January 28, 2024
- LukasClifton, New Jersey8 contributionsHidden gem of the USVI!Beautiful island with an amazing beach. Gets very busy with local tour boats. But, still worth it. No bars or restaurants so bring a picnic with food and drinks. Beautiful sand and water. Highly recommend.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten February 10, 2024
- harry mChristiansted, St. Croix1 contributionMemorable Full-Day Buck Island ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The Best Day trip Ever on the “Renegade”, Full day with a friend to Buck Island, which has a World-class White Beach with Chrystal Clear Turquoise Waters and Great Snorkeling ! Followed by a short sail trip to another beach for a rustic lunch, “Pirates Atmosphere” with “Rum-Punch” under an old Sail for shade. Great Crew, very attentive, helpful, proactive and Safety Conscious! Thank you Bigbeards!Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten March 14, 2024
- John B1 contributionCaptain AllyCaptain Ally and her crew(Morgan and Cece) were first class from push off. We were never rushed and the snorkeling produced turtles, a cuda, stingrays and more fish than we could count. I don’t want anyone else to find out about St Croix. Don’t go!Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten March 25, 2024
- Dawn S10 contributionsAmazing, but Don't Expect Turtles (At Least in May!) Go Anyway!Great fun if you are a snorkeler. We are very new and it was a bit rough for us, but we had a great time once we got to the beach part (Second half of the trip). First half is on the reef trail, in about 9 feet of water. It was a little choppy, and we were not prepared or maybe "comfortable" snorkeling at that point - with the life vest around us, it made it extra uncomfortable and awkward for me, personally, and my partner panicked and wasn't able to float properly, so we didn't want to slow down the group. We really should not have tried so soon (It was seriously only our second time snorkeling) - It was something we should have saved for the end of our trip, since I could probably snorkel home to Florida now! We watched the others and learned from their technique and the men on the boat were VERY patient. They were very willing to do what it took to take us along, since our group was small. Excellent experience overall, as we learned a lot. At the beach, we snorkeled quite a bit and saw tons of fish and rays, and rumors of a lemon shark, but we didn't see him. No turtles!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Dbp47
Chicago, IL49 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We did a full day sail to Buck Island with Caribbean Sea Adventures. Caribbean Sea Adventures was an excellent operator and the tour was reasonably priced, but Buck Island itself wasn’t worth the trip in my opinion. The trip out is extremely long and uneventful and the snorkeling once you get there is poor (the corals were heavily damaged by the hurricanes). We found much better snorkeling just across the street from our hotel at the Frederiksted Pier.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lev740
Sacramento, CA105 contributions
Sept 2021
Saint Croix US Virgin Island Buck Island snorkeling on September 8, 2021.
Saint Croix was our first stop on Celebrity 12 day cruise. Our selection for the site seeing was snorkeling at the Buck Island. It was offered by the cruise line for $109/person.
After about a 40 min ride across the island thirty two passengers loaded into a small boat which brought us to a remote island to try out and practice with provided snorkeling gear. For a novice snorkeler it was not a pleasant experience and my wife was truly terrified. Not much help was offered to her at that point and the remark from one of the boat members that if she can not handle it there, it is not a good idea to continue with snorkeling at the reef.
After a short ride to the reef she managed to get back to the water and with instructions and assistance from Keys (not sure if I spell his name correctly) she made it through. Surprisingly she decided not to cancel our upcoming snorkeling at St. Marten.
Overall the Buck Island snorkeling looks pretty bleak and all my readings in a travel guides about “stunning array of coral and sea life” was really blown out of proportion.
Wishing Good travels but not snorkeling there.
Saint Croix was our first stop on Celebrity 12 day cruise. Our selection for the site seeing was snorkeling at the Buck Island. It was offered by the cruise line for $109/person.
After about a 40 min ride across the island thirty two passengers loaded into a small boat which brought us to a remote island to try out and practice with provided snorkeling gear. For a novice snorkeler it was not a pleasant experience and my wife was truly terrified. Not much help was offered to her at that point and the remark from one of the boat members that if she can not handle it there, it is not a good idea to continue with snorkeling at the reef.
After a short ride to the reef she managed to get back to the water and with instructions and assistance from Keys (not sure if I spell his name correctly) she made it through. Surprisingly she decided not to cancel our upcoming snorkeling at St. Marten.
Overall the Buck Island snorkeling looks pretty bleak and all my readings in a travel guides about “stunning array of coral and sea life” was really blown out of proportion.
Wishing Good travels but not snorkeling there.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ
11 contributions
Mar 2022
Buck Island is beautiful, that is true. But to truly enjoy it, sail with Llewelyn Westerman. His sail boat has no motor, so you get the real sailing experience. He is in his 80's and has been sailing these waters for over 60 years. He refused to take any payment for carrying my 7-year-old granddaughter on the trip. "Little ones ride for free on my boat," he said. This Nevisian captain is an absolute treasure!
Written March 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard179
Cebu Island, Philippines24 contributions
Jun 2019
So this was a park established by JFK. It is still wonderful even after the damage from hurricanes Maria and Irma. Many charter boats can take you there for reasonable prices. It is really one of the best things to do on St.Croix. Don’t miss it.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura K
7 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
We visited as part of an excursion with Big Beard and really enjoyed the day. You can only explore a little. We anchored and practiced snorkeling off the island for 45 min prior to visiting the reef and snorkeling there just off Buck Island.
Written January 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ViperGirlNY
Watertown, NY103 contributions
Dec 2020
We are snorkeling enthusiasts and so booking a tour to the Buck Island Reef was on top of our list of things to do while on St. Croix. We booked a full day sail tour out of Christiansted and were taken to Buck Island via catamaran. Once there the first stop was at the beach to the west of Buck Island, it mainly served as a chance to introduce newbies to snorkeling as there wasn't really anything to see there (too sandy so very little visibility and not many fish). After that our boat tied off at the reef itself and boy, what a difference... fish galore and some in schools of 100s or more! The unfortunate part is that a lot of the coral reef got damaged during Maria and subsequently killed the coral. Luckily not all were destroyed and so you still get to see live coral as well. Overall, loved the experience and would definitely go again!
Written December 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Estelle E
8 contributions
Aug 2021
We did a 1/2 cruise to Buck Island with Beg Beard's Adventure tours.. We loved it.! The crew was very efficiant like a well oiled machine. They were very friendly, accommodating, happy and just wonderful! The beach is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. The reef, although pretty beat up there was still some elkhorn coral standing. The reef was teaming with loads of tropical fish. The crew took cheerfuly took care of those whe were not too comfortable in the water. Don't miss this one, well worth the $ and time.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nitroxscubadiver
Pinckney, MI168 contributions
Apr 2022
We took a Big Beards charter over to Buck Island and sat on the beach for about 45 minutes before heading over to the reef to snorkel for about an hour. The day we were there it was pretty choppy which made for a tough swim to get to the reef. I didn't really see much except for 2 large schools of Blue Tangs. My friend did see a large reef shark on the way back to the boat.
Maybe there are more fish out in the open when it's not to rough out.
Maybe there are more fish out in the open when it's not to rough out.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachelle Kiesel
7 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We lived on island for 3 years and this was our 4th trip to Buck Island. The crew on Big Beards have always been informative with a great sense of humor! The boat has a fun vibe. They offer guided tours through the reef. I could have skipped going to the one side of buck island. It has beautiful clear water but not much to see, though I did see a huge stingray, 4-5 feet wide! I always like exploring the reef and while the hurricane 4 years ago along with ocean bleaching and human abuse has destroyed much of the reef, it is starting to come back to life and develop more color and regardless is still interesting to see! Never disappointed with Buck Island or Big Beards!
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael W
Redding, CT1,733 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We visited the reef monument on our half day trip to Buck Island with Big Beard’s Adventures and it was very enjoyable. We followed our guide through the whole trail then were given plenty of time to explore on our own. It’s well worth the trip.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
Are we able to get our national historic sites passport cancellation stamp?
Written December 19, 2018
Yes! The Christiansvaern Fort entrance has all five stamps for the St Croix sites to including Buck Island.
Written February 2, 2019
How do you get to Buck Island Reef? Did you have to do shore excursion or are there plenty of offers once you are off the ship?
Written July 8, 2018
If you are visiting St Croix via cruise ship, then your ship will dock in Fredericksted. Fredericksted is on the far west end of the island. The tours for Buck Island leave out of Christiansted, which is in the middle of the island. So ... you will need to rent a car or take a taxi to get there ... or book your trip to Buck Island with one of the tour operators that will pick you up in Fredericksted.
But, no matter how you get to Christiansted, it’s best to prebook your trip to Buck Island in advance !
Written January 9, 2019
Hi wanderlust.....My husband and I do not snorkel. Would this excursion still be worthwhile to just relax on the beach? Thank you!!
Written April 24, 2018
The beach is lovely but when you go on the excursions you don't stay on it very long. Just to practice snorkeling and then they sail to the reef.
Written July 6, 2018
Hello! I will be in St Croix USVI and Barbados each for just one day next week and would love the scoop on snorkeling. And is the snorkeling better in St Croix or Barbados? I've been in lots of places and mostly love to see colorful fish and other sea creatures. My Mum is traveling with me and prefers the beach. But she is happy to go on a boat trip too. I am trying to decide whether to book a catermaran trip to Buck Island or just snorkel by the shore. (Rainbow beach) Or do Rainbow Beach in St Croix and then Barbados snorkeling boat trip. If anyone has recommendations, I'd love to hear them! Thanks so much! :-)
Written April 11, 2018
Haven’t been to Barbados, lucky you!! But Snorkeling at Buck Island is awesome and as I saw someone mention you get to go to the beach after so you do both. Really nice!
Written June 3, 2018
What cruise line were you with? We just booked this excursion on an upcoming cruise November 2018, with Celebrity, on the Summit. I am trying to get feedback from the excursion offered on this cruise line. It is a 4.5 hour day, that is suppose to have some snorkelling time and beach time.
Any information and insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Written February 13, 2018
We were on Celebrity Silhouette - docked from 8am to 5pm. I personally would not use the cruise line excursion - too expensive.
Written February 19, 2018
Saludos! Cuál sería el costo para ese tour y las horas? Gracias de antemano.
Written February 19, 2017
So very sorry for the delayed response but my brother passed away. I honestly can't recall the price I paid for the snorkel trip but there are several companies that offer the experience. I stayed at Tamarind Reef & Resort and they arranged it for me and gave me options. I chose the company that was right there at the Marina as it was close by and they were a great choice.
Written March 26, 2017
Snorkeling only. No diving allowed. Access by boats with permits only. There are several tour companies who go to Buck Island, ranging from $35 to $70 for a 3 hour tour. $70 is too much, in my opinion.
Written January 17, 2017
We are a group of four adults arriving in St. Croix on I believe April 3, 2017 at 8:00 AM on the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas and leaves St. Croix at 5:00 PM. Do you have availability and what is the total cost per person for your boat charter to go snorkeling at Buck Island and for how long?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I saw some information on Trip Advisor.
Thank you.
Jerrel Schorr
Written January 13, 2017
There are a number of tour companies who leave from Christiansted. Check them out individually. You can get taxis easily from Fredricksted to Christiansted at any time.
Written January 17, 2017
Hi, my son is 15 and just beginning to snorkel. Is the water very deep? Will he be able to stand (he's 5'6)? Is there a beach they snorkel from? Any recommendations? Thanks
Written July 23, 2016
Yes. It is a gradual dip. You can snorkel off the beach or at the underwater park. The underwater park is probably 30 feet deep- but you will never be far from the boat. Buck Island is absolutely amazing. We have traveled around the world and this beach is the best!
Written July 24, 2016
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