We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Buck Island, St. Croix
340-773-1460
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #1 of 3 nightlife in St. Croix
Type: Islands, Reefs, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, National Parks, Monuments/ Statues
Activities: Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Hiking
Owner description: 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... more » Owner description: 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. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children
Write a Review

157 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    111
    23
    15
    3
    5
Date Rating
dublin,ohio
Top Contributor
89 reviews 89 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

An underwater national park! What a great idea.Take one of the catamarans form the marina on ST. Croix and go for the morning. Morning is usually best since the water is calmer.The underwater trails through the reefs of the park are marked and labeled with the different types of coral you are seeing.Our trip included a lunch on the opposite... More

Denver, Colorado
1 review
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2013

Buck Island reef holds the skeletal remains of a once gorgeous reef. The Coral bleachings due to elevated ocean temperature and Hurricanes have done a lot of damage to this reef. You will see the remains of huge Staghorn and Elkhorn coral heads, unfortunately dead and covered with algea. Beautiful in an odd sort of way. There were many live... More

new york
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 2013

Had a wonderful trip to Buck Island on Caribbean Sea Adventures. The captain and crew were awesome - great patience teaching those who don't know who to snorkel how to use equipment and get the most out of the snorkeling experience. Unfortunately, the water was a bit choppy and you have to be a good swimmer on these days to... More

Bar Harbor, Maine
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
62 helpful votes 62 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 16, 2013

Yesterday was my 4th half day trip out to Buck Island and its reef and our first time aboard Tesoro II, a sold, comfortable trimaran piloted by Capt. Heinz and his son Capt. Carl. We live on St Croix and have good insight on things to see and do. Here's why Tesoro II is your best bet for snorkeling at... More

Virginia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 6, 2013

Our trip to Buck Island on the Dragonfly was perfect! Our weather was sunny with few clouds and slightly choppy seas.  Captain Carl was friendly, informative, and attentive.  Our party of 4 adults enjoyed the leisurely day with sailing, snorkeling, hiking, and floating in the pristine waters around the island.  Snorkeling the reef was outstanding...the national park service has developed... More

See 2 more reviews by jody_t for St. Croix
Baltimore, Maryland
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2013

14 friends and family go on a catamaran to see the underwater snorkeling tour at Buck Island, it doesn't get any better than that. The island is serene and the water beautiful and the sea life is awsome.

See 3 more reviews by Joe F for St. Croix
Halifax, Canada
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 25, 2013

We went to the NATL. Monument with Buck Island Charters. Captain Heinz was very helpful in regards to how and where to snorkel to get the most from the tour; he was also well-prepared for problems since I scrapped my legs on the coral and he applied a first-aid antibacterial ointment immediately. We then sailed to the end of the... More

Dallas
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 24, 2013

WE took Big Beard excursions and loved it. Great staff and Captain. Big Beard himself explains all the rules first and then hands the boat off to his captain and the crew. Very fun crew with yummy lunch on the beach. They BBQ the goods for you and serve up rum punch. Very casual and a perfect trip to Buck... More

See 6 more reviews by beachlover1306 for St. Croix
Lees Summit, Missouri, United States
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 23, 2013

The reef was absolutely phenomenal and the island itself, while uninhabited and covered with cacti over most of it, has the most amazing beach! If you can do a half day trip, picnic on the beach and go snorkeling... do it!

Denver, Colorado
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 22, 2013

Took a sailboat out to Buck Island for snorkeling and it was fantastic. Saw beautiful fish and a nurse shark. The coral was dead in lots of areas from the waters being too warm but it is growing back. The reefs looked like huge elk antlers all connected to one another. The water was so clear you could see forever.... More

Travelers who viewed Buck Island Reef National Monument also viewed

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
 
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
 

Been to Buck Island Reef National Monument? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Buck Island Reef National Monument, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing