Buck Island Reef National Monument
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Buck Island Reef National Monument was established by Presidential proclamation in 1961, and expanded in 2001, in order to preserve "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea." The park is now one of only a few fully marine protected areas in the National Park System. 
Buck Island, USVI - Aerial View
The 176-acre island and surrounding coral reef ecosystem support a large variety of native flora and fauna, including several endangered and threatened species such as hawksbill turtles and brown pelicans. The elkhorn coral barrier reef that surrounds two-thirds of the island has extraordinary coral formations, deep grottoes, abundant reef fishes, sea fans and gorgonians. At the eastern most point of the reef is the famous underwater trail; both novice and expert snorkelers will enjoy the passages through the reef. The island has an overland nature trail and white coral sand beaches. Visitors can take daily trips to the park for half or full day. Once there they can enjoy a leisurely swim in the crystal clear waters, or snorkeling or SCUBA diving through the fantastic reef to witness tropical marine life, or hike over the island enjoying native flora and fauna while getting a birds-eye view of the reef and sea below. 
Elkhorn coral on Buck Head Reef
ACTIVITIES
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. Visitors should always be cautious around the reef. Use caution in the water and avoid contact with any unknown marine life. Cuts from coral abrasions can be painful. Long-spined black sea urchins are a particularly sharp hazard. Jellyfish, Portugese man-of-war, bristle worms, and fire corals sting and burn. Treat all underwater creatures with respect. It is recommended that visitors practice snorkeling in shallow water at the beach before going to the underwater trail and reef. PDF Detail Maps:
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Operating Hours & Seasons 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. Getting There Plane
American Airlines is the major carrier with flights into the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Car
Travel by car or taxi van to downtown Christiansted or to Green Cay Marina east of Christiansted. There are six concession companies that provide transport by boat to Buck Island Reef NM from these locations. REMEMBER WE DRIVE ON THE LEFT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS! Public Transportation
Buck Island Reef National Monument is accessible by park licensed concessionaires or private boat and is a 5.5 mile (8.8 km) sail from Christiansted on St. Croix. Concession boats are available at Christiansted Wharf or Green Cay Marina. Privately operated boat must abide by park regulations and maneuvered slowly through Monument waters and watch out for snorkelers at all times. Getting Around The only way to get to Buck Island Reef NM is by boat; private or park licensed concession operation which has 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. Once at Buck Island Reef you continue to move between the beach and reef by boat. There is only one foot path on the island which takes 45 minutes from beach to the reef overlook and back down to the beach. All other sites can be seen by walking, swimming, or snorkeling. VISITOR CENTERS Scale House at Christiansted NHS Open All Year 8 am to 5 pm Open From 01/01/2000 To 12/31/2000 8 am to 5 pm Phone
340-773-1460 Location
The Scale House Visitor Center is along the waterfront near the Fort in Christiansted, and serves as the visitor center for all three National Park Service locations on St. Croix. There's a friendly staff and bookstore in this historic Danish building. There are bathroom facilities and picnic areas on Buck Island Reef National Monument, but no ranger station for visitors. Closures
Visitor Center is closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Day. Photo's courtesy: www.nps.gov for more info: http://www.nps.gov/buis/
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Summary: Buck Island Reef National Monument was established by Presidential proclamation in 1961, and expanded in 2001, in order to preserve one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea.
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