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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
960 reviews
Excellent
749
Very good
135
Average
52
Poor
14
Terrible
10
ignatsz
New York City, NY300 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
This was the best place I have ever snorkeled. The water was crystal clear and those of the National Park is cool. I saw many different kinds of fish. The boat ride out is also enjoyable
Written 16 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim T
Saint Johns, Michigan, United States6 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We went with big beard tours, they do an awesome job and would highly recommend them. The water was clear ,so many fish. And the beach was awesome also
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melissa H
Dublin, United States11 contributions
Mar 2023
We spent an afternoon snorkeling along the coral reef at Buck Island. Plenty of coral and creatures to take in! Some of the coral was over 8,000 years old!
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
salvatore s
5 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Most beautiful waters and beach on bucks island. Simply amazing. Must do list. Even if you don’t snorkel go see turtle beach
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bruce I
Marlborough, MA291 contributions
Feb 2023
Buck Island is the best location in St Croix. The beach is sandy and long and the snorkeling on the other side of the island is excellent with plenty of living coral (dead lots of other places) and numerous beautiful fish.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roger S
Christiansted, St. Croix5 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Fantastic place to go snorkeling or diving. Lots of underwater creatures to see. Has clear blue green water. Nice beaches !!!
Written 11 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joanne P
Somerset, MA3 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We booked a snokling tour on board Celebrate. Captain Ally, Hayley, and Eastern, made our trip so much fun.
They were informative and provided us with the history of the reef.
Hayley and Eastern make a mean rum punch as well.
They were informative and provided us with the history of the reef.
Hayley and Eastern make a mean rum punch as well.
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alice C
Penticton, Canada24 contributions
Dec 2022
we went to the island with a sailing group of snorkelers. The weather was clear but cool, it rained while on the boat coming back. We were not that impressed with the island although we can only blame it on the weather. The water/current was too rough for snorkelers, so we missed most of the underwater experience.
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul Martin
Mantua, NJ5 contributions
Jan 2023
Book a tour and see this! You won't regret taking the trip. If you have a GoPro or another underwater camera, you're definitely going to want to bring it capture the trip.
Written 22 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jerry H
Marquette, MI79 contributions
Jan 2023
Taking a boat out to the reef is a must do if on St Croix. The underwater sights are amazing to see. Colorful fish and plentiful coral are everywhere.
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is snorkeling allowed
2-an-island-lady
san diego171 contributions
Yes. That is the main attraction. Beautifully marked underwater path with grotto and lots of fish. It’s a must do. You’ll have to take a boat, it can not be done from shore.
Karen P
McDonough, GA2,553 contributions
Hi
Are we able to get our national historic sites passport cancellation stamp?
NeverBoringSailing
9 contributions
Yes! The Christiansvaern Fort entrance has all five stamps for the St Croix sites to including Buck Island.
PaulaSykes
Wirtz, VA2 contributions
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?
dcyonce
Frisco, TX544 contributions
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 !
Grannyoffive
Virginia Beach, VA35 contributions
Hi wanderlust.....My husband and I do not snorkel. Would this excursion still be worthwhile to just relax on the beach? Thank you!!
Brenda28970
Washington DC, DC7 contributions
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.
Jennie360
USA25 contributions
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! :-)
migpadi
Bayamon, Puerto Rico31 contributions
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!
wc123
ontario1,273 contributions
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.
pariciah18
Edmonton, Canada7 contributions
We were on Celebrity Silhouette - docked from 8am to 5pm. I personally would not use the cruise line excursion - too expensive.
Saludos! Cuál serÃa el costo para ese tour y las horas? Gracias de antemano.
Becky P
Surgoinsville, TN24 contributions
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.
Jerrel S
Houston, TX92 contributions
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
NotCook
Christiansted, St. Croix74 contributions
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.
LC71464
Staten Island, NY2 contributions
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
James K
Cedar Rapids, IA68 contributions
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!
Buck Island Reef National Monument (St. Croix) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Buck Island Reef National Monument
- Hotels near Buck Island Reef National Monument:
- (6.70 km) The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort
- (11.06 km) The Palms at Pelican Cove
- (14.21 km) Villa Margarita
- (5.31 km) Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina
- (14.92 km) Arawak Bay The Inn At Salt River
- Restaurants near Buck Island Reef National Monument:
- (3.32 km) Ziggy's Island Market
- (3.83 km) Duggan's Reef
- (9.37 km) Frescos Kitchen & Pub House
- (9.08 km) Galangal
- (12.07 km) Blues' Backyard BBQ & Grill