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Snorkeler swimming by Elkhorn Coral at Buck Island Reef NM. Photo: NPS

Buck Island Reef National Monument

National Monument · U.S. Virgin Islands

Welcome to Buck Island Reef National Monument, called “the finest marine garden in the Caribbean Sea” by President John F.

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationChristiansted, St. Croix, VI
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursDaily, 7:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Weather now87°F Patchy rain nearby
  • Alerts No active alerts

Kennedy. Snorkel the famous underwater trail, explore endangered elkhorn coral reefs.

Hike the trails on the 176-acre island to the observation platform for an unparallel view. Discover a vibrant world above and beneath the waves in this Caribbean paradise.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Archeology
  • Birds
  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Coral Reefs
  • Fish
  • Geology
  • Maritime
5 more topics
  • Oceans
  • The Tropics
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Trails
  • Water Trails
Snorkelers in formation departing the concessioner's vessel in route to the underwater trail.
Snorkelers are lead in small groups through the underwater trail at Buck Island Reef NM. — Susan Duke

Things to Do

11 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

Photograph of the trees and vegetation along the hiking trail on Buck Island
The plants that make up the subtropical dry forest on Buck Island range from old historic tamarinds to gumbo limbo, from cactus to delicate orchids. — Photo by S. Corsaut, Digital Island

Facilities & Services

Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Visitor Centers

  • Fish and corals at Buck Island Reef National Monument

    Buck Island Reef National Monument

    Visitor Center

    There is no visitor center at Buck Island. Please visit the bookstore or fee booth at Christiansted National Historic Site. The bookstore is located at the historic…

    2100 Church Street, #100, Christiansted, VI (340) 773-1460 Directions

    Details
    There is no visitor center at Buck Island. Please visit the bookstore or fee booth at Christiansted National Historic Site. The bookstore is located at the historic Scale House, at the water's edge. The fee booth is located just inside the gate and to the right in Fort Christiansvaern.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Daily, 7:00AM - 5:00PM · Buck Island Reef National Monument

Hours by area (2)
  • Buck Island Reef National MonumentDaily, 7:00AM - 5:00PM

    Buck Island Reef National Monument is open year-round, every day of the week. The current operating hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no overnight camping on the island; the park is closed at night to protect nesting sea turtles. Camping is not allowed on the island.

    Monday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Tuesday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Wednesday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Thursday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Friday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Saturday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Sunday7:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Buck Island Reef National MonumentDaily, 7:00AM - 5:00PM

    Buck Island Reef National Monument is open year-round, every day of the week. The current operating hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no overnight camping on the island; the park is closed at night to protect nesting sea turtles. Camping is not allowed on the island.

    Monday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Tuesday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Wednesday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Thursday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Friday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Saturday7:00AM - 5:00PM
    Sunday7:00AM - 5:00PM

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

2100 Church St. #100
Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820

Get directions Map & directions info

Contact the park

Weather & conditions

87°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 95°
  • Today 87° 78°
    Patchy rain nearby
    74% rain
  • Tomorrow 86° 79°
    Overcast
    42% rain
  • Wednesday 87° 78°
    Patchy rain nearby
    74% rain

Updated 5 hr ago

What to expect by season

Welcome to the tropics!

Photos

  • Photograph of snorkeler among the coral reefs at Buck Island
    Enjoy snorkeling the reefs and see lots of tropical reef fish. — NPS Photo
  • green sea turtle hatchling on beach heading towards the ocean
  • Photograph of rainbow at Buck Island
  • the forest meets the sandy beach and waves
  • view of Buck Island from the water
2 more photos

Getting There

2100 Church St. #100
Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820

Use one of our concessionaires to get to Buck Island!

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: 2100 Church St. #100, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820

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