Know Before You Go

Planning ahead to visit Buck Island will greatly improve your experience.

NPS Photo / Kahle

Buck Island Reef National Monument, located just off the coast of St. Croix, protects one of the Caribbean’s most intact marine ecosystems, including a barrier reef, coral gardens, and pristine beaches. Accessible only by boat, the island offers world-class snorkeling and a unique opportunity to experience a fragile natural environment. Conditions can change quickly, with strong sun, shifting weather, and variable sea conditions. Planning ahead and coming prepared helps ensure a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting this special place for future generations.

 

Hours

7:00am - 5:00pm AST
Every Day
These hours apply to all areas of Buck Island National Monument, including West Beach, the lagoon, underwater trail, Dietrich Landing, trails, observation platform and all waters.

 

General Rules and Regulations

• No fishing, hunting or collecting is permited
  • This includes taking seashells or coral cobble
• Anchoring is only permited in the marked area off West Beach
• No vessel over 42 feet (12.8 meters) is allowed inside the lagoon
• No anchorage is permited inside the lagoon
  • Please only use provided moorings
• Rafting is not permitted
• SCUBA diving is only allowed in designated areas

For a full list of Rules and Regulations, please refer to the Superintendent's Compendium