Buck Island Reef National Monument
National Monument · VI
NPS
Nature reserve in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Buck Island Reef National Monument protects Buck Island, a small, uninhabited 176-acre island about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of the northeast coast of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and 18,839 acres of submerged lands, totaling 19,015 acres. It was first established as a protected area by the U.S. Government in 1948, with the intention of preserving “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea”. The U.S. National Monument was created in 1961 by John F. Kennedy and greatly expanded in 2001 by Bill Clinton, over the opposition of local fishermen. Buck Island National Monument is one of few places in the Virgin Islands where brown pelicans and threatened least terns nest.
About Buck Island Reef National Monument
Welcome to Buck Island Reef National Monument, called “the finest marine garden in the Caribbean Sea” by President John F. 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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Buck Island Reef National Monument
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM |
Buck Island Reef National Monument
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM | 7:00AM - 5:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Buck Island Reef National Monument?
Buck Island Reef National Monument is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Buck Island Reef National Monument?
Popular activities at Buck Island Reef National Monument include: Boating, Sailing, Hiking, Paddling, Kayaking, SCUBA Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming.
What is the weather like at Buck Island Reef National Monument?
Welcome to the tropics!
How do I get to Buck Island Reef National Monument?
Use one of our concessionaires to get to Buck Island!
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Welcome to the tropics!
Directions
Use one of our concessionaires to get to Buck Island!
📍 View on Google Maps →Location
Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in VI
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