The National Park Service
Buck Island Reef
National Monument
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The park features the finest marine garden in the Caribbean, as well as having coral grottoes, sea fans, gorgonias, and tropical fishes. The island, which has an underwater nature trail and beaches, is a rookery for frigate birds and brown pelicans and is a nesting area for sea turtles. Visitors can take in the crystal clear water, extraordinary array of underwater life, and tropical vegetation through a variety of activities including swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.


Acreage: 880, all federal. Land area: 143.
Proclaimed: Dec. 28,1961. Boundary change: Feb. 1,1975.

LOCATION:
Buck Island Reef National Monument is located in the Virgin Islands off the coast of Florida.
 
ADDRESS:
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Danish Custom House, Kings Wharf
2100 Church Street #100
Christiansted, VI 00820-4611
 
TELEPHONE:
340-773-1460
 
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Buck Island Reef National Monument is open year-round.
 
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Light weight clothing for hot temperatures is suggested. Long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes, and bug repellant are recommended for hiking. Visitors should take necessary precautions to avoid sunburn.
 
DIRECTIONS:
Buck Island Reef National Monument is accessible by 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. Boats should be maneuvered slowly through Monument waters.
 
TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation to Buck Island Reef National Monument is by boat.
 
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
The National Park Service does not charge an entrance fee. However, there are concession boat fees.
 
FACILTIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Acreage: 880
Trails, Roads: Hiking oppportunities abound, allowing visitors to enjoy Buck Island's tropical vegetation.
Lodging and camping facilities: Camping is permitted on boats. Overnight accomodations are available in Saint Croix. Facilities include: picnic tables, charcoal grills, changing house, a sheltered picnic pavillion, restrooms, and a nature trail.
Food/supplies:/ Food and supplies are available in St. Croix. First aid is available on Buck Island.
 
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
There is a variety of activities for park visitors to enjoy including swimming, snorkeling, boat trips, hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. Visitors should always use caution in the water. Cuts from coral can inflict painful wounds. Spiny sea urchins are a particularly sharp hazard. Jellyfish, Portugese man-of-war and fire corals sting and burn. Treat all underwater creatures with respect. It is recommended that visitors practise snorkeling in shallow water before going to the reef.

Buck Island Reef: A Virtual View

Visit other National Parks in the Virgin Islands

Last Updated:Monday, 12-Jun-97 14:05:24
http://www.nps.gov/buis/