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Buck Island Reef National MonumentCoral
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Buck Island Reef National Monument
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Buck Island NM North Reef View
Buck Island NM North Reef View

The United States Virgin Islands consist of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, all popular destinations in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are reached by several airlines with flights into the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, Virgin Islands.

Car:  Travel by car or taxi van to downtown Christiansted or to Green Cay Marina east of Christiansted. There are five concession companies that provide transport by boat to Buck Island Reef NM from these locations. REMEMBER WE DRIVE ON THE LEFT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS!

Public Transportation: Buck Island Reef National Monument is accessible by park licensed 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 or Green Cay Marina.

Privately operated boats must abide by park regulations and maneuver slowly through Monument waters and watch out for snorkelers at all times.

Getting Around: The only way to get to Buck Island Reef NM is by boat; private or park licensed concession operation which has daily trips, full or half day. The trip is between 40 minutes to 1 1/2 hour depending on whether you sail or motor boat to the park. Once at Buck Island Reef you continue to move between the beach and reef by boat. There is only one foot path on the island which takes 45 minutes from beach to the reef overlook and back down to the beach. All other sites can be seen by walking, swimming, or snorkeling.

White coral tissue left after black-band disease effects Knobby Brain Coral (  

Did You Know?
Within the past few decades, coral diseases and hurricanes have significantly impacted Buck Island’s reef system. Its re-growth is being closely monitored.

Last Updated: July 24, 2006 at 22:37 EST