Buck Island Reef National Monument is open year-round. There is no overnight camping on the island; the park is closed from sunset to sunrise to protect nesting sea turtles that come ashore at night. Anchorage is available overnight to boaters within the designated area. A permit is required to anchor within the designated area. Lights must be kept to a minimum because bright lights disorient sea turtles and other night time animals.
Did You Know?
Worldwide, coral reefs are fast disappearing. They are slow-growing and vulnerable to pollution, sedimentation, overfishing, warming of the seas, and boat damage. Because corals thrive only in a narrow range of conditions, biologists see their plight as a planetary danger signal.