You may want to make advanced reservations with one of the five concessions authorized to offer trips to Buck Island Reef NM. Concessionaires depart from Christiansted Water Front or Green Cay Marina. Boat sizes and passenger limits vary from one concessionaire to another. Full and half day charters are available. Contact the park for a list of concessionaires at (340)773-1460 or visit the NPS visitor contact station at Fort Christianvaern.

It is illegal to hire a vessel other than one of the authorized concessionaires. If you rent a boat, you must be the captain knowing the park rules and regulations, and practice safe boating.

Local custom and town ordinances require that you wear shirts or cover-ups in Christiansted. Bathing suits alone are not acceptable in town.

Protecting your Park: Water skiing, jet skiing, and spear fishing are prohibited. Anchoring is prohibited in the lagoon; boats must pick up a mooring. Scuba diving is prohibited at the underwater trail but allowed at the two scuba moorings in the north lagoon Do not stand or handle corals. If you tire while snorkeling, us the rest floats. Don’t feed the fish.

On the island: The island closes to visitors at sunset. Pets, vehicles (except wheelchairs) artificial light, camping, glass containers, generators, and loud music are prohibited. Build fires only in the grills provided by the National Park Service. Digging tent poles, beach umbrellas, and stakes are prohibited on beaches.