Is Buck Island Worth It? A Captain’s Honest Answer

I get asked this on the boardwalk most days, usually by someone who has heard about Buck Island and wants to know if it lives up to it. My honest answer: for most people, yes. Here’s why, what it costs, and the few cases where I’d point you to something else.

The short answer

Buck Island Reef National Monument is the reason a lot of people come to St. Croix. In one trip you snorkel a protected barrier reef on a marked underwater trail, then relax on a white-sand beach with no buildings in sight. It’s close (about 30 minutes on our power catamaran Celebration), it works for first-timers, and the half day trip leaves you the rest of the day free.

What makes Buck Island special?

President John F. Kennedy established the monument in 1961 to preserve what his proclamation called “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea” (NPS). It was expanded in 2001 and today protects over 19,000 acres of land and sea about 1½ miles off St. Croix.

• The reef. An elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds about two thirds of the island (NPS). Behind it is a calm lagoon that the NPS says seldom exceeds 12 feet deep.
• The underwater trail. Underwater signs tell you what you’re looking at, so a snorkel here doubles as a lesson in how a reef works. Read our underwater trail guide.
• Turtle Beach. Rated by National Geographic as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. See what to know about Turtle Beach.
• The overlook. A short trail climbs to a view that, on a clear day, runs from Puerto Rico to Virgin Gorda.
• Wildlife. Hawksbill, green, leatherback and loggerhead turtles use the island (NPS). Turtles are often seen, but they’re wild animals, so a sighting is never guaranteed.

What does a Buck Island trip cost?

The NPS charges no entrance fee for Buck Island (NPS fees), but the island is reached only by boat: your own (with an NPS anchoring permit) or an authorized concession boat like ours. Our public trips, per person, adults first:

National park fees are included. Crew gratuity isn’t (20–25% is recommended). For your own boat and crew, private charters start at $900 per boat.

Who loves it, and who might choose something else

You’ll love it if you’ve never snorkeled (the lesson happens on the beach and a guide swims with you), you’re traveling with kids, you love quiet beaches, or you want to see a reef that has been protected since 1961.

Choose differently if:

• You want a lunch stop with a bar. Buck Island is uninhabited with no visitor services. On our half day, the complimentary rum punch comes on the cruise back; on full days, bring your own lunch.
• Climbing a ladder is hard for someone in your group. Wave Dancer is boarded by a ladder; choose the half day aboard Celebration instead.
• You only have a cruise ship day. It still works: the morning half day, the Full Day Sail (back at the dock at 3:30 pm) or a private charter timed around your ship. See Buck Island on a cruise ship day.

How much time do you need?

A half day (3.5 hours) gets you the lesson, the underwater trail and time on Turtle Beach, about an hour of snorkeling in all. A full day adds beach time and the chance to hike to the overlook. Not sure which? Compare them in half day vs full day at Buck Island.

How to get the most out of it

• Wear reef-safe sunscreen or a sun shirt. Oxybenzone sunscreens are prohibited on our trips.
• Ask the crew to fit your mask on the beach. A mask that seals and doesn’t fog makes the whole day.
• Bring snacks (or lunch on a full day), a towel and cash for your crew.
• Look, don’t touch. Buck Island is a no-take zone, and corals cut easily (NPS safety).

Want to compare every snorkel option first? Our St. Croix snorkeling tours page lays them side by side.