Buck Island Tours from St. Croix If you like nature. You will love this place.
- 4.9 on Tripadvisor · 3,000+ reviews
- Authorized NPS concessioner
- Half day from $75
Buck Island Snorkeling Tours
Welcome to Buck Island Reef National Monument, a protected Caribbean gem and a testament to the untouched beauty of the region. Dubbed ‘one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean’, this uninhabited oasis teems with a diverse range of plants and animals.
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With Caribbean Sea Adventures’ premier sea excursions in St. Croix, guests are invited to explore the enchanting waters and pristine, white sandy beaches of Buck Island through our bespoke snorkeling tours. Whether opting for our half-day or full-day excursions, you’re guaranteed an intimate view of the sea’s majestic life and memories that will last a lifetime.
Group Tours to Buck Island
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Half Day Snorkel Cruise
3.5 hours · Up to 28 guests · Christiansted
Adults 18+ $95 · Young Adults 3–17 $75 · Tiny Humans 0–2 free
Snorkel Buck Island's reef on a guided tour of the underwater trail and relax on Turtle Beach aboard our power catamaran Celebration. Gear and lessons included; swimmers and non-swimmers welcome.
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Full Day Sail
6 hours · Up to 16 guests · Christiansted; Green Cay Marina from Nov 1, 2026
Adults 18+ $125 · Young Adults 0–17 $105
An hour-plus sail to Buck Island aboard Wave Dancer, a guided snorkel of the underwater trail, then the most time at Turtle Beach to swim, relax or hike to the top for the view.
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Snorkelers in Paradise
5 hours · Up to 28 guests · Tue & Thu
Adults 18+ $125 · Young Adults 3–17 $105
Two snorkel stops on Buck Island’s reef with a guide, then Turtle Beach. Aboard Mile Mark from Christiansted at 10 am.
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Beach & Hike
5 hours · Up to 32 guests · Christiansted
$75 per person
Straight to Turtle Beach: swim, relax or hike to the overlook at the top of Buck Island. No reef snorkel stop.
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Sunday Funday
4 hours · Sundays 1 pm · Christiansted
$65 per person · all ages
A Sunday afternoon of sun and sand at Turtle Beach aboard Celebration. No snorkeling required.
Groups of 10+ save 10% automatically on half day trips. Senior, military & local discounts available, call (340) 773-2628.
Private Buck Island Charters
For a more personalized experience, book a private charter and have the boat all to yourself.
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Smooth Recovery · Half Day
3 hours · Up to 12 guests
$900 up to 6 guests · +$100 each over 6
Departs Green Cay Marina; you choose the time and place.
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Smooth Recovery · Full Day
5 hours · Up to 12 guests
$1,200 up to 6 guests · +$100 each over 6
Departs Green Cay Marina; a full day at Buck Island in style.
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Inconceivable · Half Day Sail
4 hours · Up to 12 guests
$1,650 per boat · Green Cay Marina
42 ft sailing catamaran with ample shade and seating.
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Good Times · Half Day
4 hours · Up to 12 guests
$1,650 per boat · Green Cay Marina, Dock C
42 ft Leopard power catamaran built for speed, shade and stability.
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Wave Dancer · Private Sail
6 hours · Up to 16 guests
$1,750 per boat · Christiansted; Green Cay Marina from Nov 1, 2026
32 ft custom-built sailing catamaran, all to yourselves.
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Mile Mark · Half Day
4 hours · Up to 40 guests
$1,800 per boat · your pick-up spot
Our dive and snorkel boat, with room for up to 40 guests.
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Inconceivable · Full Day Sail
6 hours · Up to 12 guests
$2,050 per boat · Green Cay Marina
A full day under sail with your own captain and crew.
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Good Times · Full Day
6 hours · Up to 12 guests
$2,050 per boat · Green Cay Marina, Dock C
A full Buck Island day on our 42 ft power catamaran.
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Mile Mark · Full Day
5 hours · Up to 40 guests
$2,250–$3,036 per boat · your pick-up spot
Snorkel, beach, then a sunset cruise back to Christiansted.
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Celebration · Private 3.5 Hours
3.5 hours · Up to 30 guests
$3,420 per boat · 9 am or 1 pm
Our 41 ft luxury power catamaran for the morning or afternoon.
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Celebration · Private 5 Hours
5 hours · Up to 30 guests
$4,500 per boat · departs 9 am
St. Croix’s newest boat, yours for the day.
Ending the day on the water? Sunset cruises from $35
Why Caribbean Sea Adventures?
Options & Variety
With six boats to choose from, Caribbean Sea Adventures offers a wide range of unique private and small group powerboat and sailing charters, from romantic getaways to catered wedding services for 145 guests.
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Spend half the day or a full day on this uninhabited island, known for its fabulous snorkeling, exclusivity and breathtaking views, surrounded by aqua waters and extensive coral reefs.
Personal Assistance
Our team will help you select the right trip or design a private tour. All of our captains are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, with a combined 127 years of experience at Buck Island.
About Buck Island Reef National Monument
President John F. Kennedy established Buck Island Reef National Monument in 1961 to preserve “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea.” In 2001 the monument was expanded by 18,135 acres, and today it protects over 19,000 acres of land and sea about 1½ miles off St. Croix.
- Elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds two thirds of the island, unique within U.S. waters.
- Sea turtles: hawksbill, green, leatherback and loggerhead turtles use its beaches.
- Birds: least terns arrive to nest every summer, followed by pelicans in the fall.
- No entrance fee and no visitor services on the island.
Caribbean Sea Adventures is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Dept. of the Interior, and is authorized to provide snorkel tours and private charters within Buck Island.
Facts: National Park Service
What You’ll See and Do on Buck Island
- Snorkel the underwater trail with a guide. Buck Island’s elkhorn coral barrier reef, one of the finest in the Caribbean, hosts an astonishing diversity of marine life.
- Relax on Turtle Beach, rated by National Geographic as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Swim, float in the shallows or sunbathe.
- Hike to the overlook. On a clear day you can see from Puerto Rico to Virgin Gorda, and looking down into the barrier reef it’s common to see turtles.
- All skill levels welcome. Never snorkeled before? Our crew provides the guidance and gear you need.
How to Get to Buck Island from St. Croix
- By boat onlyBuck Island is reached only by vessel: a private boat (with an NPS anchoring permit) or an authorized concession boat like ours.
- 5.5-mile trip
- Where we leave fromThe half day cruise leaves from the Christiansted harbor. Wave Dancer sails leave from Christiansted now and from Green Cay Marina starting Nov 1, 2026. Most private charters leave from Green Cay Marina.
- Arriving by cruise ship?We’re on the Christiansted boardwalk, about a 40-minute taxi from Frederiksted. See cruise ship excursions.
What Our Guests Say
Buck Island Tour FAQs
How do I get to Buck Island from St. Croix?
Buck Island Reef National Monument is about 1½ miles off St. Croix and is reached only by boat, either a private vessel or an authorized concession boat. Our half day cruise always leaves from Christiansted harbor; the Full Day Sail and all other Wave Dancer trips depart Christiansted now and from Green Cay Marina starting Nov 1, 2026; many other private charters leave from Green Cay Marina. For all other tours, please check your confirmation for your departure point, or call us at (340) 773-2628 with any questions.
Is there a ferry to Buck Island?
The National Park Service lists two ways to get there: your own boat (with an NPS anchoring permit) or an authorized concession boat. Caribbean Sea Adventures is an authorized NPS concessioner, so our tours and charters are your ride there and back.
How long does it take to get to Buck Island?
It depends on which trip you reserve.
What’s included on the half day and full day trips?
Half day: drinking water, snorkel gear, lessons, a guided tour of the underwater trail and Cruzan Rum Punch on the cruise back to Christiansted harbor. Full day: water, snorkel gear, lessons, a guided tour of the underwater trail and a relaxing couple of hours at Turtle Beach, with an optional short hike to the observation deck. National park fees are included; crew gratuity is not (20–25% is recommended).
What if I’ve never snorkeled before?
No worries! We’ll teach you the proper way to snorkel and help you feel comfortable, and a guide will be in the water with you. We’re happy to assist guests with physical limitations to the best of our ability.
What should I bring?
Snacks or lunch, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a beach towel and your bathing suit. Buck Island is uninhabited with no visitor services, so bring what you need. Don’t forget cash for tipping your crew. We provide snorkel gear, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Do you provide children’s life jackets?
All vessels are equipped in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The provided life jackets may not be comfortable for young children, so we recommend bringing your own that your children are comfortable wearing; they’re required to wear them for most of the tour.
What is your cancellation policy?
Public trips: cancel 48 hours or more ahead for a 100% refund, or within 48 hours for a 50% refund; day-of cancellations and no-shows are not refunded. Private charters: 48 hours or more ahead for a 100% refund. If we cancel for weather, we’ll reschedule or refund you in full.
Give the Gift of Buck Island
Gift certificates for our Buck Island tours, sails and private charters.
Any Questions? Contact Us Today!
Not sure which trip is right for your group? Call or email and we'll help you plan it.