Full day beach trip · Mile Mark Buck Island Beach & Hike Tour
- 4.9 on Tripadvisor · 3,000+ reviews
- 5 hours · departs 10 am
- Up to 32 guests
- Authorized NPS concessioner
Beach & Hike at a Glance
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Group size
- Up to 32 guests
- Departures
- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:00 am June–October: books online Fridays only; call for other days.
- Meeting point
- With several boats departing from both Christiansted and Green Cay Marina, please check your confirmation for your departure point, or call us at (340) 773-2628 with any questions. Please arrive 20 minutes early.
- Boat
- Mile Mark, our classic boat with lots of shade
- Included
- Captain & crew, park fees, ice chest, water
Explore an Uninhabited Island
If the land is just as important to you as the sea, you’ll love our beach trip with an optional hike. Enjoy a powerboat ride from historic Christiansted harbor straight to Turtle Beach along the north coast.
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Once you arrive, unwind in the soft sand, swim in the crystal clear water, snorkel and look for sea turtles, or take the hike to the top of Buck Island for a breathtaking panoramic view. Buck Island is uninhabited, with no facilities or shops, so bring your lunch, snacks, drinks and anything else you need for the day. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a dry bag: you’ll still swim to shore.
- Hike to the observation deck for spectacular views of the barrier reef and St. Croix
- Visit Turtle Beach, “one of the world’s best beaches”
- Calm, crystal clear water and sun-warmed sand for a relaxing swim
Tour Itinerary
- 9:40 am
Arrive 20 minutes early
With several boats departing from both Christiansted and Green Cay Marina, please check your confirmation for your departure point, or call us at (340) 773-2628 with any questions.
- 10:00 am
Depart Christiansted
A powerboat ride aboard Mile Mark straight to Turtle Beach along the north coast.
- Turtle Beach
Swim to shore
Bring a dry bag for your things: there’s no dock, so you swim in to the beach.
- Your choice
Beach, snorkel or hike
Relax, swim, snorkel off the beach (borrow our gear or bring your own) or hike to the observation deck at the top.
- Afternoon
Back to Christiansted
Return to the harbor, about 5 hours in total.
Why a full day with CSA
- We stay at Buck Island. We go straight to Turtle Beach and don’t leave the park for a lunch stop, so you get more time on Turtle Beach and the island’s trails.
- Eat what you love. Lunch isn’t included, which keeps the price lower and lets you bring the food you want, and nothing you’re allergic to.
- Room to do it all. Snorkel, swim, relax on the sand or hike to the top of the island.
What’s Included & What to Bring
Included
- Expert captain and crew
- National park fees
- Ice chest
- Water
- Snorkel gear to borrow at Turtle Beach
What to bring
- A dry bag (you’ll swim to shore)
- Lunch, snacks and drinks (there are no shops on the island)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone) or a sun shirt
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Bathing suit and towel
- Camera or GoPro
- A reusable water bottle
- Cash for your crew’s gratuity (20–25% is standard)
Sunscreens containing oxybenzone are prohibited: guests wearing them can’t enter the water. Reef-safe sunscreen and sun shirts are sold in our shop.
“Best day by far. The crew with captain Alli first mate morgan and deck hand Daniel with trainee Moly are the best. We had a great time and couldnt of had a better crew. Punch was good and our snorkeling adventure was awesome!”
“Great trip snorkeling around Buck Island, then hanging out at the beach after. The natural beauty of the area is unmatched. We went out with Tommy and Michelle – both were knowledgeable and added to our enjoyment of the experience.”
Bringing a big group? Ask about a private charter. Senior, military & local discounts available, call (340) 773-2628.
Beach & Hike FAQs
What is the Beach & Hike tour?
A full day at Buck Island for people who love the land as much as the sea: a powerboat ride to Turtle Beach, then time to swim, relax, snorkel off the beach or hike to the top of the island. About 5 hours.
How much does it cost?
$75 per person. Crew gratuity isn’t included; 20–25% is standard.
When does it run?
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:00 am. From June to October it books online on Fridays only; call (340) 773-2628 for other days.
Does this tour snorkel the underwater trail?
No. You’re welcome to snorkel at Turtle Beach (borrow our gear or bring your own), but this trip doesn’t visit the underwater trail and reef. For that, see Snorkelers in Paradise or the full day sail.
Is there a dock at the beach?
No. You’ll swim to shore, so bring your swimsuit and a dry bag for anything you want to keep dry.
Are there shops or restrooms on Buck Island?
Buck Island is uninhabited, so there are no facilities or shops. Come prepared with lunch, snacks, drinks and anything else you need for the day.
I’m arriving by cruise ship. Can I come?
This trip doesn’t run on days a cruise ship is in port. Try the morning half day snorkel, the full day sail or a private charter timed around your ship instead.
Is there a minimum number of guests?
Yes. Your booking is accepted and charged right away, and the trip runs once the minimum number of guests is reached. If it isn’t, we’ll contact you to reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel 48 hours or more before your trip for a 100% refund, or within 48 hours for a 50% refund. Day-of cancellations and no-shows aren’t refunded. Our office closes at 5 pm, so a cancellation after hours the day before counts as day-of. If we cancel for weather, we’ll do everything we can to reschedule; if that doesn’t work, you get a full refund.
Is lunch included?
No. Leaving lunch out keeps the price lower and lets you bring the food and drinks you love, and nothing you’re allergic to. We stay at Buck Island instead of leaving for a lunch stop, and there are no shops on the island, so pack lunch, snacks and drinks for the day.
More Buck Island Trips
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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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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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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.
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.