Welcome to Buck Island Reef National Monument, called “the finest marine garden in the Caribbean Sea” by President John F. Kennedy. Snorkel the famous underwater trail, explore endangered elkhorn coral reefs. Hike the trails on the 176-acre island to the observation platform for an unparallel view.

Discover a vibrant world above and beneath the waves in this Caribbean paradise.

Welcome to Buck Island Reef National Monument, called “the finest marine garden in the Caribbean Sea” by President John F. Kennedy. Snorkel the famous underwater trail, explore endangered elkhorn coral reefs.  Hike the trails on the 176-acre island to the observation platform for an unparallel view.

Discover a vibrant world above and beneath the waves in this Caribbean paradise.

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Teroro II, taking snorkelers to practice first at West Beach and then sail to the Underwater Trail.

Teroro II at West Beach, Buck Island Reef NM

First stop snorkeling lessons on West Beach at Buck Island Reef NM.

Buck Island Reef NM, West Beach

For over 30 years scientists have studied sea turtle nesting habits on Buck Island, training over 100 students in the field of biology.

Green sea turtle hatchling

Come see the unspoiled beauty of Buck Island

Beach at Buck Island

From the highest ridge to the water and reefs below, Buck Island offers adventure and learning.

Buck Island from the water

Our underwater trail will take you through beautiful gardens of coral.

Coral garden

Take our hiking trail through beach forests up to the observation deck at 300 feet above sea leve.

Hiking trail

Adventure, unloaded at West Beach, Buck Island Reef NM.

Adventure, concessioner vessel at West Beach, Buck Island Reef NM

Snorkelers are lead in small groups through the underwater trail at Buck Island Reef NM.

Buck Island Reef NM Underwater Trail

The plants that make up the subtropical dry forest on Buck Island range from old historic tamarinds to gumbo limbo, from cactus to delicate orchids.

Tropical dry forest, Buck Island

Snorkelers may view Elkhorn Coral at the Underwater Trail, Buck Island Reef NM

Elkhorn Coral at Buck Island Reef NM

Snorkelers at the Underwater Trail from two concessioner vessels, Jolly Roger and MileMark.

Jolly Roger and MileMark at the Underwater Trail

Enjoy snorkeling the reefs and see lots of tropical reef fish.

Snorkeling at Buck Island

Buck Island is a magical place! Come snorkel the waters and hike the trails.

Buck Island Reef National Monument

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Nearby Parks

Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge

Christiansted National Historic Site

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve