You'll find sea turtles (!!! Water was choppy going out, but once we got to Buck Island the swim was great, saw, We did an excursion on Castaway Girl and had a great time enjoying the fresh air, the great crew. The park included 176 acre Buck Island and 704 acres of underwater marine habitat. Visitors can snorkel or SCUBA dive through the reef, observing and enjoying the fascinating underwater scenery and its special resident turtles. The one just north of St. Croix is the centerpiece of the National Monument. In 1961, by presidential proclamation, the National Monument was established by President John F. Kennedy to preserve “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea”. Our … Snorkelers can follow an underwater marked trail on the eastern tip. The island is a nature reserve so you are not allowed to step foot on it, $20,000 fine the captain told us. Highly recommend for a day of leisure if you are cruising or a great place to find a r, Great for snorkelers and divers alike.... My wife and I dived this cove on her scuba certification dive 3 years ago....Because it is a grassy cove you will always see many green sea turtles.... Just o, First of all, this was a great boat (catamaran) totally enjoyed because we weren't to capacity so had lots of room. An Elkhorn coral barrier reef surrounds two-thirds of the island. Comprising of about 43 acres, it is located off the south eastern shore of Tortola. If you can find an excursion to this island, I would highly suggest it. Now it is trivia time; one point each, how many of the small islands can you name? The island is one of the few places in the Virgin Islands where endangered brown pelicans and threatened least terns nest. If you had to ask me, I. would highly recommend the VI Cat adventure. All thumbs up! We went to Little Buck Island with Captain Z on Heavenly Days and had a great time. Birdwatchers may see red-billed tropic birds, frigate birds, terns, laughing gulls and other species in the vicinity of the island. Kyle also was able to give an amazing recommendation on a local restaurant that didn’t miss the mark in the slightest. I would say if you are new to snorkelling/diver you will enjoy this trip emensly, if you are a seasoned snorkeler/diver it is OK, but don't expect too much. [2] It was first established as a protected area by the U.S. Government in 1948, with the intention of preserving “one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea.” The U.S. National Monument was created in 1961 by John F. Kennedy and greatly expanded in 2001 by Bill Clinton, over the bitter opposition of local fishermen. Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, This island is remote and beautiful. Excursions by boat, including snorkeling and diving trips, are available from St. Thomas. safe and fun. Worth the distraction if you are on a crusie and want to get into the real water. In the spring endangered Leatherback turtles come onto the beach to nest while Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles nest during the summer months. I imagine they were all probably pirates in another life haha. To help protect the natural environment, visitors are encouraged to wear non-toxic reef safe sunscreen (oxybenzone is the principal chemical to avoid; don't depend on the name of the sunscreen) or a rash guard while swimming in the waters surrounding Buck Island Reef National Monument. The marine area is home to a variety of fish and animals, in particular endangered sea turtles. You likely can name the major islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island in the USVI; and Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada in the BVI. Buck Island is characterized by cactus, shrubs and grasslands. The National Park Service requires all visitors to utilize Authorized Concessioners providing guided tours to ensure the ecosystem continues to thrive. The boat was clean. as a result is in poor condition, so as divers with lot's of reef experience this wasn't a great site for us. Buck Island is located about 2 miles south of St. Thomas. Buck Island in the BVI is privately owned. This is a protected island that no one can step foot on apparently, and the wildlife is obviously thriving here. Come swim with the resident green sea turtles and tropical fish on this 3-hour snorkel & sail adventure in St. Thomas aboard The VI Cat. Buck Island, St. Thomas, USVI. You’ll also stop to snorkel at two other spots — Happy Island and Christmas Cove. And if you are looking to buy an island, the property is currently for sale at around U.S. $50 Million. Along the trail are plaques denoting information about marine flora and fauna commonly found in the area. Access to Buck Island is by boat only. Read it Here. What I was disappointed in was the snorkel sight. That's the way to go. The island and the surrounding coral reef marine environment support a large variety of native flora and fauna. On the positive side, we did see some sea turtles at the second stop. Buck Island, located 1.5 miles off the north eastern shore of St. Croix, is part of a protected area called Buck Island Reef National Monument. They’re very safe, very attentive and it’s obvious they love what they do. However, we did see two turtles and a large (1m+) Barracuda so it was a worthwhile trip. Take that. Recommended. The monument also includes 18,839 acres of submerged lands totaling 19,015 acres. more, Browse our largest collection of experiences, From snorkel to surfing—no expertise necessary. If you can’t think of any, take a clue from the title — Buck Island… Buck Islands! Reefs, Islands. Most of the Monument area, which is administered by the National Park Service, is underwater and attracts around 50,000 visitors a year. Things to Do in St. Thomas ; Little Buck Island; Search. Half and full day charters are available from St. Croix. 62 Reviews #32 of 113 things to do in St. Thomas. For Buck Island number two and three we hop over to the USVI, first St. Croix and then St. Thomas. Little Buck Island. This material covers where to stay, fun things to do, culture, local events, beach guides, how to get around, plants and animals, history, tips, things to see, art galleries, shopping and so much more.