Buck Island Reef National Monument
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Buck Island Reef at a glance
- Best time
- March–April, October–November
- Trip length
- Half day–1 day
- Don't miss
- Main Buck Island Reef highlights — see Things to Do for current listings
- Nearby city
- Christiansted, St. Croix, VI
Explore this park
About Buck Island Reef National Monument
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.
Weather Information
Welcome to the tropics!
Operating Hours
Buck Island Reef National Monument is open year-round, every day of the week. The current operating hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no overnight camping on the island; the park is closed at night to protect nesting sea turtles. Camping is not allowed on the island.
- Monday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday7:00AM - 5:00PM
Buck Island Reef National Monument is open year-round, every day of the week. The current operating hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no overnight camping on the island; the park is closed at night to protect nesting sea turtles. Camping is not allowed on the island.
- Monday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday7:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday7:00AM - 5:00PM
Common questions
Planning Buck Island Reef National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Buck Island Reef. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
