Park Hours (Today)
7:00AM - 5:00PM
Buck Island Reef National Monument: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
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.
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Visitor Centers
Buck Island Reef National Monument
There is no visitor center at Buck Island. Please visit the bookstore or fee booth at Christiansted National Historic Site. The bookstore is located at the historic Scale House, at the water's edge. The fee booth is located just inside the gate and to the right in Fort Christiansvaern.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Use one of our concessionaires to get to Buck Island!
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
Buck Island Reef National Monument
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
Photos
Snorkelers in formation departing the concessioner's vessel in route to the underwater trail.
Photograph of the trees and vegetation along the hiking trail on Buck Island
Photograph of snorkeler among the coral reefs at Buck Island
green sea turtle hatchling on beach heading towards the ocean
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Buck Island Reef National Monument
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