Buck Island Never Gets Old

One of the best things about living on St. Croix? You can hop on a boat, head just a couple miles offshore, and find yourself in water so clear it feels unreal. That’s Buck Island. And whether you’ve been here for five minutes or five generations, it never stops being special.

Ask anyone: Buck Island isn’t just a day trip; it’s a tradition. It’s where you bring visiting family. It’s where you take a break when we need to breathe a little deeper. It’s a place that lets you feel like a tourist in your own home, in the best possible way.

Not Just a Snorkel Spot

It’s not just colorful fish and coral (though there’s plenty of that). It’s the quiet under the surface, the way the light shifts through the water, the feeling that you’re part of something way older and bigger than you.

The National Park Service maintains this underwater trail, one of only a few in the world, and it’s designed to guide you through a vibrant coral ecosystem. You don’t need to be a pro, just float and let the current take you through. You’ll see parrotfish munching on coral, schools of blue tang zipping past, and maybe even a sea turtle if you’re lucky. The elkhorn coral formations are like a forest under the sea, waving gently in the current.

Pro tip: bring a waterproof camera or GoPro. These are the kind of memories you’ll want to hold onto.

Turtle Beach Days

The west side of the island is where you’ll find Turtle Beach, soft white sand, shallow turquoise water, and usually just enough breeze to keep you cool. It’s one of those places you end up spending longer than you meant to. Bring snacks, bring a speaker, bring nothing, it’s perfect either way.

There’s also a short hike up to a lookout point if you feel like stretching your legs. The view? Worth every step. From up there, you can see the curve of the reef and the shimmer of the water stretching out like glass. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause, phone forgotten, just to take it all in.

Turtle Beach is also a nesting ground for endangered sea turtles and birds, and during nesting season, it’s carefully monitored. Respecting that space and the wildlife that call it home is a big part of why the beach remains so pristine. We all play a role in keeping it beautiful.

Getting There Is Half the Fun

There are a bunch of ways to get to Buck, sailboats, catamarans, powerboats, you name it. Some folks even paddleboard or kayak out (major respect if you’re one of them). But what really makes the trip great is going with someone who knows and cares about the place. Most of the local captains are as much stewards of the reef as they are guides, and that’s a big deal.

You can book a half-day or full-day tour, and there are options for both shared and private charters. Going out with a group is a great way to meet people. A private trip gives you flexibility to set your own pace.

On the way there, you’ll often pass other cays, watch pelicans diving for their lunch, and maybe even see a pod of dolphins. And coming back toward Christiansted as the sun starts to drop? That view doesn’t get old either.

You Can't Help But Keep Going Back to Buck Island

The thing about Buck Island is that it fits whatever kind of day you’re looking for. Chill beach day? Done. Snorkel adventure? Absolutely. Need a nature fix? Yes, please. It’s that rare kind of place that feels just as magical the tenth time as it did the first.

It’s where you take visiting cousins. It’s where you go for birthdays, anniversaries, random Thursdays when you just need to get on the water. And every time you go, it shows you something new, a different shade of blue, a fish you hadn’t noticed before, a deeper breath you didn’t know you needed.

A national treasure, sure, but it’s part of my rhythm, part of how I recharge, and part of what I share when someone says, “Show me your favorite place.” It’s not just a place you visit. It’s a place you carry with you.

Tips for Your Next Trip

• Book ahead, especially on weekends or holidays. The best tours fill up fast.

• Wear reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the coral.

• Wear sturdy shoes or water-friendly hiking shoes for the trail. The trail is beautiful but can be rocky or slippery.

• Pack light but smart: towel, water bottle, snacks, and a dry bag if you have one.

• Respect the reef: don’t touch the coral, and always follow your tour guide’s instructions.

And most importantly, leave it better than you found it. That’s how we keep Buck beautiful.

Got questions about the best way to experience Buck? Want a recommendation for a boat or a low-key weekday trip? Just reach out, I’m always happy to talk about this place we call home.