Buck Island Reef National Monument
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Buck Island Reef National Monument, established to preserve "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea," is one of a few fully marine protected areas in the National Park System. A large variety of native flora and fauna, including the hawksbill turtle and brown pelican, are supported by the 176-acre island and surrounding coral reef ecosystem.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Joel TuteinPhone Number: 340-773-1460
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Coral Reef; Seashore; Mangroves
Endangered Species: Hawksbill Turtle; Leatherback Turtle; St. Croix Ground Lizard
Important Dates
Established as Park: December 28, 1961By The Numbers
Acres: 19,015.50Annual Visitation: 47,456 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :17.786940 / -64.619170 (map it)
State: VI
Nearby Big City: Christiansted, VI
Gateway Communities: Christiansted, VI; Port Alucroix, VI
Nearby Airports: Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Buck Island Reef, 0644
National Park Service
Buck Island Reef, 0648
National Park Service
Buck Island Reef, 0649
National Park Service
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In Detail
Animals Animals Sea Turtles The Virgin Islands provide critical nesting, foraging, and developmental habitat for three species of sea turtle, the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacae) and hawksbill turtle (Eret ... read more.
Geology Natural Features & Ecosystems Buck Island's Barrier Reef's underwater scene taxes human perceptions with the abundant variety of shape, patter, color, texture, and movement. It's barrier reef ranks ... read more.
History HISTORY & CULTURE Buck Island Reef National Monument was established by Presidential proclamation in 1961, and expanded in 2001, in order to preserve "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbea ... read more.
In A Nutshell Directions The United States Virgin Islands consist of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, all popular destinations in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are reached by several airlines with flights int ... read more.
Just For Kids For Kids All Buck Island Reef concessionaires are equip to teach anyone, especially kids, how to snorkel and enjoy the underwater world. The coral reef surrounds the eastern two-thirds of the island ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Permits Anchoring permits can be obtained from the Visitor Contact Station at Fort Christiansvaern.Things To Know Before You Come You may want to make advanced reservations with one of the five conce ... read more.
Plants Plants The vegetative appearance of Buck Island has changed drastically due to clear-cutting in the 1760âs, to obtain lignumvitae and other tropical hardwoods for export, and due to the introduc ... read more.
Things To Do Nearby Attractions Christiansted NHS (5 mi) Salt River Bay NHP & Ecological Preserve (10 mi) Virgin Islands NP (45 mi)Things To Do Whether you delight in hiking to the crest of the island, perhaps sa ... read more.
Recent News
- Alexander Hamilton Home in USVI Will Be Preserved April 24, 2008, 4:20 pm
Buck Island Reef In Depth
News from the Parks
Civil Rights Leaders Declare Fundraising Success for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
Wildlife Biologist Cites Reasons Behind Bear Attacks
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
Park Develops Plan to Preserve Outcrops
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
White House Christmas Tree Lighting Closes Streets, Limits Parking
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
Officials Prepare for Chronic Wasting in Deer
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
