Buck Island Reef National Monument
Buck Island Reef National Monument
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 Caribbean Sea." The park is now one of only a few fully marine protected areas in the National Park System. The 176-acre island and surrounding coral reef ecosystem support a large variety of native flora and fauna, including several endangered and threatened species such as hawksbill turtles and brown pelicans. The elkhorn coral barrier reef that surrounds two-thirds of the island has extraordinary coral formations, deep grottoes, abundant reef fishes, sea fans and gorgonians. At the eastern most point of the reef is the famous underwater trail; both novice and expert snorkelers will enjoy the passages through the reef. The island has an overland nature trail and white coral sand beaches. Visitors can take daily trips to the park for half or full day. Once there they can enjoy a leisurely swim in the crystal clear waters, or snorkeling or SCUBA diving through the fantastic reef to witness tropical marine life, or hike over the island enjoying native flora and fauna while getting a birds-eye view of the reef and sea below.IN DEPTH
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...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...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 introduction...read more
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 (Eretmochelys imbricata) both endangered...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 among...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...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...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,...read more
PARK PHOTOS
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National Park Service
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National Park Service
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National Park Service
RECENT NEWS
- Alexander Hamilton Home in USVI Will Be Preserved April 24, 2008
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