What is there to do at Buck Island Reef National Monument?

Popular activities include Birdwatching, Boating, Hiking, Kayaking, Paddling, SCUBA Diving.

Which national parks are within a day's drive of Buck Island Reef National Monument?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Christiansted National Historic Site (19 min), Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (41 min).

Snorkeler swimming by Elkhorn Coral at Buck Island Reef NM.

NATIONAL MONUMENT

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.

Photo: NPS / NPS

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

2 in range

Buck Island Reef National Monument◆◆this park

National Historic Site

Christiansted National Historic Site

Buck Island Reef National Monument◆◆this park

National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

Driving times from Buck Island Reef National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Mon: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 7:00AM - 5:00PM

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Mon: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 7:00AM - 5:00PM

THINGS TO DO

Activities

BirdwatchingBoatingHikingKayakingPaddlingSCUBA DivingSailingSaltwater SwimmingSnorkelingSwimmingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Welcome to the tropics!

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Buck Island Reef National Monument?: Popular activities include Birdwatching, Boating, Hiking, Kayaking, Paddling, SCUBA Diving.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Buck Island Reef National Monument?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Christiansted National Historic Site (19 min), Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (41 min).