Buck Island Reef National Monument

Snorkelers are lead in small groups through the underwater trail at Buck Island Reef NM.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Youth working on trail imporvements
Buck Island Reef National Monument Launches Trail Restoration Project
Buck Island Reef National Monument has begun restoration of the island’s only land-based hiking trail. Supported by President Donald J. Trump’s Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund,[GA1.1] the project will rehabilitate the 1.8-mile Buck Island Trail, a critical visitor access route in the remote marine national monument.
Notice of Update to Superintendent's Compendium for Christiansted, Buck Island Reef and Salt River Bay
Notice of Update to Superintendent's Compendium for Christiansted, Buck Island Reef and Salt River Bay
Snorkeler swimming by Elkhorn Coral at Buck Island Reef NM.
Photo by NPS
Snorkelers in formation departing the concessioner's vessel in route to the underwater trail.
Photo by Susan Duke
Photograph of the trees and vegetation along the hiking trail on Buck Island
Photo by Photo by S. Corsaut, Digital Island
Photograph of snorkeler among the coral reefs at Buck Island
Photo by NPS Photo
green sea turtle hatchling on beach heading towards the ocean
Photo by NPS
Photograph of rainbow at Buck Island
Photo by Cori Lopazanski
the forest meets the sandy beach and waves
Photo by S. Corsaut, Digital Island
view of Buck Island from the water
Photo by S. Corsaut, Digital Island
fish swimming among the corals
Photo by NPS
hiking trail wandering through a beachside forest
Photo by NPS