St. Croix Travel: The Island's Best Day Trip

April 8, 2008 at 12:00 PM | by David LaHuta | 1 Comment

So your first few days on St. Croix were spent lying on the beach, preferably at Sandy Point. Now what's a sun worshipper to do? Consider a day trip to Buck Island Reef National Monument, a 176-acre island that's surrounded by nearly 20,000 acres of protected coral reef.

Located nearly two miles off St. Croix's northern coast, Buck Island was declared a part of the national park system by John F. Kennedy in 1961. Since then, its barrier reef--which encircles two-thirds of the island--has thrived with coral and marine life, making it one of the premier spots in all of the US Virgin Islands to go snorkeling. But first you have to get there.

Buck Island is best visited by day trip from Christiansted, St. Croix's waterfront capital. A company called Big Beard's Adventure Tours runs sailing trips on its two catamarans: Half-day trips depart on a 40-footer named Flyer while full-day sails are aboard the 42-foot Renegade, and yes, that's the Big Beard.

Depending on sea and wind conditions it'll take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes to get to the island. Once there, you'll be treated to one of the most diverse underwater ecosystems anywhere in the Virgin Islands: Elkhorn coral formations, deep grottos, sea fans and schools of tropical fish including blue tang, angel fish and more.

All snorkeling gear is provided and you can buy drinks and snacks on board, so pack light. And if you've got an underwater camera, this is definitely the time to bring it.

Related Stories:
· Buck Island Reef National Monument [Official Site]
· Big Beard's Adventure Tours [Official Site]
· Virgin Islands Map [Jaunted]

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