Location: Virgin Islands Map
Area: 880 acres (3.6 km2)
Buck Island Reef National Monument is a protected marine area located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, specifically about 1.5 miles north of the northeast coast of St. Croix. The monument encompasses a total of 19,015 acres, including a 176-acre uninhabited island and 18,839 acres of submerged lands featuring one of the finest coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean. Established to preserve what President John F. Kennedy called "the finest marine garden in the Caribbean Sea," the monument supports a diverse array of terrestrial and marine species, including several endangered and threatened ones. Its significance lies in its pristine barrier reef system, unique elkhorn coral formations, and opportunities for education, research, and recreation.
The area was first recognized as a protected site in 1948 by the U.S. Government to safeguard its exceptional marine gardens. It was officially designated as a national monument on December 28, 1961, by President John F. Kennedy. In 2001, President Bill Clinton significantly expanded the monument's boundaries, increasing its protected submerged lands, despite opposition from local fishermen. The National Park Service has monitored the site for over 40 years, conducting research on corals, fish, sea turtles, brown pelicans, and least terns. Human activity in the region dates back approximately 6,000 years, with indigenous peoples altering the landscape through settlement and agriculture, followed by European impacts since the 1600s that led to habitat destruction and species extinctions.
Geographically, Buck Island is a small, elongated landmass measuring
about 1,830 meters long and 670 meters at its widest point, rising to a
maximum elevation of 104 meters above sea level. It features steep
slopes, with most of the terrain exceeding 30% incline, and includes
sandy beaches at West Beach and Diedrichs Point. The surrounding reef
forms a barrier, creating a lagoon with diverse benthic habitats like
coral reefs, hardbottom areas, unconsolidated sediments, and submerged
vegetation.
Geologically, the monument records 70 million years of
history, from Upper Cretaceous deep-marine sediments of the Caledonia
Formation to modern reefs. The island's bedrock originated as volcanic
island-arc sediments reworked by ocean currents, later uplifted and
tilted. The current reef developed on a Pleistocene carbonate platform
about 7,700 years ago during lower sea levels. Fossil corals, including
species like Acropora cervicornis and Porites astreoides, are found in
reef cores, extending into Pleistocene strata. The area is seismically
active, prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes, which influence
coastal and marine processes.
The monument's ecosystems are divided between terrestrial and marine
environments, both rich in biodiversity but altered by human activity
over millennia.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
The 176-acre island
features a tropical dry forest with low-lying beach forests, hillsides
covered in turpentine and pigeon-berry trees, frangipani, organ pipe
cactus, and bromeliads. It supports a variety of plants and animals,
though specific flora details include manchineel, giant tamarind, and
sandpiper trees in certain areas. Terrestrial fauna includes birds like
frigate birds, least terns, and brown pelicans, as well as endangered
species. Introduced predators such as rats, cats, dogs, and mongooses
have contributed to extinctions of over 50 species in the Caribbean
since the 1600s.
Marine Ecosystems
The underwater realm is
dominated by an elkhorn coral barrier reef, unique in U.S. waters,
surrounding two-thirds of the island. This pristine system includes
"haystack" patch reefs, coral grottoes, and depths up to 40 feet. Marine
flora encompasses seagrasses and algae, while fauna features a plethora
of fish, corals, and invertebrates. Endangered species include hawksbill
and green sea turtles, with hatchlings noted in the area. The reef
provides habitat for threatened elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and
other species like Diploria and Porites.
As a marine protected area, the monument prohibits fishing, collecting, and removal of any natural or cultural items to preserve its ecosystems. The National Park Service focuses on monitoring and research to protect corals, fish, turtles, and birds. Challenges include sea level rise, hurricanes, and seismic activity, which can both harm and benefit the reefs through processes like sediment removal and nutrient recycling. The site's vision prioritizes preserving natural environments, combating historical habitat destruction and invasive species impacts. Fossils are protected under federal law.
The monument offers a range of outdoor activities centered on its
natural features:
Snorkeling and SCUBA Diving: Explore the
underwater trail (closed sunset to sunrise) with guided tours for
beginners; SCUBA limited to designated moorings at 30-40 foot depths.
Always buddy up and follow no-take rules.
Hiking: A 45-minute trail
crosses the island, offering views from an observation point; a gentler
West Beach trail is available. Wear appropriate gear and carry water.
Swimming, Sunbathing, and Picnicking: Enjoy beaches and picnic areas
with grills; remove all trash and follow fire guidelines.
Bird
Watching: Observe species like least terns and pelicans.
Boat Trips:
Daily concessionaire trips or private boating with permits.
All
activities emphasize low-impact enjoyment to protect the environment.
Access is by boat only from St. Croix, via concessionaire tours or private vessels requiring permits from the NPS Visitor Contact Station in Christiansted. Anchoring is allowed in designated areas without permits as of January 2025, but check updates. No entrance fees are mentioned, but follow park rules for safety, including familiarizing yourself with regulations. Bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and snorkel gear; respect the no-take policy. The monument attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually for its serene beaches and vibrant reefs.