Among many of the featured real estate listings on St. Croix, you will notice a common thread: Buck Island views. Off St. Croix’s north shore on the east end, this small, beautiful island sits (only 1.4 square miles). It is so amazing, in fact, it is a protected national monument. Buck Island is where you will find many locals spending their weekends. Here’s how to get to Buck and how best to spend your time there . . .
Getting to Buck Island
If you’re lucky enough to have a boat (or a friend with a boat), you’re all set. For the rest of us, several charter companies have permits to take passengers to Buck Island. They include Caribbean Sea Adventures; Big Beard’s Adventure Tours; Jolly Roger; and Teroro II / Dragonfly Buck Island Charters.
Especially for locals or repeat St. Croix visitors who want to skip the tour and head straight for the beach with coolers in-hand, Caribbean Sea Adventures offers a Sunday Shuttle. It takes a power boat straight to Turtle Beach, where you are able to spend plenty of time (total length of the trip is five hours).
Snorkeling the Underwater Trail
On the east end of Buck Island, there is a marked underwater snorkeling trail. It features several different types of coral formations and most often a variety of fish and marine life. Buck Island is known for sightings of sea turtles, dolphins, sting rays and small lemon sharks.
Limin’ on Turtle Beach
Hanging out on Turtle Beach on Buck Island’s west end is as good as it gets. The sand is bright white and pristine, glowing from miles away. There is gradually sloped entry into the ocean and not a rock in sight. The water is turquoise and calm, with incredible clarity. You could not ask for a more beautiful beach. Enjoy your time under an umbrella with a Cruzan cocktail in-hand.
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