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St. Croix's Buck Island

By Chris Goodier

Thanks to President John F. Kennedy, who proclaimed Buck Island a national monument in 1961, this uninhabited, 176-acre island visible a mile and a half off St. Croix's northeast coast is an unspoiled slice of Caribbean paradise. Don't delay in reserving your excursion by power or sailboat, since space is limited.

Boats depart from the Christiansted boardwalk, Green Cay Marina or Teague Bay for morning or afternoon trips or full-day sails including lunch. Wear your bathing suit under very casual clothes and come prepared for bright sunshine with lotion, hat and sunglasses. Toss a towel and bottled water in your tote bag and, for fun, a disposable underwater camera.

What to do when you get there? Swim, snorkel, stroll on the beach or hike up to the top of the island to take in a killer view from 328 feet above sea level. Itineraries vary, so check with your tour operator or charter a six-passenger boat to set your own pace.

Most boat captains anchor first at the dazzling, white beach on the west end of the island for a brief snorkeling lesson before heading inside the reef at the east end of the island. With the boat secured on a mooring in 12-foot deep water, you can snorkel with a crew guide along an underwater trail where plaques embedded on the sea floor describe the corals and marine life you're likely to see. Swim with blue tangs, angelfishes and sergeant majors, and be on the lookout for shy sea turtles and spotted rays.