Buck Island NPS Mooring
Buck Island Reef National Monument · Buck Island St. Croix
17°46.68'N 64°37.44'W
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m alarm radius on NPS mooring ball. NO ANCHORING — this is a federal law within Buck Island Reef National Monument. NPS mooring balls only ($26/night). Anchoring would destroy the reef that is the reason this place exists. Northern exposure — check north swell forecasts before committing to an overnight mooring ball.
About This Anchorage
Buck Island Reef National Monument is one of the crown jewels of the US National Park system — a 19,015-acre monument (expanded in 2001 by President Clinton) encompassing Buck Island and its surrounding Caribbean barrier reef, designated by President Kennedy in 1961. The reef is the only underwater trail National Monument in the US. The underwater experience is extraordinary — the barrier reef on the northeast side of the island has exceptional coral coverage and an NPS-marked snorkel trail through the elkhorn coral formations, with marker plaques identifying species and geological features. Mooring balls (NPS, $26/night for overnight, day-use fee for daytime visits) are the only option — anchoring anywhere within the monument boundary is a federal offence carrying serious penalties including vessel seizure. NPS rangers patrol constantly. Day-trip boats from Christiansted bring hundreds of visitors daily in season. Sailing to Buck Island independently and using a mooring ball provides a dramatically superior experience — arrive early, before the day-trip boats, and have the reef to yourself.
Protected From
S · SW · W · SE
Exposed To
N · NE · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- NPS mooring balls $26/night or day-use fee — NO ANCHORING under any circumstances
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- NPS mooring fee $26/night for overnight. Day-use permit available for daytime-only visits. Contact NPS Buck Island rangers on VHF 16. Permit via Recreation.gov.
Restrictions: ABSOLUTELY NO ANCHORING within Buck Island Reef National Monument — federal law; NPS mooring balls ONLY; no touching coral on the underwater trail; no collecting any marine organisms, shells, or coral; no spearfishing; NPS rangers patrol and enforce; maximum occupancy per mooring ball.
Hazards
- !ABSOLUTELY NO ANCHORING — federal crime within monument boundary; NPS rangers on patrol; penalties include heavy fines and vessel seizure
- !Northern exposure — north swell can enter the mooring field; check PredictWind north swell forecasts before overnight commitment
- !Day-trip boat congestion — multiple catamaran and powerboat day trips arrive from Christiansted 09:00–14:00; arrive before 08:00 for the best experience
- !Rough passage from Christiansted in strong trade winds — the 5nm crossing can be bumpy in 20kt+ ENE trades; time departure for settled morning conditions
- !Approach requires care — reef extends significantly around the island; use NOAA chart 25651 and approach via the marked channel
Skipper's Tips
- →Depart Christiansted at dawn (06:00–07:00) to reach Buck Island before the day-trip boats — having the underwater trail to yourself in the early morning is an unforgettable experience
- →The NPS Underwater Trail on the northeast reef is one of the most impressive snorkel experiences in the entire Caribbean — elkhorn coral formations, sea turtles, and extraordinary fish diversity
- →Contact NPS rangers on VHF 16 before departure from Christiansted to confirm mooring ball availability — balls are limited and do fill in peak season
- →Snorkel the underwater trail in the early morning light when the water is calmest and the fish are most active — the NPS trail markers guide you through the reef highlights
- →Buck Island beach (on the island's west side) has excellent turtle nesting habitat — sea turtles have nested here for centuries; treat the beach with respect
Facilities
No facilities on Buck Island. Day-trip boats from Christiansted provide guide services and lunch for tour participants. NPS ranger station on the island. Bring all food, water, and supplies.
Nearest provisions: Christiansted (5nm SW) (5nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. A world-class snorkelling destination — one of the finest reefs accessible to visiting sailors in the entire Caribbean. Plan the visit carefully around swell forecasts and arrive before day-trip boats.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
In St. Croix, Christiansted Harbour's barrier reef and ENE trade winds make secure anchoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore the Danish colonial town and Buck Island with confidence.
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