Sunday July 06, 2008
Buck Island

If you're seeking a pretty stretch of sand in a secluded setting should consider visiting Buck Island.

Buck Island, off the coast of St. Croix, is apart of the U.S. National Park system because of its impeccable white sand beaches and underwater glories. This area can only be reached by a charter boat but its vast underwater gardens are well worth the trip.

Even though you'll find other beaches further from metropolitan hubs, visitors will find fewer people here than on many of the Virgin Islands' other beaches. This means that, though a romantic walk on the beach might not be possible, you'll find this beach is a great alternative to more popular or urban beaches.

Travelers may want to keep in mind that, though Buck Island is certainly not secluded, you'll find it's further from the crowds in the Virgin Islands than others. This makes it an excellent choice for visitors where a bit of beach activity is the preference - but hope to stay away from the most populated spots.

Location is important, and a sunny spot on the beach can be extremely important. There are many beaches in the Virgin Islands, and Buck Island is just one of them. So, if you're looking for an out of the way spot, or a more active getaway, you'll be sure to find it, but you have to decide if this particular beach is the perfect fit.

Location

You can spread your beach towels at this sunny spot 0.2 miles from Buck Island Reef National Monument, on the Virgin Islands' northern coast. Buck Island is near Southgate, so exploring the town is a convenient option.

Nearby Hotels

The number of other people sharing the beach can vary widely -- it depends on when you visit. The beach is not located next door to any large hotels but you may encounter visitors from hotels in the general vicinity. You'll find a fairly substantial hotels located near this beach. So if you're looking for a place to stay near here you have some good options to consider.

Additional hotel options are listed in the following table.

Nearest Hotels to Buck Island
Hotel NameDistanceNo. of
Rooms
Buccaneer 3.5 mi. 138
Divi Carina Bay Resort & Casino 3.9 mi. 150
Hotel on the Cay 6.2 mi. 53
Club St. Croix Beach & Tennis Resort 6.3 mi. 54
Best Western Holger Danske Hotel 6.5 mi. 36
Club Comanche 6.5 mi. 42
Hotel Caravelle 6.5 mi. 44

Amenities and Ambience

The beaches on the island are famous for their soft white sands and picnic facilities that allow guests to eat amid the wild. Don't forget your fins and snorkle mask to traverse the fantastic underwater scenery at Buck Island, where underwater snorkeling trails showcase the island's fantastic coral habitat. Some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean can be found here.

The amount of people on the beach depends on several things, like the time of year and day of the week. Some of the Virgin Islands' beaches are more crowded than others particularly when the season is at its peak. An important element to consider when planning a day at the beach may be the size of the crowd you'll be joining, which is important to some vacationers. While some like a crowded beach with plenty of people and activity, many would prefer to just relax in a quiet area.

Like many other aspects of the Virgin Islands this beach has a distinctive quality which will appeal to certain visitors. The personality of this beach is somewhat different from what you'll enjoy at other beaches in the Virgin Islands. Guests must charter a boat to take them out to Buck Island from Christiansted, but the beautiful setting and attractions mean this area can still attract a small crowd.

Attractions

If you're like most travelers, you enjoy seeing plenty of wonderful sights during your visit-- and also relax. A day at the beach can be a relaxing part of your vacation, but natural attractions, like Point Udall (located 4.2 miles to the east of Buck Island) can give your vacation a little something extra.

If you want to learn more about the history of the Virgin Islands you'll be able to find opportunities nearby. For example Buck Island Reef National Monument is located 0.2 miles to the west of Buck Island.

Beaches are a great attraction to visit, but there's more to visit in the Virgin Islands. The following table includes other attractions close to this beach.

Attractions Near Buck Island
Attraction NameDistanceDirectionType
Buck Island Reef National Monument 0.2 mi. W Historical Site
Green Cay Marina 3.8 mi. SW Water Body
Point Udall 4.2 mi. E Natural Attraction
Point Udall Millenium Monument 4.2 mi. E Historical Site
D. Hamilton Jackson Park 6.2 mi. SW
Fort Christiansvaern 6.2 mi. SW Historical Site
Steeple Building Museum 6.3 mi. SW Museum
Alexander Hamilton House 6.3 mi. SW Historical Site
Scale House 6.3 mi. SW Historical Site
Danish Customs House 6.3 mi. SW Historical Site

Food

If you start feeling hungry while on the beach, not to worry, you'll have your pick of nearby fine dining.

Restaurant options are listed below.

Restaurants Near Buck Island
Restaurant NameCuisine TypeMeals ServedDistanceDirection
Villa Madeleine Restaurant Contemporary dinner 2.6 mi. SE
The Terrace Restaurant International breakfast & dinner 3.5 mi. SW
The Galleon Eclectic dinner 3.7 mi. SW
South Shore Cafe American dinner 5.1 mi. SW
Morning Glory Coffee and Tea Coffee Shop/Diner breakfast & lunch 5.6 mi. SW
Golden Banana Cafe International breakfast, lunch, dinner 5.9 mi. SW
The Chase Place Seafood lunch & dinner 6.0 mi. SW
Harbormaster Restaurant American breakfast, lunch, dinner 6.2 mi. SW

There are plenty of great restaurants in the Virgin Islands, but not all meals have to be eaten in a formal setting. Some visitors like having a meal on the beach. Many hotels will be happy to pack a picnic lunch for their guests, or you can pick up food from local vendors en route to the beach.

Other Beaches

Those in search of the perfect beach can find plenty of other choices in the Virgin Islands besides Buck Island. Travelers who like this beach might also enjoy Lameshur Bay; it's found 37.2 miles to the northwest. Enjoy a relaxing stroll on sultry tropical sands at Lameshure Bay, where there are hardly ever any crowds. This is the perfect sandy spot for those vacationers want to enjoy a quiet day at the beach.

If you're looking for a more active beach scene, you might like Secret Harbor. It is located 39.9 miles to the northwest.

Another location you may want to try is Reef Beach, which is located 2.5 miles away from Buck Island. Reef Beach opens into Teague Bay on the east end of St. Croix and is popular with windsurfers and guests who come out for the pristine beach and colorful bar.

Buck Island might not make your top beaches list, but the Virgin Islands has plenty of other options for travelers who don't wish to visit this beach.