Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On land, endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles come ashore on Buck Island's pro-
tected beaches.
Turtle Beach
is named for the critters and offers sheltered swimming, toi-
lets and picnic sites with tables and cooking grills you can fuel with driftwood. The
hiking
trail
that circles around the west end of the island is a moderate walk through tropical dry
forest, bromeliads, guinea grass and giant tamarind trees. The walk takes about 45 minutes
and leads to an observation point on the island's 340ft ridge.
Do not come to Buck Island expecting
Blue Lagoon
serenity. All sorts of tour boats from
Christiansted congregate here. The vessels may be large powerboats, sleek catamarans or
smaller sailboats. Pick the one that fits with your sense of adventure. Half-day trips ($65
to $70 per person) are usually aboard a fast powerboat and include time at the snorkeling
trail and a quick visit to Turtle Beach. Full-day trips (from $85 to $90) are often aboard
a sailboat and add a beach barbecue to the mix. Reserve in advance, as the trips book up
quickly. All operators include snorkeling gear.
Big Beard's Adventures ( 340-773-4482;
www.bigbeards.com
; Queen Cross St by
Kings Wharf, Christiansted)
Trips are aboard catamaran sailboats.
CaribbeanSeaAdventures( 340-773-2628;
www.caribbeanseaadventures.com
;59
Kings Wharf, Christiansted)
Half-day trip is aboard a glass-bottom powerboat; full-day
trip is on a catamaran.
Teroro II ( 340-718-3161; teroro@msn.com)
A trimaran sailboat whose captain will
entertain you completely; trips leave from Green Cay Marina, east of Christiansted via East
End Rd (Rte 82).
East End
The scalloped coastline and steep hills of the East End beg for a drive. East End Rd (Rte
82) unfurls along the beach-strewn northern shore, rolling all the way to Point Udall for
sublime views and hikes to a turtle- inhabited eco-reserve. Circle back along South Shore
Rd (Rte 60) for yet more dramatic seascapes. Lively restaurants and bars dot the way, and
golfers and gamblers will find their groove in the area.
Sights
Hospital Rd in Christiansted morphs into East End Rd a short distance beyond downtown.
