Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Avoid the cruise ship dock in Frederiksted after
dark.
Don't wear expensive jewelry while sightseeing
or at the beach.
Avoid carrying large sums of money.
Swim on beaches where there are other people.
Lock your car.
Trips to Buck Island
Signs advertising trips to Buck Island abound all along
Christiansted's waterfront. In truth, a day trip to the island,
5½ miles off the northeast coast, is the highlight of a St.
Croix vacation. If you are like most of us, you will want to re-
turn to Buck Island several times. Even non-swimmers will
have an enjoyable day, while snorklers and divers will have
an adventure.
Your options are unlimited, so check them out by strolling
along the waterfront and asking questions. A typical day
will consist of the ride to the island followed by an hour and a
half of snorkeling along the trail or on your own. You may
stop at
Turtle Beach
for a picnic lunch (bring your own
food; the ship provides beverages), walk the primitive hiking
trails and snorkel or dive over the reef. Rates are controlled
by the National Park Service.
Buck Island and its reef are National Monuments adminis-
tered by the National Park Service. The reef offers
shallow-water snorkeling over two marked underwater
trails. If you are inexperienced, a guide will take you. Arrow
markers and signs on the ocean floor will lead you along the
trail in 30-45 minutes. You can then snorkel on your own or
scuba dive over deeper waters off the reef if you have certifi-
cation. The reef is like an underwater house made of various
types of coral in assorted sizes and shapes. Spires,
staghorns, gorgonians, sea whips and fans make up the
