Buck Island Question

[jeanneg]

Does the excursion to Buck Island (St Thomas port/Eastern sailing) go to the Coral Reef National Park? I snorkeled there over 30 years ago and remember that they had an amazing underwater trail with signs and explanations right in the water. I'm looking forward to doing it again with my kids this time around but am not sure from the description it's the same trip. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks.
Jeanne

 

[prymsu]

We did a buck island excursion through DCL almost two years ago. I think it was called like something to do with the St. Christopher Shipwreck to Buck Island. This excursion did not go into any park, but the snorkeling was pretty darn good, and at the end the crew fed the fish and it was awesome!

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by jeanneg
Does the excursion to Buck Island (St Thomas port/Eastern sailing) go to the Coral Reef National Park? I snorkeled there over 30 years ago and remember that they had an amazing underwater trail with signs and explanations right in the water. I'm looking forward to doing it again with my kids this time around but am not sure from the description it's the same trip. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks.
Jeanne

It sounds like the Buck Island you're talking about is the one located off St. Croix. It's the only underwater US National Park. I've never done Buck Island near St. Thomas (though I've been to St. John more times than I can count), but Buck Island near St. Croix is one of the best snorkling experiences I've ever done. Unforunately, you can't get to St. Croix's Buck Island from St. Thomas.

 

[jeanneg]

Thanks, Lori, I guess that answers my question even though it's not the answer I was hoping for. We were vacationing in St Croix when we did the Buck Island trip to the Underwater National Park so what you said makes alot of sense. I didn't realize Buck island was so big that you'd do a different side depending on where you were coming from. Thanks for the input.

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by jeanneg
Thanks, Lori, I guess that answers my question even though it's not the answer I was hoping for. We were vacationing in St Croix when we did the Buck Island trip to the Underwater National Park so what you said makes alot of sense. I didn't realize Buck island was so big that you'd do a different side depending on where you were coming from. Thanks for the input.

There are two different Buck Islands. One at St. Thomas and one at St. Croix. There is snorkling at both, but the snorkling is far superior at the Buck Island by St. Croix.

 

[jeanneg]

Wow, I never realized that! I'm so glad I found that out now......I was beginning to get my kids all psyched up about the Underwater National Park and would have felt so bad if they were disappointed.