Buck Island

You can't dive Buck Island, as it's not allowed. Buck Island is just a snorkeling site.

I wish I had read these previous reviews. I was talked into going with some snorkeler friends to the island, figuring I could take a tank and just follow them at a lower depth. That was pretty easy to do, but the dive was really depressing. The area has such potential, but it looked pretty bad. I don't know if divers/snorkelers or the hurricane or the fishermen have done the damage, but they really should protect the area better. I can imagine it could be quite the wonderland if it were left alone for a while. If you take a local charter out there, take lots of sun screen and sea sick pills if you are prone to that.

Unfortunately a hurricane had destroyed much of the reef. I only snorkeled around here and much of the coral at the top had been destroyed. Hopefully much of it will have started to grow back in the past 6 years. Also deeper down more of the coral survived.

Unfortunately a hurricane had destroyed much of the reef. I only snorkeled around here and much of the coral at the top had been destroyed. Hopefully much of it will have started to grow back in the past 6 years. Also deeper down more of the coral survived.

The site was shocking. Once fantastic forests of elkhorn coral was broken down and dead. It provides a gray, cluttered landscape with a bit of sea life left. The local fishermen have taken most of the fish. Advanced divers will do well to choose any other St Croix site.