The best walks and hikes around Buck Island

Buck Island is an uninhabited island accessible only by boat from St. Croix. You must book a trip with one of the U.S. National Park Service's approved concessioners. These operators offer both half-day and full-day excursions that typically include time for hiking and snorkeling. You can find a list of authorized boat tour operators on the official National Park Service website.

Yes, you can hike the trails independently once you arrive on the island. While you need a licensed boat tour to get there, you are not required to have a guide for the hike itself. The main trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.

The primary hiking route is the Diedrichs Trail, a 1.8-mile (2.9 km) loop. It starts near West Beach, climbs to the island's scenic crest for panoramic views, and descends through a unique landscape of turpentine trees, organ pipe cacti, and fragrant frangipani. The hike takes about 45 to 60 minutes to complete.

The main trail is considered moderately strenuous due to the uphill climb to the island's crest, but it is manageable for active families with children. The path is well-defined, but some sections are rocky, so it may not be suitable for very young toddlers. The beautiful beaches, like Buck Island Beach, offer a perfect spot for families to relax before or after the hike.

Sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals are essential due to some rocky terrain. You should also bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities on the island. Sun protection is critical, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Don't forget your swimsuit and snorkeling gear to enjoy the world-class underwater trail after your hike.

The trails on Buck Island itself are generally moderate. For a more challenging hike on St. Croix with views toward Buck Island, consider the trail to the Annaly Bay / Carambola Tide Pools. This is a longer and more strenuous trek that rewards hikers with dramatic coastal scenery and unique natural pools.

No, pets are not permitted on Buck Island. As a National Monument dedicated to preserving the natural habitat and protecting wildlife, including endangered sea turtles that nest on the beaches, regulations prohibit bringing pets ashore.

The highlight of the hike is the observation point at the island's crest. From here, you get breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding turquoise waters, the vibrant coral reef system, and the deep blue of the Puerto Rican trench. On a clear day, you can see the main island of St. Croix in the distance.

Yes, the main Diedrichs Trail on Buck Island is a loop. This allows you to experience the island's diverse ecosystems, from the beach forest to the cactus-covered southern slope, without retracing your steps. For a different kind of loop on St. Croix, the Castle Caldwell Forest loop offers a gentle, flat walk through a forested area.

Absolutely. Most boat tours to Buck Island are designed to allow for both activities. Visitors typically spend time exploring the famous underwater trail and coral grottoes, as well as hiking the scenic land trail. It's the perfect way to experience both the marine and terrestrial beauty of the National Monument.

The hiking experience is highly rated by visitors. People often praise the stunning panoramic views from the top of the island and the unique opportunity to see diverse plant life, like the towering organ pipe cacti. The combination of a rewarding hike followed by world-class snorkeling is frequently mentioned as a highlight of visiting St. Croix.

Yes, West Beach is the designated picnic area and an ideal spot to relax. It features picnic tables and grills set in a shaded area. With its pristine white sand and calm, clear water, it's a beautiful place to have lunch before or after your hike. Remember to pack out everything you bring in to keep the island clean.