When the tour boat takes you out, they will first stop at the calm side, great for swimming but nothing to see while snorkeling. When you are moved to the other site, the water is choppy and there is no beach. The Natl Park requires snorkelers to wear a light weight buoyancy jacket which will comfortably keep you afloat. I didn't go into the choppy surf but my husband did. He said it was the best snorkeling he's experienced because he saw a lot of fish, a lobster, and beautiful coral. Another guest said that he saw a squid. The waters around the island are protected national park territory. Have fun!
Went there for a half day of snorkeling ...a sudden rain made the trip a fiasco...the reef variety is poor compared to Red Sea snorkeling ( Egyptian Red Sea resorts) Recommend using sail boat instead of Moyer boats. Sailing itself may be better than snorkeling.
since hurricane Hugo, the island isn't the same in terms of looking at the reef. You can either book a half day without lunch (a hot dog) or a half day....go with the half day
After so much hype about this being the #1 thing to do on St. Croix, we were very disappointed in the snorkeling. It was so choppy, the visibility was terrible, and Big Beard's really should not have taken people out that day. My partner and I were the only 2 people able to stay in the water the entire hour we were there, and most of our party didn't last 5 minutes. The coral is very disappointing; told that Hurricane Hugo (1989) moved the reef in 90 feet, and it is just a massive pile of dead coral. Very sad. Much better snorkeling on the West End beaches.
Took the big beards half day trip to buck island for snorkeling. Beautiful clear turquoise water. Saw fish and coral I've never seen before. Well organized. Great time.
Best snorkeling ever with the BlackBeard snorkel company out of Christiansted to Buck Island. Rough waters made it a bit of a challenge, but the underwater and above the water scenery was spectacular.The crew was professional and helpful.
So much hype to visit Isaac and Jacks Bays but not as great as everyone made it out to be. Makes for an interesting hike but make sure you have a backpack and plenty of water.
Sandy, soft and beautifully breathtaking. Just swim, relax and enjoy. A world of it's own and one of a kind in it's beauty. A natural habitat for Sea turtles, birds and lots more. You deserve a tour of this island and especially the underwater trail with all kinds of cool coral, colorful fish, crustaceans and the occasional nurse shark, sea turtle or barracuda. A winner and a National Monument!
Its a must do but we were not impressed. We were expecting a lot more sea life. Not much to see while snorkeling. Maybe we went on a bad day
I will never forget Buck Island. The water is a gorgeous turquoise you'll have to see for yourself. Good snorkeling. It is so well protected, the sand is like powder and you kind of just sink into the sand and water. Unforgettable day trip here and hope to return again one day.