At Buck Island Reef National Monument, in the Virgin Islands, you can find an underwater tropical garden, in the form of a pristine elkhorn coral barrier reef. The park protects this reef and the island it surrounds because it is a rare and treasured ecosystem.

Visitors love to visit the monument to snorkel, scuba dive, or just swim in the crystal blue water. There is a marked underground trail that winds through the reef for snorkelers and scuba divers to follow. Share the water with native species like the hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles. If you prefer land, lounge on one of the beautiful white sand beaches of the island or hike the island’s trails.

—Caroline Griffith

If You Go

The island is only accessible by private boat.

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