Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge
Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge is located about 2 miles south of the island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands of the United States. There are actually two "Buck Islands." The National Wildlife Refuge occupies the one near St. Thomas. The one just north of St. Croix is the centerpiece of Buck Island Reef National Monument. Adjacent to the refuge is Capella Island, about half the size of Buck, owned by the territorial government.
The refuge is characterized by a thorn scrub habitat with rocky coastline surrounded by spectacular reefs. A lighthouse stands over of cactus and grassland. The island was transferred to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service due to "its value for migratory birds." The U.S. Navy transferred some lands in 1969 and the remainder was received from the Coast Guard in 1981. The surrounding waters contain reefs and a shipwreck that attract large numbers of snorkelers, divers, and boaters.
The islands are surrounded by beautiful coral reef habitats and an artificial reef – a shipwreck. The marine area is home to a variety of fish and animals, in particular endangered sea turtles. Visitors can see the islands from St. Thomas by boat, including snorkeling and diving trips from boats such as Heavenly Days Catamaran.
Turtle Cove, on the northwest side, is densely populated with sea turtles. Tours of Turtle Cove are available from St. John and St. Thomas.
Buck Island NWR is administered as part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife complex.
