marymarra

We (my husband, 5-year old and I) are going to St. Croix in March, staying at the Buccaneer and I booked our travel through Liberty Travel (never used them before--usually do everything myself and was pleasantly surprised--they found flights I could not and it was super easy); the package includes a trip to Buck Island; none of us snorkel, but when I went to the Park Service web site it indicated that it was a pleasant trip, nice place to picnic, etc. There is a reference to a 45-minute walk, however, which would not be optimal for a 5-year old. She loves boat rides, but if the destination will mean playing on the beach, she will be just as content to do that at the hotel.

If you've been, I'd love a description of this excursion--I just can't visualize it!

Many thanks in advance,

Mary in D.C.

P.S. And for you Buccaneer and St. Croix veterans, am wondering if we want to rent a car; my husband and I would enjoy driving around the island, that will not interest my daughter so the car would be to go to town to shop and go out to eat--are taxis and the hotel shuttle sufficient for that? Just don't know if taxis make no sense financially. thanks!

beth48

Buck Island is beautiful - our snorkeling boat dropped us off near the shore - we had to swim over to the beach as there are no docks. The mate helped those of us who were not great swimmers. Once on the beach we were free to walk (or not). We chose just to relax and not explore. By all means, rent a car and explore this wonderful island!

cdt

I agree that unless your Buck Island boat drops you off in a weird location, walking should be strictly optional.

Either you or your husband should consider trying a bit of snorkeling while there. It's easy. Buck Island was the first place my wife and I snorkeled, and after half a dozen other islands, we still remember it as the best.

The Buccaneer isn't far from town, so if you're just going for dinner, taxis make sense. Why not rent a car for just two or three days and do some exploring?

nankar

We went to Buck Island with Big Beard's on the catamaran which was a great trip. We did not spend time exploring the island. You stop at one spot for beginners to practice and see Sami the manta ray. You then stop at the snorkeling spot and spend about an hour. The boat stops on the way back at an island location for a BBQ.

My 76-year-old father tried snorkeling for the first time that day and enjoyed it! Big Beard's staff helped him and even pulled him around on a donut until he felt comfortable. Go for it!

VIslander

The Buccaneer is beautiful and luxurious and you will thoroughly enjoy it! They have a great beach with lounge chairs and palm trees, so plenty of shade or sun. Calm water. Great for kids. The Buck Island trip is low-impact and the walk is optional. The boat will anchor in waist-deep water, a few fet from the beach. It's a gorgeous deserted island with white sugar sand beaches and out of sight snorkeling. They will give you patiend and detailed instruction and you'll be happily snorkeling away in 15 minutes - and even a 5-year old can do it! You will be amazed by the close-by reefs and sea life! As beautiful as the Buccaneer's beaches are, the Buck Island trip is not to be missed. Take the daughter and do it!