Buck Island Reef National Monument

Buck Island Reef National Monument, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, preserves an 880-acre area near St. Croix where self-guiding underwater trails lead through tropical coral gardens. The chief attraction is a barrier reef that surrounds the eastern end of the 1-mile island. Between the reef and the island lies an emerald green lagoon with a bottom of coral sand. On the white sand beaches of the island, hawksbill and green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The reef itself is a haven for tropical fish. Drawn there by this rich assortment of prey are sharks, barracudas, and snappers.