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Hi,
Buck Island is a must while we are in STX this June. There are a few tours that we can choose from. Which one gives you the most time on Buck Island.......we don't need fancy lunches or side trips, really. I just want to see Buck Island. Thanks for any input. I just got my Caribbean Life magazine and Buck Island was on the front cover. It looks beautiful!!
Hello Phyl,
I did a half day with Mile Mark a few months ago. Would have liked to spend more time on the island/beach so would recommend a full day if you want the most time. If you want more of a sailing, leisurely atmosphere on the boat then I think you'd need to go with their Day Dreamer boat. I was on the power boat which got us there fast but felt like a transportation method rather than a relaxing day out on water. The rum punch they served was tasty. The lady in their shop was friendly, the captain was also. Would use them again.
--Islander
I have been to Buck Island on every one of our 9 trips. Going again in June and will make sure to go again. I have gone with the former Mile Mark Watersports for about the last 6 or 7 times. I think the power boat is a good option. You get there much faster than the sailboats and therefore have more time to snorkle and visit the beach. I believe that these guys give you more time in the water than the others. I did go on sailboats twice. Once on a small boat out of Green Cay. It's enjoyable but it did take quite a while to get there. If you go on the powerboat you can occupy yourself watching for turtles or dolphins. The scenery is nice too, so it's not bad at all.Some advice though. Try not to go on a weekend day because lots of locals go to the island for picnics. With their smaller boats the area looks like a marina. Too crowded.
Also if you watch the weather forecasts try to pick a day when it's not too windy. Once or twice we had high winds and the current made it hard for the kids to swim.
Yes, Saturday and Sunday are the locals' day out at Buck Island. Weekdays you can be the only boat there. The west end beach is beautiful and a great place to hang out and let kids play in the water without worrying about coral or sea urchins hurting their feet. Watch out for Sammy the Stingray who comes to visit. She is missing her stinger and is very friendly. She's happy to eat out of your hand, too!
Most of the locals won't bother with the snorkel trail at the east end of Buck Island. All the boats anchor off the west end beach and hang out with music and lunch and beer and rum punch, etc. You'll see everything from 10 foot dinghys to 80 foot yachts.
