NATURE & WILDLIFE
Nature & Wildlife
Buck Island Reef National Monument Park
Location: Christiansted
Contact: National Park Service
Description: Book a half day or a full day trip from an approved boat tour operator. Buck Island has one of the world’s most important beaches for nesting hawksbill sea turtles and also provides nesting for local and migratory birds. Explore the natural wonders of Buck Island, both on the ground and underwater. Two-thirds of the island is surrounded by an elkhorn coral barrier reef, providing an ecosystem for marine life.
St Croix East End Marine Park (STEEMP)
Location: East End
Contact: 340-718-3367
Description: Established in 2003 to protect territorially significant marine resources, including the largest island barrier reef system in the Caribbean, and promote sustainability of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, wildlife habitats to conserve and preserve significant natural areas.
St. Croix Hiking Association
Description: Sponsors monthly hikes and activities.
Contact: info@stcroixhiking.org
Catherine Prince: 340-772-2073 (lv msg)
Sonia Maynard-John: 340-514-9745
Estate Little Princess Plantation
Location: 3052 Estate Little Princess, C’sted
Contact: The Nature Conservancy, 340-718-5575
Description: 25-acre nature preserve. Walking trails wind through the ruins. Lush plant life & wildflowers. Historic Danish sugar plantation grounds and buildings.
Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve
Location: Next to Columbus’ Landing
Contact: National Park Service, 340-773-1460
Description: The Preserve uniquely documents the human and natural Caribbean world from the earliest indigenous settlements in the central Caribbean to their clash with seven different colonial European powers to the present day. Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking tours.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Location: 71 Route 63, F’sted
Contact: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 340-773-4554
Description: Established in 1984. The refuge provides crucial nesting for endangered leatherback sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles, and other threatened and endangered species. Two miles of pristine sandy beaches lie at the southwest corner of St. Croix.
St. George Village Botanical Garden (SGVBG)
Location: 127 George Rd. F’sted. Estate St. George
Contact: 340-692-2874
Description: 16 acres. Over 1,000 Caribbean and pan-tropical plants and trees growing against a backdrop of ruins and repurposed buildings of an 18th century Danish colonial sugarcane plantation. Dedicated to the conservation and preservation of both the historical and living collections on its grounds.
Horseback Riding Nature Tours
Cruzan Cowgirls Horseback Riding Tours
Contact: 340-690-7433
Description: Rescued horses. West end. 1.5 hour trail ride down the beach, into the rainforest, and through the Caribbean Sea.
Nick’s Scenic Equine Tours
Location: 72 Estate River, Kingshill
Contact: 340-513-9183
Description: Locally owned and developed farm that runs tours through the property and takes part in rescue.
Paul & Jill’s Equestrian Stable
Location: Rte 58 F’sted
Contact: 340-332-0417
Hours: Mon - Fri. Mornings & Afternoons.
Description: Beach, rainforest, nature tours.
References:
Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR)
Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)
Preserves, protects, restores, and manages the fish and wildlife resources of the Virgin Islands for ecological conservation and sustainable use by the community.
Director: Dr. Nicole Angeli, 340-773-1082
National Park Service
Six National parks throughout the three U.S. Virgin islands, some inland and some featuring amazing biodiverse reefs.
800-372-USVI
St. Croix Environmental Association
5032 Anchor Way, C’sted
340-773-1989
Promotes the conservation of environmental resources, provides education and advocates for environmentally responsible actions that benefit St. Croix.
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