I do like Buck Island! I prefer to start from Ram Head, St John. For large cat, from there it's a 4-5 hr reach with 13 kt winds. Landing a dinghy is difficult if there is a ground swell or if winds have been blowing 18+ kts.

Apply in advance for an anchoring permit thru the Natl Park Service website: www.nps.gov/buis/planyourvisit/permits.htm

I received an email approval in a few days (though this was pre-Irma)

Expect only a couple boats anchored overnight (if any) and ~6 day trip boats.

There is a roundtrip hiking trail on the west side of the island starting at the dock that takes you to an overlook platform at a ~200 foot altitude with beautiful views of the coral reefs on the north side of the island. It takes about 1 hr to hike the trail including photo stops.

There is a decent snorkel trail inside the lagoon. Coral was still in good shape post-Irma.