Water Island, U.S Virgin Islands Guide
Water Island is the smallest of the four inhabited U.S. Virgin Islands, just a 10 minute ferry from St. Thomas. Small enough to explore by golf cart, it makes a fantastic day trip, and also a great overnight stay for those who want to slow down, relax, and soak it all in for a few days.
The highlight of this island is pristine Honeymoon Beach, but there are other experiences you do not want to miss. Keep reading for tips and recommendations that will help you plan the perfect getaway to this lesser known USVI.
WATER ISLAND | HONEYMOON BEACH
Honeymoon Beach is lined perfectly with palm trees along the pristine, soft, white sand and sparkling, clear, calm water. Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill offers everything you could want to relax and explore, including chairs and umbrellas, beach sports equipment, and water sports rentals. Snorkeling or SUPing right off shore, you’ll have the chance to see wild life like sea turtles, barracuda, spotted eagle rays, and tropical fish. If you only have a short amount of time on Water Island, this beach should be your top priority.
WATER ISLAND | RED-FOOTED TORTOISES
A special experience on Water Island is getting to see the Red-footed Tortoises out and about in their natural habitat. To encounter them, you’ll need to be on island close to dawn or dusk, as they like to sleep in the shade during the mid-day heat. A sunset golf cart cruise is the perfect time to see these fun little guys munching on grass, just be careful not to run any over!
WATER ISLAND | FORT SEGARRA
After a bumpy golf cart ride up the hill, you will find Fort Segarra, which was constructed by the United States during WWII. From up here, you can get great views of the island and explore the abandoned fort (with caution).
WATER ISLAND | LIMESTONE BEACH
Limestone Beach is secluded and off the beaten path on the opposite side of the island from Honeymoon Beach. Covered in rocks and coral, with shallow areas known to have seaweed, it’s good for taking in the views of rock formations and tide pools. Depending on the conditions, bring your own gear to snorkel.
WATER ISLAND | HOW TO GET THERE & GET AROUND
To get to Water Island, you’ll first fly into St. Thomas, then take the 10 minute ferry from Crown Bay Marina. The process is very easy and the schedule can be viewed on the Water Island Ferry website - no reservations, pay with cash. Once you get to Water Island, you have a few options…
Honeymoon Beach: If you are simply coming to spend the day at Honeymoon Beach, Dinghy’s Beach Bar has a complimentary golf cart shuttle that will bring you to and from the ferry. Alternatively, it’s just a 10 minute walk.
Golf Cart Rental: The most fun and convenient way to get around the island is by golf cart. For rentals, you have two options - Rachael’s Rentals is setup right next to the ferry port or rent from Dinghy’s on Honeymoon Beach.
WATER ISLAND | WHERE TO DRINK & EAT
There are only 2 true restaurants on the island, Heidis Hilltop and Dinghy’s, which are both open air and serve Caribbean bar food. With that in mind, you’ll need to be thoughtful about planning ahead if you have dietary restrictions, want variety, see bad weather in the forecast, or are booking a long stay.
Heidis Honeymoon Grill: Fantastic views and fish tacos from the top of Providence Hill! Check her FB page ahead of time to see the delicious dinner specials and also to make sure she’s open, as there are seasonal hours and intermittent closings.
Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill: Directly on Honeymoon Beach, Dinghy’s kitchen is open every day for lunch and dinner. They also frequently have live music and DJs adding to the fun atmosphere. Don’t miss their signature frozen drink, the Creamy Dinghy!
The Crossing: A commerce space for Water Island artists that also sells shaved ice, beer & wine drinks, and bags of ice. They are only open during the winter season, Saturday - Thursday from 11am-5pm.
Go To St. Thomas: If you’re staying on Water Island, you might choose to pop over to St. Thomas for a meal! The ferry doesn’t offer transportation past 6pm, so you’ll need to plan accordingly or secure private transport.
Cook Your Own Provisions: If you have a vacation rental where you can cook, you might want to plan ahead and stock up on provisions. If you need groceries while on Water Island, you have two options…
WI-Mart is a small “grocery store” the size of a shipping container on Water Island by the ferry port. The selection is small and prices are high, but it is convenient and you can find most essentials.
You can take the ferry over to St. Thomas to go grocery shopping. The Pueblo Supermarket is walkable from Crown Bay Marina.
WATER ISLAND | WHERE TO STAY
There are many charming vacation rentals in a variety of styles and price points, from cute cottages to luxury villas.
Relaxed Retreats
Stunning Patio Views: The highlight of this 3 bedroom, 2 bath VRBO is the view from the large patio and primary bedroom (pictured). Perfect for a couple, family, or group, this stay is even better in person than the listing shows.
Boho Butterfly Cottage: Eco-friendly private cottage built out of recycled bottles. In the morning the whole cottage will light up like a cathedral.
Tree Of Life Cottage: Unique two-level, private treehouse nestled in lush foliage with an ocean view from the treetop balcony. Part of the 4 Elements Culinary and Wellness Center.
Water Island Hotel & Villas: Collection of 1-2 bedroom rentals with cozy porches, less than a 3 minute walk to Honeymoon Beach.
Luxury Villas
Lil’ Sugarbird Villa: Featuring an infinity pool and al fresco dining, this beautiful villa can sleep up to 12, but with 2 formal bedrooms and bathrooms, it’s also very comfortable for a small group.
Villa Serena: Thoughtfully designed, it comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Enjoy the chef’s kitchen, open layout, large primary suite, pool, spa, lush gardens and murals.
Caribview: This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows with panoramic views sweeping from St. Croix to St. Thomas. Plus, an electric golf cart is provided.
YOUR TIME IS PRECIOUS, SPEND IT EXPLORING
