Water Island
Water Island, St. Thomas, 00802
Water Island officially joined the US Virgin Islands in 1996. The fourth and smallest isle of the four, it is by no means boring. At roughly 490 acres (200 hectares) and home to about 175 residents, Water Island is a less touristed destination in the island chain, offering idyllic beaches and lazy-day vibes.
The basics
Honeymoon Beach, on the west side of Water Island, is arguably the main draw for travelers. The white sand beach is fringed with palm trees and cool thatched cabanas, and while the stretch of sand is on the smaller side, it's not to be missed for its clear blue waters and relaxed setting.
For a bit of history and culture, head inland to Fort Segarra. Built as part of the United States’ defense strategy during World War II, the fort is open to the public and offers tours of its underground tunnels and watchtowers.
Things to know before you go
As the island is still relatively undeveloped, there are just a few options for food outlets, dive shops, and charters, as well as fishing operators.
It's recommended to use a golf cart or bicycle as your main mode of transportation.
Water Island is a great place to visit for those seeking a low-key retreat.
How to get there
Water Island can be reached by ferry from Charlotte Amalie harbor on St. Thomas. The roughly 10-minute ride terminates at Phillip’s Landing, where you can rent golf carts to explore the island.
When to get there
The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is from April to June, when the weather is mild and there's little rainfall. There are also fewer crowds at this time, since the island chain’s peak tourist season is December to March.
Honeymoon Beach
Though still a popular destination on Water Island, Honeymoon Beach is an out-of-the-way attraction that’s conveniently accessed by Lind Point Trail, and can be reached by hiking from Cruz Bay. There are a few on-site amenities, including rentals for water sports.
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