Water Island St Thomas: A Guide

Water Island is the fourth major island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, located just south of St. Thomas. The smallest of the four main islands, Water Island still packs a ton of vacation fun into their shores. Known for their laid-back atmosphere, Water Island is one of the least populated and most relaxed of the USVI. Here’s how you can spend a magical vacation in St. Thomas with a trip to Water Island!

Accessing Water Island St Thomas

Despite its proximity to St. Thomas (just over 3 miles), Water Island is relatively secluded. The island is mainly accessed via a 10 minute ferry ride. The island’s small size makes it easy to explore on foot, which most visitors do – though some go for the added convenience of renting a golf cart from a local provider. 

The Water Island Ferry leaves from Crown Bay Marina, where you’ll pay your fare ($15 adults round trip, $5 kids round trip) with cash only and hop aboard for a 10 minute ride across the water. The ferry runs regularly throughout the day, with variations during off-season and late at night. Check the ferry schedule to plan your itinerary! You will need about 20 minutes to get from Bluebeard's Castle Hilltop Villas to Crown Bay Marina.

You’ll return to St. Thomas on the same ferry, this time leaving from Philips Landing on Water Island.

History of Water Island St Thomas USVI

Once owned by the Danish government and used for a wide range of purposes like a quarantine station, World War II submarine base, and a sugar plantation, Water Island has a rich and interesting history. Most of the island is still owned by private individuals after a series of sales in the late 1990s, keeping Water Island the non-commercial paradise that is a welcome refuge from more modernized vacation spots.

If you want to explore Water Island’s history, a great place to check out is Fort Segarra. Guests can walk through underground rooms, inside tunnels, and see weapon emplacements. Fort Segarra is not set up as a museum or park, and caution should be used when exploring. Be respectful of the area’s history, and do not remove or disturb artifacts. Locals recommend a flashlight and close-toed shoes.

Water Island St Thomas Attractions and Activities

Water Island Beaches

Though some of the shore on Water Island is privately owned, there is still plenty of space to roam. One of the most popular Water Island beaches is Honeymoon Beach, a secluded and quiet beach that offers crystal clear waters and soft white sand. Perfect for a day stretched out on the sand with your newest beach read, Honeymoon Beach is a great stop on any trip to Water Island.

Hiking on Water Island

There are several hiking trails on Water Island, beginning in the same spot: Philips Landing. You can hike to…

Honeymoon Beach from Philips Landing, 20 minute loop

Limestone Beach from Philips Landing, about an hour there and back

Fort Segarra from Philips Landing, 1.5 miles one way

Carolina Point Plantation from Philips Landing, 1.5 miles one way

Hiking to Limestone Beach? Many visitors and locals visit Limestone Beach for snorkeling, as the reef that runs parallel to the beach provides a place for marine life to thrive and makes for great exploring. The water beyond the reef is deep and can be rough, so passing over it isn’t recommended. Stay on the beach side and enjoy the calm waters!

Snorkeling and Diving Water Island

The water around the island is home to dozens of species of marine life, including some stunning coral reefs. Water Island is known for tranquil beaches, and that translates into tranquil waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Limestone Bay is one of the most popular places to dive and snorkel on Water Island, offering a secluded area with calm water.

Want to explore further? Plan a scuba expedition to Supermarket Reef, a coral reef off Water Island’s coast that grew to feature “aisles” where sea turtles, many species of fish, eels, and more make their homes. Don’t forget water shoes – Supermarket Reef is a rocky spot, which is part of why the marine life loves it so much!

Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill

This beachfront restaurant on Water Island is a local favorite and a can’t-miss destination for visitors. Dinghy’s is located on the shores of Honeymoon Beach, offering a laid-back atmosphere and totally delicious food options. Dinghy’s is also the site of frequent live local music, complementing their local cuisine. Guests enjoy beachfront dining with access to amenities like board rentals, beach volleyball courts, and even free wifi so you can update the folks back home on your awesome trip.

Fort Segarra

Built during World War II, Fort Segarra remains as a fully-explorable piece of Water Island’s history. While not set up as a museum or park, much of the fort is easy to explore. Guests can enter underground rooms, go through tunnels, and even see remains of weapon emplacements. Locals recommend a flashlight and close-toed shoes to get the most out of safely exploring this piece of Water Island’s history, as the underground portions of the fort can be dark depending on the time of day.

Where to Stay in St. Thomas

As the smallest of the four main US Virgin Islands, Water Island maintains a tranquil atmosphere and slow paced living while still offering a host of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Stay just minutes from this tranquil destination when you book at Bluebeard's Castle Hilltop Villas, a newly-renovated Vacation Escapes resort in St. Thomas.