Exploring Water Island

With few cars and just a handful of businesses, Water Island is all about peace and relaxation. Best of all, it’s just a 10-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas. We’re sharing our itinerary for the perfect day on Water Island.

Fast Facts: 

Famous for—Honeymoon beach, Dinghy’s Bar and Grill and excellent snorkeling.

A little slice of paradise—Water Island is the smallest of the US Virgin Islands, with under 200 permanent residents.

Come prepared—There are no taxis or buses on the island, so a little advance planning is necessary for a great trip. 

Need planning help? We’re happy to answer questions, help you find the perfect Island Luxury villa and arrange transportation from St. Thomas to Water Island. 

The Perfect Day on Water Island

Getting there: It’s just a 10-minute trip from St. Thomas to Water Island. Take the Water Island Ferry from Crown Bay Marina. Note that ferries run on the hour, with the last return trip to St. Thomas at approximately 6:15 p.m. We recommend catching a morning ferry so you’ll have plenty of time to explore, relax and snorkel. 

You can also charter a boat and request a stop at Water Island. Our complimentary concierge service can help Island Luxury guests book the ultimate day on the water. 

Island Transportation

Only residents have cars on Water Island, so your transportation options are limited to walking, renting a golf cart or taking the free safari taxi (more on that below). We recommend renting a golf cart so that you can explore the island in full. Carts do sell out, so consider making reservations in advance if you’re traveling during peak season

 If you’re only headed to Honeymoon Beach, you can walk (a 15-minute trip with some uphill and downhill slopes) or look for the complimentary safari taxi that runs during peak season. 

First Stop: Exploring Fort Segarra

The barracks, watch towers and bunkers of Fort Segarra are fascinating relics of the region’s role during World War II. The fort was built to help protect the submarine base on St. Thomas. It was deactivated after the war ended and used for a short time as a military test site. Today, you can explore tunnels and underground rooms and get a glimpse of what military life on the island was like 80 years ago. Bring a flashlight, some good shoes and a sense of adventure!

Lunch: Dinghy’s Beach Bar

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to relax at one of the main eateries on Water Island. Dinghy’s Beach Bar has been serving guests for more than 10 years and is a great place to enjoy some beach bites or relax with one of their signature frozen drinks. 

Time to Unwind: Honeymoon Beach

Water Island’s main beach is known for its soft white sand and calm turquoise water. Dinghy’s has complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas for customers, and you can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear or volleyballs from the restaurant. 

Last Stop: Snorkeling

Now that you’ve had a chance to relax, you can squeeze in one last adventure. The calm water of Honeymoon Beach makes it a great place to snorkel as you look for stingrays, sea turtles and other marine life. If you’re willing to trek off the beaten path, you can also explore Limestone Bay on the opposite side of the island—but as the name suggests, this beach is rocky and water shoes are a must! 

Heading Home

Keep an eye on your watch and head back to the ferry dock by late afternoon so you’ll have plenty of time to return your golf cart and take the last ferry back to St. Thomas. Be sure to tag us in your photos at @islandluxuryvi—we can’t wait to see all your Water Island adventures!