Water Island: A Tranquil Escape
Discover Water Island: A serene USVI escape with pristine beaches, historic sites, and a uniquely tranquil Caribbean charm.
Water Island, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a serene escape with beautiful beaches, historical sites, and a laid-back atmosphere. Just a short ferry ride from St. Thomas, it's perfect for a day trip or a relaxing getaway.
A brief summary to Water Island
- Water Island, Water Island, St Thomas, VI
Local tips
- Bring cash for the ferry, as credit cards are not accepted.
- Rent a golf cart in advance, especially during peak season, to explore the island with ease.
- Pack water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky Limestone Bay.
- Conserve water, as the island relies on rainwater collected in cisterns.
- Check the ferry schedule in advance, especially for the last departure back to St. Thomas.
Getting There
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Ferry
The primary way to reach Water Island is via the Water Island Ferry from Crown Bay Marina in St. Thomas. The ferry departs hourly from Crown Bay Marina. There is no ferry terminal, pay the captain in cash upon boarding. The ride to Phillips Landing on Water Island takes about 10 minutes. As of February 2025, a round trip ticket costs $20 for visitors and $12 for USVI residents. A one-way ticket is $10 for visitors and $6 for residents. Small luggage or boxes are $2 per item, and larger items are $3. Parking at Crown Bay Marina costs $15 per day.
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Walking
From Phillips Landing, Honeymoon Beach is accessible by foot. Follow the road up the hill from the ferry dock. The walk is roughly 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, open-air safari buses or golf carts often provide rides from the ferry dock to the beach.
Discover more about Water Island
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
5332 Raadets Gade
3.0 km
Explore the historical charm of Raadets Gade in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, where culture, history, and Caribbean vibrancy await every traveler.
St. Thomas Reformed Church
3.2 km
Discover the peaceful St. Thomas Reformed Church, a historic landmark in Charlotte Amalie, blending spirituality with vibrant local culture.
Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church
3.3 km
Explore the serene beauty and community spirit of Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, a historic sanctuary for travelers.
Government House
3.4 km
Explore the historical significance and colonial architecture of Government House in St. Thomas, a must-visit landmark for culture and history lovers.
Bluebeard's Castle
3.6 km
Explore the enchanting Bluebeard's Castle in St. Thomas, a historical landmark with stunning views and captivating tales of the Caribbean's pirate past.
Drake's Seat
4.4 km
Discover breathtaking views of the Virgin Islands at Drake's Seat, a must-visit viewpoint in St. Thomas for unforgettable memories.
St Thomas
6.3 km
Discover St. Thomas: stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and a vibrant Caribbean culture await in this US Virgin Islands paradise.
Thatch Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands
11.1 km
Discover Thatch Cay: An unspoiled Caribbean island offering pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and a tranquil escape just off St. Thomas.
Lovango Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands
16.3 km
Discover Lovango Cay: A luxurious private island escape in the US Virgin Islands, offering pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, and upscale amenities.
Great Tobago National Park
19.3 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty of Great Tobago National Park in the British Virgin Islands, a nature lover's paradise.
Trunk Cay, United States Virgin Islands
19.6 km
Explore the underwater wonders of Trunk Cay, a stunning islet in St. John's famed Trunk Bay, offering an unforgettable snorkeling experience.
Catherineberg Estate Ruins
20.3 km
Discover the enchanting remnants of Catherineberg Estate Ruins in St. John, where history meets breathtaking Caribbean views.
Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins
21.1 km
Step back in time at Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins, exploring St. John's captivating history and the echoes of its sugar-producing past.
Whistling Cay, United States Virgin Islands
21.3 km
Discover the enchanting Whistling Cay, a serene island paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where pristine beaches and vibrant marine life await.
Virgin Islands National Park
21.4 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, a tropical paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Unmissable attractions to see
Godfrey Tours
1.3 km
Discover St. Thomas like never before with Godfrey Tours – your gateway to adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes in paradise.
St. Thomas Adventure Tours
2.1 km
Discover the natural wonders of St. Thomas with thrilling kayaking and snorkeling adventures at St. Thomas Adventure Tours.
Virgin Islands Ecotours - Historic Hassel Island Kayak & Snorkel Tours
2.1 km
Discover Hassel Island: History, nature, and stunning Caribbean views await in this unique Virgin Islands National Park gem.
Pie Whole Pizza
2.1 km
Experience authentic brick-oven pizza with a Caribbean twist at Pie Whole Pizza in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Fresh ingredients, local flavors!
Lindbergh Bay Beach
2.3 km
A convenient and relaxing beach near the airport, Lindbergh Bay offers calm waters, soft sand, and a variety of amenities for a perfect island escape.
81C
2.8 km
Discover St. Thomas' vibrant art scene at 81C, a unique gallery, cafe, and event space in a historic rum warehouse. Open weekdays 5-8PM.
Dine & Dash Food Tour
2.9 km
Explore St. Thomas through its flavors! A walking tour blending local cuisine, history, and rum in Charlotte Amalie. Not just a food tour, it's an experience!
Flavors Food Tours - St Thomas
2.9 km
Discover St. Thomas through its vibrant flavors: a culinary and cultural walking tour in Charlotte Amalie. Savor local cuisine and rum!
The Creative Native, LLC
3.0 km
Discover the vibrant art scene of St. Thomas at The Creative Native, showcasing local artists and the unique culture of the Virgin Islands.
St Thomas Historical Trust Museum
3.0 km
Explore centuries of Virgin Islands history through artifacts, exhibits, and stories at this Charlotte Amalie museum.
Banana Split
3.0 km
Indulge in homemade ice cream and baked treats at this charming St. Thomas shop, just steps from Charlotte Amalie's historic Main Street.
Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas
3.1 km
Discover a historic synagogue in St. Thomas with sand floors, rich history, and beautiful architecture, a testament to Caribbean Jewish heritage.
St Thomas Cultural Tours
3.1 km
Experience St. Thomas like a local: history, food, and culture come alive in Charlotte Amalie's hidden gems.
Emancipation Garden
3.2 km
Discover tranquility and history at Emancipation Garden in St. Thomas, a landmark celebrating freedom and Virgin Islands' cultural heritage.
Fort Christian
3.2 km
Explore St. Thomas's oldest structure, a 17th-century Danish fort that has transformed from a military stronghold to a captivating historical museum.
Essential places to dine
Ocean Seven Too
23.9 km
Experience exquisite Caribbean cuisine at Ocean Seven Too in White Bay, British Virgin Islands - where every meal is a feast for your senses.
Claude’s Big Stop Restaurant & Bar
23.9 km
Discover authentic Caribbean flavors at Claude's Big Stop Restaurant & Bar in Belle Vue - a true gem for food enthusiasts visiting the British Virgin Islands.
Ekaete Pink Corner
25.2 km
Discover the flavors of the Caribbean at Ekaete Pink Corner in Coral Bay - a delightful restaurant serving authentic dishes with stunning views.
Corsairs Beach Bar & Restaurant
25.3 km
Discover Corsairs Beach Bar & Restaurant: A Culinary Oasis in Belle Vue Offering Breathtaking Views and Delicious Local Cuisine.
Tipsy Shark
25.3 km
Discover culinary excellence at Tipsy Shark in Belle Vue, where fresh seafood meets stunning ocean views in the heart of the British Virgin Islands.
Ali Baba's
25.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of the British Virgin Islands at Ali Baba's Grill - where every meal is a celebration of local cuisine.
Cool Breeze Sports Bar & Restaurant
25.4 km
Savor authentic Caribbean cuisine at Cool Breeze Sports Bar & Restaurant in Great Harbor – your go-to spot for breakfast and sports!
Pinky's delight
25.4 km
Discover authentic Caribbean cuisine at Pinky's Delight in Great Harbour, Belle Vue – a dining experience like no other!
Lime Out VI
25.4 km
Discover unforgettable flavors at Lime Out VI, a premier restaurant in Coral Bay offering fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
A&B Bar and Restaurant
25.4 km
Experience the best of Caribbean cuisine at A&B Bar and Restaurant in Belle Vue - where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
Sidney's Peace & Love
26.6 km
Discover Sidney's Peace & Love: A charming family-run restaurant in the British Virgin Islands offering fresh local cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
Harris' Place
26.6 km
Discover authentic Caribbean flavors at Harris' Place in Jost Van Dyke—where every meal is a celebration of local culture and cuisine.
Abes By The Sea Restaurant & Bar
27.1 km
Experience exquisite Caribbean flavors with stunning ocean views at Abes By The Sea on Jost Van Dyke.
Patricias Beach Bar
27.6 km
Discover culinary delights at Patricias Beach Bar - a tropical grill haven in the heart of the British Virgin Islands.
Foxy's Taboo
27.7 km
Discover exquisite Caribbean cuisine at Foxy's Taboo in Belle Vue - where every meal is a celebration by the sea.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The SHOPS at Yacht Haven Grande
3.7 km
Discover luxury shopping and local treasures at The SHOPS at Yacht Haven Grande, offering stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere in St. Thomas.
VI National Park Store
16.7 km
Shop for unique souvenirs and support conservation efforts at the charming VI National Park Store in St. John.
Coco Loco
23.9 km
Discover the vibrant charm of Coco Loco, the ultimate beach bar in the British Virgin Islands offering stunning views and refreshing drinks.
BVI Adenture
24.0 km
Explore the best sporting goods in the British Virgin Islands at BVI Adventure, your one-stop shop for outdoor gear and equipment.
Sugar & Spice Snack Bar
25.0 km
Experience the taste of the Caribbean at Sugar & Spice Snack Bar in Belle Vue, offering a delightful grill menu with stunning coastal views.
Rudy's Marketplace
25.1 km
Explore the unique offerings of Rudy's Marketplace, a vibrant destination in Belle Vue, British Virgin Islands, blending shopping, dining, and local culture.
JVD Grocery
25.4 km
Explore JVD Grocery in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke for an unforgettable shopping experience with local flavors and essentials.
Christine's Bakery
25.4 km
Discover a delightful bakery experience at Christine's Bakery in Belle Vue, offering fresh pastries, artisan bread, and local flavors.
Foxy's Giftshop
25.4 km
Explore the vibrant culture of the British Virgin Islands at Foxy's Giftshop, where unique souvenirs and delicious Caribbean cuisine await.
Foxy's, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
25.4 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and Caribbean culture at Foxy's, the quintessential beachfront bar in Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
West End Ferry Terminal
27.2 km
Experience the beauty of the British Virgin Islands from the West End Ferry Terminal, your gateway to stunning island adventures and picturesque landscapes.
Omar's Fusion
27.2 km
Discover the taste of the British Virgin Islands at Omar's Fusion, where local flavors meet international cuisine in a stunning setting.
Riteway Harbour Market
27.2 km
Experience the vibrant local flavors and fresh produce at Riteway Harbour Market in Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
Arawak West End
27.3 km
Explore Arawak West End in the British Virgin Islands for unique island-inspired clothing and accessories that capture the essence of the Caribbean.
BVI Island Surf and Sail
27.3 km
Experience the thrill of water sports at BVI Island Surf and Sail in the breathtaking British Virgin Islands, where adventure meets paradise.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Windmill Bar
19.0 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and relaxing ambiance of The Windmill Bar in Cruz Bay, a perfect stop for grill lovers and tropical drink enthusiasts alike.
Coco Locos
24.3 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Coco Locos Beach Bar in White Bay, British Virgin Islands, where refreshing cocktails meet stunning ocean views.
West End
26.1 km
Explore the natural beauty and vibrant culture of West End, a serene peninsula in the British Virgin Islands perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers.
Pusser's Landing
27.3 km
Experience the vibrant Caribbean spirit at Pusser's Landing, where delicious food and stunning marina views come together.
Admiral's Bar
27.5 km
Experience the lively spirit of Admiral's Bar in the British Virgin Islands, where exceptional drinks and a vibrant atmosphere await every visitor.
Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar & Grill
27.6 km
Discover the vibrant taste of the British Virgin Islands at Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar & Grill, where delicious food and stunning views await.
