George Boyle
Water Island is a minor island in the United States Virgin Islands, an American territory located in the Caribbean Sea. The island was bought by the U.S. government in 1944 and was transferred to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1996. Honeymoon Beach, located in Druif Bay on the west end of the island, is one of the main attractions of Water Island. The beach is known for its calm and clear waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming, wading, and snorkelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Territory | U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Size | 491.5 acres (1.989 km2) |
| Population | 182 (2010 census); about 200 throughout the year, not all full-time (2024) |
| Main Attraction | Honeymoon Beach |
| Location | South of Saint Thomas in the Charlotte Amalie harbor |
| Travel | Ferry service from Crown Bay, Saint Thomas, to Phillips Landing, Water Island; the ferry ride is about 10 minutes |
| Dining | Dinghy's Beach Bar and Grill, Heidi's Hilltop Hideaway, Heidi Honeymoon Grill, Pizza Boat |
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What You'll Learn
Water Island is a minor island in the US Virgin Islands
Water Island was initially excluded when the US acquired the rest of the US Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917. As a result, the Danish East Asiatic Company and, by extension, the Danish kingdom, retained ownership of the island. It wasn't until 1944 that the US government purchased Water Island, and in 1996, it was officially transferred to the US Virgin Islands, making it the "Last Virgin".
The island has a small population of around 182 people as per the 2010 census, although this number may fluctuate as not all residents live there year-round. The island is primarily residential, with no significant commercial establishments. However, it has become a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches, including the famous Honeymoon Beach.
Honeymoon Beach, located in Druif Bay on the west end of the island, is one of the main attractions of Water Island. It boasts white sand, palm trees, and calm, clear waters, making it ideal for swimming, wading, and snorkelling. The beach is usually lightly populated during the weekdays, with a small influx of visitors when charter boats stop by. It is a favourite spot for residents on weekends, especially Sundays. Honeymoon Beach also offers amenities such as beach chairs, SUP rentals, kayaks, and two beach bars serving food and drinks.
Water Island is accessible by ferry from Crown Bay, Saint Thomas, to Phillips Landing, Water Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 10 minutes, and a shuttle service is available to transport visitors from the landing to the beach.
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The island was bought by the US government in 1944
Water Island, a minor island in the United States Virgin Islands, is located in the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its natural ponds of freshwater, which gave it its name. The island was initially excluded when the U.S. acquired the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917, and it remained under Danish ownership until 1944.
The U.S. Government bought Water Island in 1944, and from 1944 to 1950, the island was operated by the Department of Defense. During this time, construction began on Fort Segarra, but it was abandoned in 1948, and the island was used for testing chemical warfare agents until 1950.
After the Department of Defense's operation, the island was turned over to the Department of the Interior, who leased it out primarily to residential tenants. In 1971, the Water Island Civic Association (WICA) was formed to improve the quality of life on the island and protect its environment.
It wasn't until 1996 that control of Water Island was officially transferred from the federal government to the territorial government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, for a sum of $25,000,000. This transfer made Water Island the "Last Virgin."
Today, Water Island is a residential island with a small population of around 182 in 2010, although some sources mention a number closer to 200. The island is known for its beaches, including Honeymoon Beach, which is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, offering calm and clear waters, great food, and recreational activities.
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Honeymoon Beach is a calm, white sand beach
Honeymoon Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located on Water Island, a minor island in the United States Virgin Islands. The beach is known for its calm, clear, and shallow waters, making it perfect for swimming and wading and snorkelling. The water deepens gradually, which is great for novice swimmers and children. The shore is lined with dozens of palm trees, providing a picturesque setting for beachgoers. Small thatched umbrellas offer shade, and there is a shed on the beach for storage or shelter.
The beach is usually lightly populated during the weekdays, with a small wave of visitors in the afternoon when charter boats stop by. It is a favourite spot for residents on weekends, particularly on Sundays. Honeymoon Beach is easily accessible by ferry from Crown Bay, Saint Thomas, with a ride time of about 10 minutes. It is also possible to get to the island by boat, anchoring off Honeymoon Beach. Once on Water Island, a free shuttle is available to take visitors to the beach.
Honeymoon Beach offers a range of amenities and activities to enhance the beach experience. There are two beach bars and restaurants, Dinghy's Beach Bar and Grill, and Heidi's Hilltop Hideaway, serving cold drinks, tasty meals, and providing beach chairs for relaxation. Dinghy's also offers SUP rentals, kayaks, and other fun activities. The beach is great for snorkelling, with an opportunity to swim and interact with turtles. An old WWII bunker, located at the top of a hill, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
The beach has a calm and uncrowded atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. The clear waters and gradual depth make it ideal for families and those who want to improve their swimming skills. The beach bars provide convenient access to food and drinks, and the surrounding palm trees and thatched umbrellas create a tropical paradise. Overall, Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil and enjoyable beach experience in the United States Virgin Islands.
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It has two beach bars and a restaurant
Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, part of the US Virgin Islands, has two beach bars and a restaurant. Water Island is a minor island in the Caribbean Sea, which was bought by the US government in 1944 and transferred to the US Virgin Islands in 1996.
The two beach bars are Dinghy's and Heidi's, with the latter also referred to as the 'Pizza Boat' and the 'Heidi Honeymoon Grill'. Dinghy's is the only restaurant on the beach and one of only two on the island. It offers beach chairs and rentals, and occasionally hosts movie nights. Dinghy's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and most items on the menu are between $14-20. Heidi's is located right on the beach and serves lunches and dinners, including burgers, chicken Caesar salad, sausage, and hot dogs. It also serves slices of pizza from the Pizza Boat.
In addition to the two beach bars, there is another restaurant on Water Island called Heidi's Hilltop Hideaway. It used to be located on the other end of Honeymoon Beach, but it was damaged during a hurricane and moved inland to a hilltop with a view. It serves lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays and is open throughout the day from Friday to Sunday.
The beach has several tiki umbrellas to provide shade, and there are lots of activities to do, including snorkelling and swimming with turtles. The water is usually very calm and deepens gradually, making it perfect for swimming, wading, and children. The beach is usually lightly populated on weekdays, with a small wave of beachgoers arriving for a couple of hours in the afternoon when charter boats stop by. It is a favourite for residents on weekends, particularly Sundays.
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It is accessible by ferry from Crown Bay, St Thomas
Water Island is a small island in the United States Virgin Islands, an American territory located in the Caribbean Sea. It is accessible by ferry from Crown Bay in St. Thomas, which is a larger island in the same archipelago. The ferry departs from Crown Bay Marina, just in front of Tickles Restaurant, and arrives at Phillips Landing on Water Island. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
Ferries from St. Thomas to Water Island leave multiple times a day, nearly every hour from Monday to Saturday. The ferry is a small red boat with no terminal, and tickets can be purchased on board with cash only. The return ferry back to St. Thomas departs Water Island at a quarter past the hour, with the last trip of the day at 6:15 pm.
Once you arrive at Water Island, it is just a short walk from the ferry dock to Honeymoon Beach, one of the main attractions of the island. Honeymoon Beach is known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees. It is also a great place to snorkel and swim with turtles.
In addition to the ferry, it is possible to hire a private water taxi, boat tour, or charter boat to reach Water Island from St. Thomas. This option may be ideal for large groups or diving expeditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Water Island is part of the United States Virgin Islands, an American territory located in the Caribbean Sea.
Yes, Honeymoon Beach is located on Water Island.
Honeymoon Beach is owned by the United States as part of its Virgin Islands territory.
No, Water Island is not a country. It is a minor island within the United States Virgin Islands territory.
Honeymoon Beach is a popular destination for its calm, clear, and shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and wading, and snorkelling. It offers a tranquil atmosphere, beautiful white sand, and palm trees lining the shore. It is also known for its beach bars and restaurants, making it a great choice for a romantic getaway.
