Water Island

Water Island, covering just 491.5 acres (0.77 square miles), is the smallest of the four main US Virgin Islands and the most recent addition, having been transferred from the federal government to the territorial government in 1996, earning it the nickname 'The Fourth Virgin.' Located just half a mile south of St. Thomas in Charlotte Amalie harbor, the island is accessible via a short 10-minute ferry ride, yet feels worlds away from the bustle of its larger neighbor. Water Island's name reportedly derives from its natural ponds of fresh water that made it a valuable stopping point for European sailing ships in the 17th and 18th centuries. The island has a unique history, having been used as a defensive outpost during World War II when the U.S. military built Fort Segarra, an underground facility intended to protect the submarine base in St. Thomas, though it was never completed and now stands as a historical ruin open for exploration. In the 1950s and 1960s, the island was leased to a private developer who established the Water Island Colony Club, a small resort community, though the main hotel was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and subsequently by fire. Today, Water Island has no hotels, restaurants, or shops, only about 200 permanent residents, and a small number of vacation villas and apartments available for rent. The island's main attraction is Honeymoon Beach, a pristine crescent of white sand with clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, where a few beach concessions operate during the day offering food, drinks, and water sports equipment rentals. Carolina Point, at the western end of Honeymoon Beach, provides excellent snorkeling around rocky outcroppings. Limestone Beach on the south side offers a more secluded experience, while Phillips Landing on the east side serves as the ferry dock and provides views of St. Thomas. Despite its small size, Water Island offers several hiking and biking trails that wind through its hilly terrain, providing access to historical sites, scenic viewpoints, and Sprat Bay Beach. The island has no public transportation, with residents and visitors getting around via golf carts, the primary mode of transportation. Water Island's charm lies in its peaceful atmosphere, lack of development, and community feel, where residents gather for movie nights on the beach and other informal events. For visitors, it offers a day-trip opportunity from St. Thomas or an off-the-beaten-path accommodation option for those seeking tranquility while still having easy access to the amenities of St. Thomas.

Water Island is the kind of place most visitors to St. Thomas never hear about, and that is precisely what makes it special. Just a 10-minute ferry ride from the Crown Bay Marina in Charlotte Amalie, this half-square-mile island feels like stepping into a quieter decade. The ferry ($12 round trip) drops you at Phillips Landing on the east side, from where a single paved road winds uphill through a residential neighborhood of modest homes and vacation villas.

The main destination is Honeymoon Beach on the island's northwest side, about a 15-minute walk from the dock or a short golf cart ride. The beach is a gentle crescent of white sand with calm, clear water that is ideal for swimming, and a small concession stand operates most days serving rum punches, beer, and simple food like burgers and fish sandwiches. The snorkeling around Carolina Point, the rocky headland at the western end of Honeymoon Beach, is surprisingly good - expect to see parrotfish, sergeant majors, spotted eagle rays, and the occasional nurse shark resting under a ledge. Bring your own gear, as rentals are not always available.

From Honeymoon Beach, follow the trail south through scrubby hillside vegetation to Fort Segarra, the most intriguing historical site on the island. The US military began construction during World War II to defend the submarine base at St. Thomas, blasting tunnels and gun emplacements into the rock, but the war ended before the fort was completed. Today you can walk into the unfinished concrete tunnels - bring a flashlight and watch your footing, as the site is not maintained or lit. The tunnel complex opens to dramatic views of the harbor and Hassel Island.

For a quieter beach, continue past the fort to Limestone Beach on the south side, which sees very few visitors and has a rocky entry but excellent snorkeling once you are in the water. Sprat Bay, near the ferry dock, is a small sandy beach suitable for a quick dip while waiting for the return ferry. The island has no cars - everyone gets around by golf cart or on foot, and the total road network is about two miles. This makes Water Island ideal for families with young children or anyone who simply wants to unplug. Residents organize informal events like beach movie nights and potluck dinners, and visitors who stay in a rental villa quickly feel like part of the community. The entire island can be explored in a few hours on foot, but the pace here encourages you to slow down, plant yourself on Honeymoon Beach, and let the afternoon dissolve.