Sure, I've been to Water Island. The ferry departs from the Crown Bay Marina. I don't know what you mean by "worth going."

I don't know what you mean by "worth going" either but I've got a home there and feel its a wonderful place. There's Honeymoon Beach (a quick walk from the ferry landing), Heidi Honeymoon Grill on the weekends and a miniature version during the weekdays (both at the beach), Pirate's ridge is up the path from the beach and they offer a bar, pizza, deli, and convenience store. You can walk (wear proper shoes & take a flashlight) to Ft. Segarro which is really cool inside and out. If you're just going for the day, these activities are what I'd suggest. Heidi also has Drive-in Movie on Monday night at the beach. Huge movie screen strung between coconut palm trees - they serve popcorn, drinks, etc. But, don't think the ferry runs that late so you'd have to arrange for "Special Run" or your own boat transporation back to STT. Otherwise, ferry service runs regular schedule all day leaving out of Crown Bay. Go to Tickles. Ferry is adjacent to Tickles, first slip by seawall. (it supports WI residents, school children, as well as visitors).

Sorry --- guess its southern speak --- worth going to me simply means are there things to see and do. My hubby and I are just looking for a nice day on an uncrowded beach surrounded by beautiful scenery. Sounds like Water Is. is the place to go. Thanks.

Linda - I did not understand why they did not get it either - but you must have nailed it re: Southern Speak. Be sure and fill your tote bag with snorkles and such. And if you do a wake board, I hope you don't tump over.

Would also recommend taking the Water Island Adventure Tour, this is a bike tour that starts at Ft. Segarro and ends at Honeymoon Beach, we had a great time on this tour. Here's a link to thier web site http://www.waterislandadventures.com/tour.php

Might be a dumb question, but where is Water Island?

crickett : )

Not dumb at all. You can get details from the pull down menu above. It is just South of STT. You can just see the tip from CA (looking past Hassel Island) but it is easily seen airport on approach to the airport from the air (RH side).

Sounds like a great place. It says it's the newest VI... is it officially the 4th USVI now?

crickett : )

Yes, WI is officially the fourth USVI.

Well thank you and now I know I've been living in Canada too long not having known that.

crickett : )

NO. Don't waste your time on water island. The only real beach, Honeymoon Beach" is not half as beutiful as the beaches on St. John or St. Thomas and the snorkeling wasn't worth it either.

Little Fishy, respect your opinion and I'm sure you respect mine as well. Water Island is as unique as all the rest USVI. Sprat Bay, also on WI, and Honeymoon beaches are beautiful with great swimming & snorkeling. There are a lot of families and other fun seekers that have found it to be a wonderful place for vacation. If you're interested in night clubbing and non-stop action, then WI is not for you. Each island offers its own charms - and each visitor has the freedom to choose which island is best for their needs and desires.

As the transfer from Dept. of Interior to USVI has been completed and the grand opening of Crown Bay for cruise ships (WI overlooks Crown Bay), I think Water Island will gradually become more popular. Though, I never expect WI to be the "vacation destination" like STT or STJ. That's ok. Each island cannot be 'all things to all people'.

On WI, more villas are being built or refurbished and offered for vacation rentals. Pirate's Ridge is growing to accomodate more fun (From convenience store/deli to outdoor patio/bar and all-u-can-eat pizza night). Heidi is offering not only her famous gourmet dinners on Sat. night and lunches on Sat. & Sun. but just this season has started "Drive-in Movie" at Honeymoon Beach on Monday nights with popcorn, candy, and drinks with a movie (screen is hung between cocount palms). I was there in mid-November and "Meet the Fockers" was showing. There's a funny rumor that she's planning a showing of JAWS - and they're going to turn the screen around and have people sit in their beach chairs in the edge of the water! (smile) And, there's the new mini-grill on weekdays that serves breakfast @ Philips Landing in the a.m. and hot dogs/sandwiches, etc. on the beach. This, in addition to the natural beauty of the island, the bike tour, Ft. Segarro, etc., will continue to attract people to Water Island. And, who knows, maybe someone else will try it out and fall in love with it as I have.

Thank you Rojako. I too feel the same about the islands. Each one has something different and unique to offer. We have been to St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, and the BVIs. When we heard about WI -- we thought we would like to check it out. We are looking for a nice day hanging out together on the beach. We will definitely give it a try next week. Thanks .. and Merry Christmas to you.

It just really depends on what you want to do. There isn't a whole lot going on on Water Island, but I like to go there whenever I can. Honeymoon beach is much nicer than the beaches on STT, but not as nice as the beaches on STJ. The ferry is also more expensive even though the trip is much shorter. I think it runs every two hours or so. Be prepared to walk wherever you plan to go. It's a very small island. Very. Honeymoon beach is up the hill from the ferry and then back down another hill. You'll see it. The store/deli is beyond Honeymoon beach and up another hill. The people who own and run it are very friendly and have a can tell you anything you want to know about the island. Don't expect a taxi at the ferry dock on Water Island because there won't be one. You'll pretty much be on your own, but it's definitely worth an afternoon. Have fun.

What happened to the hotel on Water Island? I stayed there in 1987-1988 and found the island to be beautiful and peaceful. We are considering visting again and it looks like only homes or villas are available for rent.

The hotel succumbed to Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Thanks for all of the great info on Water Island. We went there last Tuesday and had a blast. There were 6 cruise ships in STT that day -- so we decided to get away. Honeymoon Beach is lovely -- and very quiet. I recommend this to anyone looking for a nice down day!

Anyone know of a house for rent from June 1 to Aug 31, I will be working in ST Thomas this summer and want to stay on the beautiful Water Island! Thanks