Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Water Island

    4.5 (11 reviews)

    Water Island Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Water Island

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Awesome place $10cash RT pp.
    Christine M.

    Loved this place - driver Jeff was friendly and helpful. Easy water taxi $10pp RT to the beach ... Food at Dinghy's - And rent snorkel gear buy the hour ... they have other items too. Cash only as credit card didn't work due to hurricane Free beach chair

    Trina K.

    We really enjoyed our visit to this residential island which is the smallest of the fourth island to make up the US Virgin Islands. In 1944, the U.S. purchased Water Island from Denmark for $10,000 to protect the submarine base on Saint Thomas during World War II. In 1948, the US Army used sections of Water Island to test chemical warfare agents including predecessors of Agent Orange. A few years later, it was leased to residential tenants and later (1996) fully developed the island to deal with the chronic shortages in St. Thomas. St. Thomas is a ten minute water taxi ride away. Board in St. Thomas at Crown Bay Marina. Dinghy's Bar offers a free shuttle from the Water Island water taxi drop off to Honeymoon Beach which offers super clean water, lots of turtles, beautiful fish and a relaxing place to enjoy the sun. Chairs and restrooms are available for patrons. Kayaks, snorkeling gear and floaters are available for rent. Definitely worth the $10 roundtrip taxi ride. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

    Rebecca M.

    This is a nice little private island. It's not commercialized or a tourist trap. Our small tour boat pulled up and we had to get into the water about 4 feet deep since there was no dock in sight. I'm not sure how other tour boats do it.

    View from Phillips Landing on water island #USVI
    Berneta A.

    So let me share with you our routine in going to water island, and for those of you that are tourists on vacation this will help and save time. If you have a car you're going to have to get a permit to park at crown bay at the marina office which is right across of AT&T above the pet supply store. Don't try to park there without one security is fierce in this parking lot. It's $5 in cash and you'll need to only know the make and model of your car. Drive to the end of the marina first for this then go to the parking area for water island visitors which is the first unpaved lot on the right upon entering. If there is no parking ask the security officer at the front and they will assist you in making one up. The ferry departs on time folks, get in line 15 minutes early to ensure you get on. It only take 30 people so you might have to wait for the next one if they are full. Hubby and I typically have breakfast at Tickles (which is where the ferry docks)while we wait, if you let them know you're on a schedule because of the ferry they'll rush your food . Make sure you have cash because the ferry only takes cash and your pay for your ticket when you get on board. it's $5 each way and you'll have to pay for your return ticket in advanced and get a card to show the crew to board on the way back. The ferry isn't anything fancy but it is a very scenic 10 minute ride over to water Island. If it's your first time on the island I highly recommend renting a golf cart from Rachels. There will be a representative at the ferry dock. If not walk up the hill and the golf cart rental place is on the right. It's $40 in cash to rent all day and is a fun way to explore all parts of the island. There is a free shuttle from the ferry to Honeymoon beach but the drive along the east side looking at St. Thomas and buck island is absolutely gorgeous and the 360 view from the bunker/ fort is out of this world. But the biggest attraction on Water island is Honemoon beach and Dinghys restaurant and bar. Honeymoon beach has some of the friendliest fish I've seen. They literally come up and hang out with you. Although the Phillips Landing area where the ferry docks next to the overturned boat has some great sea life. For the return trip back try to get to the dock 15 minutes to a half an hour early especially for the 5pm or 6pm runs back, they are typically very full. Overall I love the friendly vibe of water island. Everyone will wave at you in passing golf carts, stop to help you find your way or explain parts of the island. Such a different hospitality feel than St. Thomas. We try to go every month and this is a must see if you're visiting usvi!

    Ash S.

    Acquired in the 90's by the US, Water Island is the 4th of the USVIs. It has two main beaches, Limestone and Honeymoon. Limestone is a shell beach not really for swimming or hanging on the beach. Honeymoon is a great beach to swim, snorkel and sunbath. The island has a fort which itself has 360 view of the area which is pretty amazing. I would recommend renting a golf cart if you want to check out the island, otherwise just hop a taxi down to Honeymoon Beach. We enjoyed our day here!

    Water taxi
    Brandi R.

    We took the water ferry ($30 for my hubby and I and two kids under 13) from Crown Marina. Rented a golf cart from Rachel's for $40 and explored the island. This was overrated and in hindsight should have just taken the free shuttle to Honeymoon beach. The golf carts are run down and the island doesn't have much to see. We hiked to Limestone beach. It was very dirty and stinky, lots of trash and the beach was rocky...not a place you would spend the day. We ate lunch at Heide's. The fish tacos, pasta salad and burger were delicious. No charge to rest in the shade of the palm frond umbrellas.

    The best excursion cruise!!

    See all

    Photo of Julie U.
    114
    39
    76

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Trina K.
    110
    1260
    3880

    10 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 63
    Thanks 1
    Love this 67
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ash S.
    8
    255
    432

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Review Highlights - Water Island

    There is a free shuttle from the ferry to Honeymoon beach but the drive along the east side looking at St.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Beaches 330 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Buck Island Reef - White sand and turquoise waters

    Buck Island Reef

    4.7(3 reviews)
    68.6 km

    The. Bestest. Beach. Ever. My favorite out of the whole US Virigin Islands. The water was soooo…read moreblue, all shades of blue. It was so pretty and super clear and I wanted to drink it, haha! That's how refreshing and appealing it was to the eyes. The sand was so soft and white. It was paradise. Be forewarned as the only way to get to this secluded island is by a boat licensed to come there. You can either come here full or half day and prices range from $75-100. Money well spent. I can't stop raving enough about this beach and island. The beach is called Turtle Beach and the island itself is Buck. It was not crowded and there were only 6 of us on the island. I loved it, and definitely encourage anyone to put this on their bucket list as it has made my top ten beaches of forever and a lifetime! Go!

    This is a very solid 4 stars. The water was exceptionally clear when I visited; really outstanding…read moreon this dimension. Density of marine life was good to excellent, especially near the outer part of the reef. Variety was good. Water is fairly shallow. Perhaps five meters at the deepest point that I visited and mostly much less. But the water was also choppy that day, and the coral made navigation a bit tricky in spots, even swimming on the surface. The reef is in recovery mode, with some very healthy looking coral but also lots of dead coral. So, not five stars but still very, very enjoyable. Definitely worth the expense of visiting Buck Island. If you are already on St Croix, this is a must if you like snorkeling. If you are thinking of visiting St Croix for snorkeling, then you should, and you should come here.

    Photos
    Buck Island Reef - Turtle Beach

    Turtle Beach

    Buck Island Reef

    See all

    Magens Bay - Happy Nee Year 2026

    Magens Bay

    4.2(279 reviews)
    6.2 km

    Magens Bay , a place so beautiful it feels like a Caribbean postcard come to life…read more This famous crescent beach on Saint Thomas stretches nearly three-quarters of a mile, tucked between green hills that naturally block the Atlantic swells. That's why the water is so unbelievably calm and clear the kind of crystal blue where you can watch fish glide beneath you while you float or stretch out in the sun. But there's a little history beneath all that beauty. Centuries ago the Taíno people lived along these shores, and legend says the notorious sea rogue Sir Francis Drake once used this peaceful bay to hide ships while waiting to ambush Spanish treasure fleets sailing through the Caribbean. Today it remains protected as a public park a perfect curve of white sand and glassy turquoise water where travelers come to swim, sunbathe, and for a moment... live the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

    We didn't realize you had to pay to enter. $7 per person plus $2 for parking. We only planned on…read morestaying an hour or so but still paid so we could see the beach. We walked from one end to the other which was a nice way to people watch and enjoy the white sand and blue water. We were there on a Sunday and it was crowded. Parking was easy to find. It was quite lovely. The water was calm. Wish we would have had more time to swim and relax here.

    Photos
    Magens Bay - Busy here but plenty of room in the water.

    Busy here but plenty of room in the water.

    Magens Bay - Substation transformer

    Substation transformer

    Magens Bay - My fiancé and daughter at the beach

    See all

    My fiancé and daughter at the beach

    Brewers Bay Beach - Beach

    Brewers Bay Beach

    4.5(21 reviews)
    3.9 km

    I live here on st Thomas and this is probably my number 1 beach. It has great snorkeling, and has a…read morelittle something for everyone, in the middle of the beach is great for just sitting in the water or on the beach as there are not many rocks. The left has big rock as and coral all along in the water where you can find octopus, crabs, fish, stingrays. If you are more adapt at snorkeling you can go out towards the left and past the university dock and there is some great snorkeling there with sea cucumbers, giant pufferfish, eagle rays, some have reported lion fish over in that area even. The right of the beach is filled with rocks, coral and sea glass on the sand. I will leave some photos of all the creatures Ive got on my GoPro. Also tons of sea turtles

    Exceptional out of the way beach with a local vibe…read more What we loved: * accessible from the terminus Jitney cab university stop (just a short walk up over a hill) * shaded areas to put out your towels * clear calm water perfect for snorkeling * bathrooms with shower to rinse off * cool handmade signs to promote maintaining the environment Loved visiting Brewers Bay Beach which felt clean safe and family friendly. We felt 100% safe leaving our backpack on the shore while snorkeling and swimming. Saw plenty of fish! There were food trucks as well as a kayak rental option but we did not partake of either.

    Photos
    Brewers Bay Beach - There are some ruins nearby, just a ways down from the beach area

    There are some ruins nearby, just a ways down from the beach area

    Brewers Bay Beach - Beach

    Beach

    Brewers Bay Beach - Brewers bay beach

    See all

    Brewers bay beach

    Balneario La Monserrate

    Balneario La Monserrate

    4.4(159 reviews)
    74.5 km

    A favorite beach for families and tourists alike! The sand is soft, the water is calm and safe for…read moreswimming, and the area is very well-kept. The bathrooms and showers are super clean, and there are lifeguards on duty for extra safety. Parking is convenient, and it's right next to the famous Luquillo Kiosks, where you can enjoy delicious local food after the beach. A perfect place to spend the day in Puerto Rico!

    It was our last full day in Puerto Rico, and we really wanted to have a great beach day. To use…read morethis beach, you have to go through a gated entrance and pay four dollars to park. From that point on, it doesn't cost you anything unless you choose to spend money. It's a short walk from the parking lot to the beach. We had gotten there early, and decided to rent an umbrella and a pair of lounge chairs, which cost us $35 for the day. Considering we ended up spending nearly 7 hours on the beach, it was definitely worth the purchase price. The beach is gorgeous, and the water is rock free. It did get quite busy, but we actually enjoyed the people watching. There are vendors that walk up and down the beach, selling ice, creams and drinks, but there are also little Kioskos on the property that you can walk to easily to order hot food. At the one we visited, we got delicious slushy's, Pinchos, and empanadillas that were all delicious. We had a great time, and would absolutely go back in a heartbeat! When you leave the gated parking lot, you are literally around the corner from the Luquillo kioskos if you want to hit them up for shopping or dinner after your beach day. Makes things super convenient!

    Photos
    Balneario La Monserrate - Lunch!

    Lunch!

    Balneario La Monserrate
    Balneario La Monserrate - Beautiful beach

    See all

    Beautiful beach

    Limestone Beach

    Limestone Beach

    3.0(2 reviews)
    0.9 km

    Ok yes I gave this beach 3 stars and it's because you can't really enjoy the sand or water. Which…read moreis what a beach is. The sandy area is comprised of broken down coral reefs and is very, very, very rocky. It's best to come down here in reef walkers ( and you'll be happy that you're wearing them for the five minute forest hike down). Additionally there are no facilities like other usvi beaches. I also have a rule that what you see on shore is what you'll get in the water, which is coral + sea Urchins so watch your step. I've also been told by locals that there is a crazy rip tide out there so don't attempt snorkeling unless you are very experienced. Because this is a very secluded area there is a lot of wildlife and beautiful monarch butterflies will accompany you down to the water area. And when the tide isn't in you'll be able to see a fish or two in the tide pools. Unfortunately this year had ALOT of seaweed float into this bay so it's kind of gross. In my photos it's the brown parts that look like floating poop. Another reason not to go into the water If you want a normal beach this isn't the place for you. Go across the island to honeymoon beach. If you want to explore this beach for treasure and beautiful shells (which are illegal to remove) come here. #St.Thomas #USVI

    Cool little beach. It's a shell beach and not one for laying out or even really swimming. But if…read moreyou're looking for some cool shells (even though it's strong discouraged from removing shells) it's a nice spot. You have to park by the campground and then hike down to the beach. It is really pretty and we enjoyed visiting it. It reminded me of a secluded hideaway. Kids enjoyed it.

    Photos
    Limestone Beach
    Limestone Beach
    Limestone Beach

    See all

    Sapphire Beach - SAPPHIRE BEACH

    Sapphire Beach

    4.1(61 reviews)
    11.2 km

    Sapphire Beach is stunning! Come for the sunset and you'll definitely end up staying. Soft light,…read moreblue water, with easy, breezy island energy. There's parking right by the beach followed by a beautiful walk through the cabanas that sets such a peaceful tone. The event space is dreamy! Open, airy, and perfectly placed. Once you step onto the sand the water is clear, glowing blue. Simple, stunning, and a really nice place to unwind.

    Listen, not all beaches are created equal. Some are crowded, loud, filled with people wearing hats…read moretoo big for their heads and taking selfies like it's an Olympic sport. Sapphire Beach? That's a whole different animal. This is where I first stumbled back when I was younger, fresh off a cruise ship that still somehow catered to humans with actual careers and social skills. We're talking a mix of doctors, nurses, librarians, accountants basically a bunch of people who could've handled a cocktail conversation without spilling it on the floor. Somehow, we all crammed into a cab together like a weird, classy, floating circus and headed into paradise. From the first step onto the sand, it was like sneaking into a secret club. Quiet, but not dead alive in that off-the-beaten-path, slightly dangerous way that makes your heart race. And just to make sure I was awake, an iguana ran across my path like it had a personal vendetta against my shoes. Almost had a heart attack, but then I laughed because that's the thing about Sapphire: it keeps you on your toes. It doesn't apologize for being beautiful. It doesn't care if you're clumsy. You just show up, and it rewards you. The people you meet here are the kind of humans that make you feel like life is actually interesting. A local guy struck up a conversation, telling stories I'm pretty sure he made up, but I didn't care he had charm, he had laughter, he had a way of making the sun shine brighter. You can sip a drink, let the waves tickle your toes, and feel like you're part of some romantic, slightly naughty adventure. This is not a beach where you're polite and reserved. No, this is where you can be foolish, wild, flirt with danger a little, maybe even flirt with the cute stranger who's laughing too loud nearby. I've been back to St. Thomas a handful of times since that first visit. I've done tours, cruised other islands, seen a million beaches but none hit like Sapphire. It's my private playground, where you can act like a bad boy, a romantic, a reckless genius, all while the ocean hums in approval. And the best part? You don't have to shout to be noticed. You just exist there, and somehow that's enough. So here's the takeaway: take a cab with strangers, meet a few locals, sip something dangerously strong, and let the beach do the rest. You'll leave with sand in your shoes, a tan line on your soul, and a story that sounds like it belongs in a movie. Sapphire Beach isn't just a beach. It's adventure, romance, comedy, and a little bit of crime all rolled into one glorious, sun-drenched package. It's my kind of bad, my kind of fun, and if you listen closely, you might just hear it whispering your name too.

    Photos
    Sapphire Beach
    Sapphire Beach - Beach

    Beach

    Sapphire Beach - Beach

    See all

    Beach

    Water Island - beaches - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...