Water Island of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Written by Julie Greiner

Water Island is the oldest of the Virgin Islands and the oldest of geological formation... and the fourth largest in size of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Water Island is located approximately one-half mile off shore to the harbor of St. Thomas Island. The Island has many bays and is approximately 2 miles long. There are fresh water ponds and the highest point is about 300 feet above sea level. The Honeymoon Beach is one of the finest in the region. There is regular water taxi service which is well worth the trip. Snorkeling Along the Shore of Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, US Virgin Islands

Snorkeling Along the Shore of Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, US Virgin Islands

The airport to the island is less than 30 minutes.

Walter Phillips - Father of Water Island

Walter Phillips and his wife Floride worked side by side to develop a hotel and Water Island. Walter Phillips lived till the age of 97 on the island and was able to realize his dream of seeing the island develop into a community supported by permanent residents. The hotel is presently closed, but the beaches are among the finest in the Virgin Islands. Walter Phillips was honored at the Transfer Day Ceremony as the oldest resident amid some 100 permanent residents and was presented with the first Virgin Islands Flag ever flown over Water Island. In the early 1950's Walter leased the entire uninhabited island from the Department of Interior with the promise of developing a permanent community. Walter died while taking his daily swim on Honeymoon Beach at the age of 97 after Walking on the Beach of Water Island, US Virgin Islands

Walking on the Beach of Water Island, US Virgin Islands

realizing his dream.

Eel Grass, Nesting Turtles and Honeymoon Beach

Boating is discouraged in Honeymoon Bay to protect the endangered Eel Grass. On the south shore beaches, nesting turtles lay eggs. For the preservation of the species - there are no lights permitted on the south side of the island and the land is set aside for a preserve for the nesting turtles. The island was used as a military site between the World Wars and the buildings have mostly been converted to private homes. Buried pirate treasure was discovered on the island in 1895 and Fort Segarra offers nature walks rated among the best. Sprat Beach offers good swimming and Honeymoon Beach is famous for its great swimming conditions.

Taino Indians of Water Island in the US Virgin Islands

It is not known who the first white persons were to inhabit Water Island, however Taino Indians inhabited Water Island some 500 years ago. In 1934 excavation work uncovered ruminants of the Indian camps. There are four known Taino Indian campsites on the Island. Water Island gained its name because it was one of the few places in the Caribbean with fresh water ponds. For relaxing nature walks, a refreshing swim and afternoon on a beautiful beach - Water Island awaits your visit.