Water Island: The Best-Kept Secret of St. Thomas
There’s a little gem tucked just off the coast of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands—a place where time slows down, where the ferry ride itself feels like an exhale, and where life is measured in swims, sunsets, and rum punches. That place is Water Island.
I’ve traveled to plenty of incredible destinations, but this tiny island remains one of my absolute favorites. Not because of famous landmarks or packed itineraries, but because of how it made me feel—peaceful, present, and deeply connected to the water.
Getting There: A Short Ferry, A World Away
From St. Thomas’s Crown Bay Marina, it’s just a quick ferry ride across the harbor to Water Island. The ride lasts only about 10 minutes, but the difference is immediate. Fewer cars, fewer crowds, more sky, more ocean.
Where to Stay: Camping by the Sea
Instead of a big resort, I stayed at the laid-back Water Island Campground, where canvas cottages and tents perch above the water with million-dollar views. Waking up with the sunrise painting the bay pink, listening to roosters crow and waves lap below—it’s the kind of simple luxury that makes you forget about hotel lobbies and room service.
Honeymoon Beach: Drinks, Sunsets, and Slow Days
The heart of the island is Honeymoon Beach, where two little beach bars—Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill and Dinghy’s Beach Bar—keep everyone well-fed and well-hydrated. Picture toes in the sand, reggae floating through the air, a Painkiller cocktail in your hand, and nothing on your to-do list except a swim before sunset.
Sailing and Snorkeling with Turtles
One of the highlights of my trip was a sailing excursion out into the bay. The captain anchored in a quiet cove, and I slipped into the water to find myself face-to-face with sea turtles grazing on seagrass below. Floating at the surface, watching these graceful creatures in their own world, I felt like there was nowhere else on Earth I’d rather be.
A Day Trip to St. John
Water Island is tiny—you can walk it in an afternoon—so hopping over to explore nearby St. John makes for the perfect day trip. The ferry from St. Thomas takes you straight to Cruz Bay, where you can rent a jeep or catch a taxi to explore the pristine beaches of Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, or hike through the Virgin Islands National Park. Then head back to the quiet calm of Water Island just in time for another barefoot sunset.
Why Water Island Stays With You
This trip wasn’t about checking off landmarks or sightseeing from dawn to dusk. It was about the opposite: slowing down, being still, floating in turquoise water, and realizing that’s enough. Go with friends, bring family, or even go alone if that’s what you need. There’s something healing about being surrounded by nothing but ocean, sky, and the simple joy of living slow.
If you’re looking for your next escape—whether it’s a Caribbean camping adventure, a solo retreat, or just a place to reconnect with yourself—Water Island is calling.
✨ Ready to plan your Virgin Islands adventure? Let’s talk about creating your perfect island escape.
