Water Island at a glance
Water Island is its own island in the US Virgin Islands, just off the south coast of St. Thomas. It is not a beach on St. Thomas, and you need a boat to reach it. The ferry crosses from Crown Bay Marina to Phillips Landing on Water Island. The trip takes about 10 minutes.
The marina is the departure point, not the cruise pier. Look for the ferry in front of Tickles Dockside Restaurant. Honeymoon Beach is the main reason visitors come, and it is within walking distance of the landing.
Ferry fares
Visitor fares valid since February 1, 2025, published by the ferry operator.
| Passenger | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, visitor | $10 | $20 |
| Child, visitor | $5 | $10 |
| Adult, resident with current local ID | $6 | $12 |
| Child, resident | $3 | $6 |
| Small suitcase, per direction | $2 | – |
| Large suitcase, per direction | $3 | – |
| Oversized item, per direction | From $5 | – |
The operator asks you to check the child age limit with the crew, so do not assume the age range of the St. John ferry. Bags travel subject to space. Bring cash to be safe, because an official travel article says fares are paid in cash to the captain, and the operator sells tickets in the marina shop or from the crew.
Our picks: Water Island
Two boat trips that stop at Water Island.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Snorkeling and boating trip from Yacht Haven Grande
All fees, snorkel gear, soft drinks, water and beer are included. The tip is extra (the crew suggests 20 to 22 percent), and stops depend on the weather.
Check availability →
Tug boat tour with a Water Island stop
A licensed captain, fuel, an open bar with beer, soft drinks, water and rum, and snorkel gear are included. Food and drinks at Lime Out cost extra.
Check availability →Water Island and beach trips from St. Thomas
Boat trips, snorkeling and beach days around St. Thomas and nearby islands, with live prices and availability.
Ferry times
Boats leave about every hour. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before departure. No reservation is needed.
| Day | From Crown Bay Marina | From Water Island |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, hourly | 8:15 am to 6:15 pm, hourly |
| Monday to Friday, extra early run | 7:00 am | 7:15 am |
| Sunday and selected holidays | 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, hourly | 9:15 am to 6:15 pm, hourly |
The listed holidays are Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Good Friday. Special or evening runs are possible only by arrangement. The operator's pages differ slightly on the first Sunday run, one showing 9:00 am and the FAQ showing 8:00 am, so plan around 9:00 and confirm at the dock.
Honeymoon Beach
Honeymoon Beach is within walking distance of the ferry landing. Chairs, umbrellas and water sports can be rented at Dinghy's. Ask there or at the landing about fees and how long the walk takes.
Do not mix it up with Honeymoon Beach on St. John, which is a different beach in the national park. Bring snorkel gear if you plan to swim. For reef protection, the USVI ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene. Choose mineral, non-nano sunscreen and check the ingredients.
- The territory tests beach water weekly. A warning was posted for Honeymoon Beach on September 18, 2026.
- The test of October 16, 2026 showed 41 enterococci per 100 ml, below the threshold of 70.
- One week's result says nothing about the next week, and rain runoff, sargassum, discolored water or a bad smell are reasons to stay out.
Planning a Water Island day
A short trip that fits half a day.
Getting to the marina
The ferry leaves from Crown Bay Marina. A taxi can bring you there from town or from the piers, and the cruise port guide lists the fares.
Parking
If you drive, ask about marina parking when you arrive.
What to bring
Cash for the ferry, your own towels, water and mineral sunscreen. Rentals at the beach cover chairs and water sports.
The way back
Check the last boat on the day you travel. Time the return with your flight or ship, and keep a margin.
Combine with a town visit
Charlotte Amalie is the nearest town. The town guide lists Fort Christian, the 99 Steps and shopping for the rest of the day.
Another island day
For a full day, the St. John guide covers the longer ferry trip and Trunk Bay.
More St. Thomas guides
Other places to spend a day.
Water Island: frequently asked questions
Where does the Water Island ferry leave from?
From Crown Bay Marina in front of Tickles Dockside Restaurant, going to Phillips Landing. It does not leave from the cruise pier itself.
How much is the ferry to Water Island?
Visitors pay $10 one way and $20 round trip for adults, and $5 or $10 for children. Local residents with current ID pay $6 or $12 and children $3 or $6. These are the fares since February 1, 2025.
How often does the ferry run?
Hourly. On Monday to Saturday the first boat to the island is at 8:00 am, with an extra 7:00 am run on weekdays. On Sundays and selected holidays the first boat is listed at 9:00 am.
Do I need a reservation?
No. The operator says you do not need to reserve. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before departure and bring cash.
What do bags cost on the Water Island ferry?
A small suitcase costs $2 and a large one $3 per direction, and oversized items start at $5, all subject to space on the boat.
When is the last ferry back from Water Island?
The last boat from the island is listed at 6:15 pm every day, including Sundays and selected holidays. Check the timetable on the day, since special runs are only by arrangement.
Is Honeymoon Beach on Water Island the same as Honeymoon Beach on St. John?
No, these are two different beaches. The Water Island beach is within walking distance of the ferry landing.