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About Water Island

Water Island was acquired by the USA in 1917 from Denmark but continued to be owned by a corporation until several decades later. Since 1996, it has formed part of the US Virgin Islands, a United States territory. The island is of volcanic origin and lies to the south of Saint Thomas in the harbor of Charlotte Amalie, the capital city. Ferry service runs regularly from Crown Bay, Saint Thomas to Phillips Landing, on Water Island; the ferry ride is about 10 minutes.

At 491.5 acres (1.989 km2) in size, Water Island is the smallest of the main U.S. Virgin Islands. It is administratively a subdistrict of the St. Thomas District. Water Island is a residential island. There are fewer than 100 full time citizens on Water Island year-round. The number increases to about 200 during the Winter season, from around December to May. There are no significant commercial establishments, and for shopping, one must go to Saint Thomas. We have a grille that serves lunches every day and a quaint beach bar at Honeymoon Beach, and a small restaurant on the island that is open on occasion.   A number of homes on Water Island are available to accommodate visitors. The main attractions are beaches, including Honeymoon Beach, plantation ruins, and Fort Segarra, an underground fort partially constructed by the U.S. during World War II to protect the submarine base on St. Thomas. Many visitors also enjoy various water sports, including scuba diving at nearby Supermarket Reef in Limestone Bay, as well as other sites.

The easternmost third of the island is a gated community, Sprat Bay Estates. This includes Sprat Point, a 30 acre peninsula and nature preserve owned by the Department of Interior, and Sprat Bay Beach, located between Sprat Point and Carol Point. All beaches in the USVI are public when approached from the water.