Peaceful days. Starry romantic nights. Palm tree lined sandy beaches. This has to be paradise!
Water Island is the fourth and smallest main island of the U.S. Virgin Islands, or, the last virgin. At a mere 491 acres Water Island has the look and feel of a private island. With a summertime population of about 100 people and a wintertime population of approximately 200 people, you never get the feeling of being crowded.
The tiny roads, many in disrepair, are very narrow. You can use a car but the preferred vehicle is a golf cart. It sure helps with the price of gas these days. When you are out and about it is unusual to see 2 or more other golf carts on the road at the same time.
The main attraction for both the handful of full time residents and visitors is Honeymoon Beach. This man-made 1/4 mile white stretch of white sandy beach is perfect for laying in the sun, snorkeling or just floating in the crystal clear blue water. Don't be surprised if you arrive at the beach and find you have it all to yourself. You can sit on the beach and watch fish jump and Pelicans dive and you will feel like you do not have a care in the world
Some of the homeowners rent their homes out when they are off island to accommodate visitors. The visitors sometimes call it "The Great Escape". The beautiful flowers and wildlife, friendly Iguanas, and colorful Bananaquit birds, give you that true "I'm in Paradise" feeling. It is common for first time visitors to return year after year.
Although the only commercial establishments on Water Island are a lunch wagon that serves lunch at Honeymoon Beach every day and dinner on Saturday nights, a small beach bar with tropical concoctions and a small restaurant that is open occasionally, no one seems to mind. All supplies must be brought over from nearby St. Thomas.
Transportation to and from the island is by either private boat or the regularly scheduled small ferry. If larger items, such as cars and appliances have to be brought over, barge service is available.
If you are looking for Real Estate on Water Island the pickings are slim but there are always several houses and lots of land for sale. When a property goes on the market it is usually snatched up fairly quickly.
The island remains largely uncommercialized and is maintained by members of the Water Island Civic Association (WICA) and residents along with intermittent assistance from the Virgin Islands' government.
Water Island was used by the U.S. Government in the 1940s when they partially constructed an underground fort, Fort Segarra, as part of the U.S. defenses during WWII. The site sits abandoned today but many visitors climb the steps of the lookout post to enjoy the panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Administrative control of Water Island was turned over from the federal government to the territorial government on December 12, 1996, making Water Island the "Last Virgin". In following years the Department of Interior started transferring land, for a price of course, to the long-time residential leaseholders.
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