Honeymoon BeachUnited States Virgin Islands Beach Guide
Ferry-only escape on Water Island's quiet shore
About
Honeymoon Beach sits on Water Island — the fourth-largest of the US Virgin Islands — and earns its romantic name with turquoise water and a quiet pace that most of Saint Thomas never sees. Getting here requires a short ferry hop from Crown Bay Marina, which means the beach stays genuinely calm even when the rest of the island is busy. There are no roads, no cars, and no traffic noise: just the sound of water and the occasional clink from the single beach bar. The setting is as stripped-back as Caribbean beaches get, and that simplicity is exactly the point.
How to get there
Honeymoon Beach is reachable by ferry only — catch the seasonal service from Crown Bay Marina on Saint Thomas for a roughly 10-minute crossing to Water Island. There is no road access and no vehicle infrastructure on the island whatsoever, so leave your car at Crown Bay Marina on Saint Thomas before boarding. Confirm the current ferry schedule before you go, and make a note of the last departure back — missing it is a real risk.
Who it's for
For couples
The ferry-only access and car-free setting create a natural sense of escape that makes Honeymoon Beach a genuinely romantic choice — the name isn't accidental. A drink at the single beach bar with turquoise water in front of you and no road noise behind you is hard to beat for a quiet afternoon together.
For families
The calm, safe swimming water is reassuring for families with younger children, and the short 10-minute ferry ride from Crown Bay Marina feels like an adventure without being demanding. Just plan carefully around the ferry schedule and pack snacks and sunscreen — facilities on the island are limited.
Our take
Swimming is safe, the water is turquoise, and the beach stays quiet because the ferry keeps casual daytrippers to a manageable number. That ferry is also the one thing that can ruin your day if you ignore it — confirm the last departure time before you spread out your towel, full stop. The car-free island setting is the real draw here: Water Island has no road infrastructure, which means no noise, no fumes, and a pace that feels genuinely removed from Saint Thomas. Skip the August-to-October window unless you enjoy uncertainty about whether the boat is running at all. Come in the dry season, bring your own supplies, and treat the crossing as part of the experience rather than an inconvenience. For a romantic beach day in the USVI that doesn't require a long sail or a resort wristband, this is a strong choice.
What to do
Water Island itself rewards a short wander beyond the sand: the Fort Segarra Tunnel Entrance is roughly 0.8 km away and offers a glimpse into the island's WWII fortification history. A little further along, the quirky Tree of Lost Soles at around 1.1 km is one of those offbeat landmarks that earns its own detour. Back on Saint Thomas, the Charlotte Amalie Historic District — about 4 km from the ferry departure point — delivers Fort Christian and duty-free shopping if you want a cultural counterpoint to the beach day.
The view from the water as the ferry approaches — a sandy shore backed by green hills with no buildings in sight — is one of the cleanest frames on the island.
Shoot the single beach bar from the sand side with turquoise water in the foreground for a shot that captures the stripped-back Caribbean vibe. The Fort Segarra Tunnel Entrance at 0.8 km adds a moody, textured contrast to the bright beach shots if you're willing to walk.
Where to eat
The single beach bar on-site is the obvious first stop for a drink after the crossing. On Saint Thomas near Crown Bay, several dining options are within easy reach of the marina — all reasonable choices for a meal before or after your ferry.
Where to stay
The nearest hotels are all clustered around 2.4 km from the beach on Saint Thomas: Island Beachcomber Hotel, Emerald Beach Resort, and Carib Beach Resort each put you close to Crown Bay Marina, making the morning ferry straightforward. None of them are on Water Island itself — overnight stays on the island are not documented.
Photography
Shoot from the waterline in the early morning when the turquoise water is glassy and the sand catches soft directional light before the sun climbs high. The ferry approach to Water Island also gives a clean wide-angle frame of the beach from the water — have your camera ready as you come in to dock.
Good to know
No vehicles are permitted on Water Island at all, so pack light and carry everything you need for the day. The ferry schedule is limited and seasonal; always check the last boat time before you settle in — stranded visitors have missed the final crossing. Facilities are minimal, so bring your own water and sunscreen rather than counting on resupply. Avoid visiting in August, September, or October when hurricane season can suspend ferry service entirely.
Map
Nearby places
Fort Segarra Tunnel Entrance
Tree of Lost Soles
Things to see around Water Island
Water Island
The fourth-largest USVI island, with hiking trails and historic WWII fortifications.
Crown Bay Marina
Marina and cruise ship dock on Saint Thomas, departure point for Water Island ferry.
Charlotte Amalie Historic District
Danish colonial town with Fort Christian and duty-free shopping.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Clinton & Charles Robertson from RAF Lakenheath, UK & San Marcos, TX,… · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 2 — Herkie · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 3 — Herkie · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — Jim Wilkinson · source · Public Domain