Water Island – Tropical Paradise
By Jim Wilkinson on October 15, 2009
Quiet days. Quiet nights. Beautiful, uncrowded, sandy beaches. It does not get much better than this!
The fourth and smallest main island of the U.S. Virgin Islands is Water Island or, what has been called “the last virgin”. Water Island is small, only 491 acres. It has the look and feel of a very private island. In the summer full time residents number about 100. In the winter the number swells to 200!
A traffic jam consists of two or three golf carts being on the road at the same time. The roads are not in great shape and are only about 12 feet wide. That is why golf carts are the main mode of transportation.
Honeymoon Beach is the main attraction for both the handful of full time residents and visitors. The 1/4 mile white stretch of sand is perfect for laying in the sun, snorkeling or just floating in the crystal clear blue water. It is not uncommon to arrive at the beach and be the only ones there. Sitting on the beach and watching the fish jump and the Pelicans dive help relieve any stress you might have brought with you.
Some of the homeowners rent their homes out when they are off island to accommodate visitors. The visitors usually fall instantly in love with the island. The beautiful flowers, cactus, and trees along with friendly Iguanas and colorful Bananaquit birds, help to cement that tropical paradise feeling. Many visitors return year after year after their first visit. It is not uncommon for a visitor to become a resident after some time.
If you are looking for a lot of tourist shops and fancy restaurants you will not find them on Water Island. There is a little bit of commerce, a lunch wagon on the beach every day and on Saturday nights, a quaint little beach bar serving up libations and a small restaurant that is sometimes open. If you want supplies you have to transport them from 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.
There is a limited number of houses on Water Island and when one comes up for sale it usually sells very quickly. There are some building lots available and there has been some new construction over the last several years.
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.
The island was used by the U.S. Government in the 40’s at the start of World War II. The US Government partially constructed an underground fort, Fort Segarra, as part of the U.S. defenses during WWII. The site is empty now but the lookout post provides a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
The US Government transferred ownership of the island to the USVI government on December 12, 1996, making Water Island the “Last Virgin”. In the late 1990’s the Department of the Interior began transferring Water Island land to the long-time residential leaseholders.
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