Honeymoon Beach Water Island
A serene 492-acre island paradise, just a 10-minute ferry from St. Thomas, boasting pristine Honeymoon Beach and a laid-back golf-cart-centric vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Honeymoon Beach Water Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 492-acre island paradise, just a 10-minute ferry from St. Thomas, boasting pristine Honeymoon Beach and a laid-back golf-cart-centric vibe.
"Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is a slice of tropical paradise with powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters."
Ferry to Paradise
Take the hourly ferry from Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas. It's a quick 10-min ride! :ferry:
Golf Cart Adventure
Rent a golf cart to explore! Book ahead, especially with Rachel's Rentals. Be aware of credit holds. :on:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Honeymoon Beach
Water Island
Powder-soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant beach bar create a tropical paradise.
Golf Cart Exploration
Water Island
Cruise around the island's roads, discover hidden spots, and enjoy panoramic views from a rented golf cart.
Dinghy's Beach Bar
Honeymoon Beach
Enjoy live music, delicious food (especially fish tacos!), and refreshing drinks with your toes in the sand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Crowds: Your Water Island Strategy
Honeymoon Beach Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ferry to Paradise
Take the hourly ferry from Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas. It's a quick 10-min ride! :ferry:
Golf Cart Adventure
Rent a golf cart to explore! Book ahead, especially with Rachel's Rentals. Be aware of credit holds. :on:
Beach Shuttle
A free shuttle awaits at the ferry dock to whisk you to Honeymoon Beach. Tip your driver! :bus:
Snorkel Savvy
Water clarity can vary. While beautiful, snorkeling might be limited due to stirred-up sand. :fish:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ferry to Paradise
Take the hourly ferry from Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas. It's a quick 10-min ride! :ferry:
Golf Cart Adventure
Rent a golf cart to explore! Book ahead, especially with Rachel's Rentals. Be aware of credit holds. :on:
Beach Shuttle
A free shuttle awaits at the ferry dock to whisk you to Honeymoon Beach. Tip your driver! :bus:
Snorkel Savvy
Water clarity can vary. While beautiful, snorkeling might be limited due to stirred-up sand. :fish:
Beach Bar Bites
Don't miss the fish tacos and lively atmosphere at Dinghy's Beach Bar! :taco:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Honeymoon Beach on Water Island for its stunning natural beauty, soft sands, and clear waters, offering a peaceful escape. The lively beach bar with food and music adds to the enjoyable atmosphere, and the easy ferry access from St. Thomas is a major plus. Some find snorkeling limited and note potential credit holds for golf cart rentals.
"We took the ferry from the marina for $20 a person round trip to water island. When you get there, there is a free shuttle that picks you up to take you to the beach. This beach had no shells, but a restaurant that has good food, a bar, and water toys to rent. A floating platform, picture spots with the bar name, and plenty of tables and chairs. I found a sea urchin! Gorgeous water and views of islands afar."
Caitlin Creed
"We took the Ferry over, rented a golf cart and after exploring the island came to Honeymoon Beach. The beach was not crowded and it was very pretty. There were many boats anchored there outside of the swimming area which added to the ambience. They start packing up rental chairs around 430. Glad we had the opportunity to see Water Island."
Tara Raudebaugh
"Honeymoon Beach had a great vibe, with its live band, food, bar and warm calm waters. Not a great spot for snorkeling due to the sandy bottom getting stirred up. Rent a golf cart from Rachels, but be prepared for the $500 credit hold per golf cart. Found out that some people were unaware of this and turned away. All and all, it's nice to discover an island on a golf cart and it was super laid back."
nina haman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the Water Island Ferry from Crown Bay Marina in St. Thomas. Ferries run hourly and the trip is only about 10 minutes.
Yes, once you arrive, there's a free open-air shuttle that takes you to Honeymoon Beach. Tipping the driver is appreciated.
No, private vehicles are not allowed on Water Island. The primary mode of transport for visitors is golf carts, which you can rent on the island.
Renting a golf cart is highly recommended for exploring the entire island at your own pace. Rachel's Rentals is often cited as a more affordable option, but reservations are essential.
Water Island is very close to St. Thomas, just a short 10-minute ferry ride away. It feels like a world away from the crowds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The round-trip ferry ticket to Water Island typically costs around $20 per person.
Honeymoon Beach itself does not have an entrance fee. Access is generally free, with costs associated with ferry rides, golf cart rentals, and beach amenities.
The Water Island Ferry usually runs every hour on the hour from Crown Bay Marina. It's best to check the latest schedule before your visit.
It is highly recommended to book a golf cart in advance, especially if you plan to use Rachel's Rentals, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Some visitors have noted a significant credit hold (around $500) for golf cart rentals, so be prepared for this.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
At Honeymoon Beach, you can swim, relax on the sand, rent water toys like floating platforms, and enjoy the beach bar and restaurant.
While the water is beautiful, snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach can be limited as the sandy bottom tends to get stirred up, reducing visibility.
Honeymoon Beach offers a restaurant, a bar, restrooms, and rentals for chairs and umbrellas. There are also unique photo spots.
Yes, you can rent chairs and umbrellas at Honeymoon Beach. They typically start packing them up around 4:30 PM.
Water Island is known for its laid-back, quiet atmosphere, where golf carts are the main mode of transport and the pace of life is slow.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dinghy's Beach Bar at Honeymoon Beach is famous for its delicious fish tacos and offers a variety of other food options.
Yes, the beach bar at Honeymoon Beach serves a range of drinks, perfect for enjoying the tropical setting.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally customary to support the local establishments at beach bars. Bringing small snacks might be acceptable, but large coolers are usually discouraged.
Yes, Honeymoon Beach often features live music, contributing to its great vibe and making it a lively spot.
Prices at Dinghy's Beach Bar are typical for a beachside establishment in the Caribbean, offering good value for the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Honeymoon Beach offers picturesque spots with its white sand and clear waters. Look for the branded photo backdrops at the beach bar.
Early morning offers the best light and fewest people for pristine shots. Late afternoon can also be beautiful with golden hour light.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended for beach activities. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views.
The colorful beach bar, the anchored boats in the bay, and the scenic island roads accessible by golf cart offer unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a golf cart for a fun island adventure, but be mindful of the credit hold. The beach bar offers kid-friendly food options, and the general atmosphere is very laid-back. While snorkeling might be limited, the swimming and playing in the sand opportunities are plentiful.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are costs for food, drinks, and optional rentals (chairs, water toys), you can manage your budget by packing some snacks and water. Renting a golf cart is a splurge, but can be cost-effective if shared among a group. Look for deals or book in advance for potential savings.
couples
Enjoy a leisurely day swimming, sunbathing, and perhaps sharing some delicious fish tacos from Dinghy's Beach Bar. Renting a golf cart for a scenic drive around the island can also be a fun, shared experience. The laid-back vibe makes it easy to disconnect and reconnect.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Water Island: The Ferry Experience
Once you disembark on Water Island, you won't need to worry about finding your way to the main attraction. A free open-air shuttle is readily available at the ferry dock to transport you directly to the renowned Honeymoon Beach. While the shuttle is complimentary, it's customary and appreciated to tip the driver for their service. This seamless transition from ferry to beach ensures a stress-free arrival.
For those seeking more independence and a chance to explore the island beyond the beach, renting a golf cart is the way to go. Companies like Rachel's Rentals offer this service, allowing you to traverse the island's roads and discover its nooks and crannies. However, be prepared for a potential credit hold, which can be substantial, so it's wise to confirm this when booking.
Honeymoon Beach: More Than Just Sand
Beyond its visual appeal, Honeymoon Beach offers a vibrant social scene centered around Dinghy's Beach Bar. This popular spot is known for its lively atmosphere, often featuring live music, and serves up delicious food, with the fish tacos being a particular highlight. It's the perfect place to grab a refreshing drink and enjoy the island vibes.
While the beach is fantastic for relaxation and swimming, it's worth noting that snorkeling conditions can be variable. The sandy bottom can easily get stirred up by activity, which may reduce underwater visibility. However, the beach does offer rentals for water toys, including floating platforms, adding to the fun for those looking to be active in the water.
Exploring Water Island by Golf Cart
When choosing a rental, Rachel's Rentals is often mentioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to others like Dinghy's. However, it's crucial to book in advance, as these carts are in high demand and reservations fill up quickly. Be prepared for a significant credit card hold, which some travelers have found surprising. This deposit is standard practice for rental companies to cover any potential damages.
Driving a golf cart around Water Island offers a delightful way to see the island. You can stop at various overlooks for stunning views of the surrounding waters and other U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s a simple yet incredibly enjoyable way to immerse yourself in the island’s tranquil atmosphere and appreciate its natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit