Ferry to Water Island from St. Thomas | Dock, Times And Fare

The Water Island ferry leaves Crown Bay Marina hourly, takes about 10 minutes, and costs visitors $10 one way or $20 round trip.

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The east-end ferry docks are the wrong place for this trip. For the ferry to Water Island from St. Thomas, go to Crown Bay Marina, where the scheduled passenger boat crosses to Phillips Landing in about 10 minutes.

The service runs every day, but the first sailing changes by day. Weekday service starts at 7:00 a.m., Saturday service starts at 8:00 a.m., and Sunday or public-holiday service starts at 9:00 a.m. The regular last boats leave St. Thomas at 6:00 p.m. and Water Island at 6:15 p.m.

Compare the route and any connecting ground transport here:

Where Does The Water Island Ferry Leave From?

The scheduled ferry leaves from Crown Bay Marina on the south side of St. Thomas and lands at Phillips Landing on Water Island. At the marina, look for the dock in front of Tickles Dockside Restaurant rather than a large terminal building.

Crown Bay Marina is not the Crown Bay cruise pier, though the two are in the same general harbor area. Cruise passengers docked at Crown Bay should ask port staff for walking directions to the marina; passengers at Havensight need a taxi across Charlotte Amalie. From Cyril E. King Airport, a taxi is the simplest connection.

• St. Thomas dock: Crown Bay Marina, near the marina office and Tickles Dockside Restaurant.
• Water Island dock: Phillips Landing.
• Crossing time: About 10 minutes in normal conditions.
• Vehicle rule: The scheduled service is a passenger ferry, not a car ferry.

St. Thomas To Water Island: Ferry And Private Options

The scheduled ferry is the cheapest and simplest choice for almost every visitor. A private water taxi or charter makes sense only for a group, a late arrival, a special event, or a timetable that falls outside the regular sailings.

The operator also posts separate cargo charges: $2 for a small suitcase or box, $3 for a large bag or box, and $5 or more for oversized pieces. Pets cost $5, must travel in an approved carrier, and board at the captain’s discretion.

How Early Should You Arrive?

Aim to reach Crown Bay Marina 10 minutes before departure, with extra time if you need parking or have several bags. The boat leaves on a fixed timetable, and a missed sailing usually means waiting an hour.

The operator’s official ferry FAQ says reservations are not required and recommends arriving 5–10 minutes early. The U.S. Virgin Islands tourism board describes dockside ticket sales as cash-only, so carry small bills rather than relying on a card.

Same-day check: Marine weather and operating needs can change service. Call Water Island Ferry at 340-690-4159 before a tight connection or when rough weather is forecast.

Water Island Ferry Schedule

The regular timetable is hourly, with Water Island returns leaving 15 minutes after the St. Thomas departures. Monday through Friday adds an early 7:00 a.m. outbound trip and a 7:15 a.m. return.

The operator treats Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Good Friday as public holidays. Special nighttime runs may be available during the high season, but travelers should arrange those directly rather than planning around an unconfirmed late boat.

What To Bring And What Happens On Arrival

Water Island has no public bus or taxi network, so plan the island portion before boarding. Walking works for a beach-focused visit, while a reserved golf cart is more practical for reaching Fort Segarra, hilltop roads, and several bays.

• Carry cash for tickets, small purchases, and possible bag fees.
• Bring sun protection and drinking water; shade away from the beach can be limited.
• Wear shoes suitable for hills if you plan to walk beyond Phillips Landing.
• Save the 6:15 p.m. return time and aim for an earlier boat when you have a flight, cruise departure, or dinner booking.

Honeymoon Beach is the usual day-trip target and can be reached from the landing without a vehicle. Travelers covering more of Water Island should reserve a golf cart before arrival because the available fleet is limited.

Where To Stay Near The Landing

Staying on Water Island suits travelers who want quiet evenings and do not need frequent access to St. Thomas. Staying near Crown Bay gives you more hotel choices and easier access to the airport, Charlotte Amalie, and the ferry dock.

Use the map to compare Water Island stays with nearby options on St. Thomas:

The Right Crossing For Your Trip

The scheduled passenger ferry is the clear pick for price and simplicity: use Crown Bay Marina, pay $10 each way or $20 round trip as a visitor, and allow at least 10 minutes before departure. Choose the 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. boat for a full beach day, then return before the 6:15 p.m. final scheduled sailing.

A private boat is worth pricing only when the hourly timetable does not fit, a group can divide the cost, or an event needs direct service. Flight passengers should avoid building a tight airport connection around the final ferry, since weather, bags, taxis, and boarding can all consume the margin.

1. For the lowest cost: Take the scheduled ferry and buy a round-trip visitor ticket for $20.
2. For the longest day: Travel at 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, or 9:00 a.m. on Sunday and public holidays.
3. For a safer return: Leave Water Island one sailing earlier than strictly necessary.
4. For late or private travel: Request a water-taxi or special-run quote before the day of travel.