Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
doings at Reichhold, including concerts by international celebrity artists like Itzhak Perl-
man, dance troupes and repertory theater groups.
WATER ISLAND
Do the Charlotte Amalie crowds have you seeking some peace and seclusion? Water
Island is your answer. Sometimes called the 'Fourth Virgin,' it floats spitting distance
from town, yet with only about 100 residents and very few cars or shops, it feels far
more remote.
The 490-acre island takes its name from its freshwater pools. From WWI to
WWII, Water Island was a US military reservation. Following WWII, the US gov-
ernment used the island as a chemical warfare test facility. After about 1951, US ex-
pats began to trickle onto the island to build homes. In 1996 Water Island was finally
ceded to the territory.
The island has a low-key atmosphere in which most people travel by bike or golf
cart, and community messages are posted on a bulletin board at the ferry dock. At 2.5
miles tip to tip, it doesn't take long to walk the whole thing.
Honeymoon Beach offers fine swimming and snorkeling (look for fish along the
bay's southern shore). The water is shallow and calm, and so good for kids. Amenit-
ies include shade umbrellas, picnic tables and bathrooms (not always open). A boat
sometimes drops by selling pizza, and Heidi's food truck sells snacks. The beach gets
lively on weekends when locals join the scene. Honeymoon is a 10-minute walk
from the ferry dock. Follow the road uphill from the landing; when the road forks, go
right and down the hill to the sand.
Water Island Adventures( www.waterislandadventures.com ; 3hr tours $60)
offers bicycle tours of the island, including time to swim at the beach. Most bikes are
Cannondales, and child-size bikes are available. Reserve in advance; the price in-
cludes the ferry ride over.
Virgin Islands Campground( 340-776-5488, 877-502-7225; ht-
tp://virginislandscampground.com ; cottages $170; ) is the only option if
you want to spend the night, but it's an eco-winner. Each wood-frame-and-canvas
cottage has beds, linens, electrical outlets and a table and chairs inside. Guests share
the communal bathhouse, cooking facilities and hot tub, plus there's wi-fi access
throughout the grounds. Captured rainwater runs through the sinks and showers; sol-
ar energy heats it. There's a three-night minimum stay requirement.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search