Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands
| Nickname: Small City | |
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 Water Island
Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands
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| Geography | |
| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 18°19′11″N 64°57′12″W / 18.31972°N 64.95333°WCoordinates: 18°19′11″N 64°57′12″W / 18.31972°N 64.95333°W |
| Archipelago | Virgin Islands, Leeward Islands |
| Area | 1.989 km2 (0.768 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| Insular area | United States Virgin Islands |
| District | Saint Thomas |
| Sub-district | Water Island |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 182 (2010) |
| Pop. density | 91.50 /km2 (236.98 /sq mi) |
Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands (Danish: Vand ø) was acquired by the USA in 1917 from Denmark but continued to be owned by a corporation until several decades later. Since 1996, it has formed part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a United States territory located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is of volcanic origin and lies to the south of Saint Thomas in the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Ferry service runs regularly from Crown Bay, Saint Thomas to Phillips Landing, Water Island; the ferry ride is about 10 minutes.
At 491.5 acres (1.989 km2) in size is administratively part (with Hassel Island) of the subdistrict of Water Island, in St. Thomas District. Water Island is a residential island, with a population of 182 (2010 census) and no significant commercial establishments. A number of homes on Water Island are available to accommodate visitors. The main attractions are beaches, including Honeymoon Beach, plantation ruins, Fort Segarra, an underground fort partially constructed by the U.S. during World War II, and scuba diving site Supermarket Reef in Limestone Bay.
The eastmost third of the island is a gated community, Sprat Bay Estates. This includes Sprat Point, a 30-acre peninsula and nature preserve owned by the United States Department of the Interior, and private Sprat Bay Beach, located between Sprat Point and Carol Point. All beaches in the USVI are public when approached from the water.
The earliest settlers were Taíno in the 15th century. Water Island was named by Europeans for its natural ponds of fresh water. Many islands in the Lesser Antilles lack potable water, so Water Island was a frequent stop for pirates seeking to replenish their ships' stores of fresh water.
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Wikipedia