Docking at Havensight now-Water Island or Emerald Beach-any opinions?

[tabprincess]

We were supposed to be docking at Crown Bay and were going to go to Water Island since the ferry is right there and we have never been, but now are docking at Havensight. From Havensight, would there be any difference of time, expense, etc if going to Water Island vs. Emerald Beach? (Besides the extra expense of the Ferry to Water Island.) We have been to Emerald Beach one time and liked it very much.

Any opinions?

[Ms411]

Water Island is so very different from St Thomas, and I think everybody should visit. Just pay attention to ferry times.

[Livethelife]

We were supposed to be docking at Crown Bay and were going to go to Water Island since the ferry is right there and we have never been, but now are docking at Havensight. From Havensight, would there be any difference of time, expense, etc if going to Water Island vs. Emerald Beach? (Besides the extra expense of the Ferry to Water Island.) We have been to Emerald Beach one time and liked it very much. Any opinions?

 

While there would not be a great deal of difference price-wise (other than the cost of the ferry) there could be quite a difference in the amount of time that one would be able to spend on the beach. The WI ferry is a small boat holding only 25 passengers. It originally carried residents to work, school, church, appointments, shopping etc. and tradesmen from St Thomas to WI. Since Honeymoon Beach became the destination of multiple ship sponsored excursions and individuals traveling independently, space on the ferry has become hard to find at peak hours. Since everyone has approximately the same "back-on-board" time the 3:15, 4:15, and 5:15 ferry runs to St. Thomas are frequently at capacity. The ferry does try to make accommodations with extra runs when necessary but each extra run delays a return by a half hour or more. If a maximum of beach time is the objective picking a beach such as Emerald (or one of the others where taxis are readily available) and visitors can come & go at will without wasting extra time on transportation might be a better choice especially since you already know and like Emerald.

[Pyrate13]

We've never been to Water Island but thought it might be interesting. What is there to do there?

[Ms411]

You can rent a golf cart and tour the island on your own. Gorgeous views! Very few cars. Google Water Island map, and you'll see the sites and roads.

[tabprincess]

While there would not be a great deal of difference price-wise (other than the cost of the ferry) there could be quite a difference in the amount of time that one would be able to spend on the beach. The WI ferry is a small boat holding only 25 passengers. It originally carried residents to work, school, church, appointments, shopping etc. and tradesmen from St Thomas to WI. Since Honeymoon Beach became the destination of multiple ship sponsored excursions and individuals traveling independently, space on the ferry has become hard to find at peak hours. Since everyone has approximately the same "back-on-board" time the 3:15, 4:15, and 5:15 ferry runs to St. Thomas are frequently at capacity. The ferry does try to make accommodations with extra runs when necessary but each extra run delays a return by a half hour or more. If a maximum of beach time is the objective picking a beach such as Emerald (or one of the others where taxis are readily available) and visitors can come & go at will without wasting extra time on transportation might be a better choice especially since you already know and like Emerald.

Thank you very much for your insight! I think we will stick with Emerald Beach.:)