Frequently Asked Questions - Water Island and The Waterfront Cottage and Apartments

Downloadable Information:
Click Here To Download and print Guide to Water Island, a printable PDF File that contains map of Water Island and useful tips.

Click Here to Download and print Frequently Asked Questions related to staying at Providence Point.

These airlines offer direct flights to St. Thomas: American Airlines, Delta, Continental Airlines and US Airways. There are many airlines flying to St. Thomas from San Juan Puerto Rico so you can fly to Puerto Rico and make a connection there to St. Thomas.

Getting to the U.S.V.I. - We recommend that you call a travel agent - try Discount Travel - 340-777-8273.

How to get to Water Island: From the Airport - Take a taxi to "Tickles Restaurant in Crown Bay Marina" Ask to go to the sidewalk by Tickles building or the taxi will leave you where it is easier for them to park and you'll have a longer walk. The ferry to Water Island is a small launch with room for 25 passengers and luggage (Yes we put the luggage on the roof!). There is no car barge. 

The Water Island - St. Thomas  For the latest information on the Water Island ferry go to VInow.com Ferry Schedules.

Water Use - All forms of water conservation prevail in the islands. On Water Island we get our water from roof top catchments and we store the water in cisterns. We chlorinate the cisterns so it is safe to wash, brush teeth and cook with it. We make Coffee and Tea with Cistern Water because you boil the water first. We avoid making drinks like Kool-Aid or iced tea from powder. Some people like bottled water. We always avoid wasting water - turn off the water while brushing teeth. After an ocean swim, rinse off in the pool rather than shower.

What to Bring - nothing! Well, almost nothing. One visitor came to Water Island with nothing more than a purse. When asked where her luggage was she responded, "In my purse I have my bikini. Do I need anything else?" She's right. It is comical to see visitors arrive with suitcases upon suitcases of long pants and sweat shirts and evening gowns. Consider - the weather is never colder than 70 degrees - never hotter than 95. I advise - Two shorts, two T-shirts, two sneakers, enough socks and underwear for the time period. One long sleeve shirt or pullover (in case the evening 70 degrees feels "cool" to you) A beach wrap, hat (mandatory) sunscreen, mosquito spray, sandals, surf shoes or surf mocs, toothbrush and whatever. PACK LIGHT... You don't need much here. Long pants? Yes - light weight long sleeve shirt and light long pants are good if we have a buggy evening. Or if you plan to hike the "outback. " A bathing suit is necessary. One is enough. It will dry between uses. No coats, jackets or sweaters unless you freeze in July. 

Is there a beach on Water Island? Yes! Water Island has a spectacular beach - Honeymoon Beach - fine sand and gentle waves - not the big surf of Hawaii or even St. Thomas north shore. There are no houses on the Beach, but Providence Point is the closest homes to this beach. We swim from our private dock in about 10-12 minutes or walk on the road in 5 minutes. Honeymoon beach is almost deserted on any day and you will feel like it is your own private beach. On Sunday's there is a group of regulars and a volleyball game. Most days the party raft Kon Tiki visits the beach for one hour between 2 and 3:00 PM with a party of cruise ship passengers.

Travel on Water Island - We yield to Turtles, Iguana and elderly walkers returning from the beach. We also drive on the left like all of the Virgin Islands. We drive golf carts, cars without mufflers or doors or windshields. The Providence Point Cottage and apartments include a golf cart or car depending on your needs. Walking works on Water Island since it is only 500 acres.

There is a Bicycle tour of Water Island. Susan and Butch will ferry you to WI and take you around, bike ride (mostly downhill) and end up on the beach. The bike tour of Water Island is excellent. Make a reservation now 340-714-2186 Say Hi to Susan Miller from Alex.

Grocery Shopping - You can buy your groceries at Pirate`s Ridge Deli and Convenience store or use their provision services to order your groceries before hand and have them delivered to you at Providence Point. Contact them at (340)774-9422. You can also shop on St. Thomas; Gourmet Gallery is in the same area as the Water Island ferry.

Close Shopping - Right at the St. Thomas ferry dock we have St. Thomas Communications with a full officer service, Cingular Communication for cell Phones, Monica's Hair Salon and a scuba shop and marine hardware store. There is also the "Drop or Do" laundry in Crown Bay Marina. Nearest Mall - We have Nisky Center just a 2 minute walk from the St. Thomas ferry dock. Nisky Center has Dominos, take-out Chinese, KFC, a pharmacy, computer shop, bank, video rental, music shop, Pro Nails, eye glasses shop. It is a complete mall of shops, but no Sears or K-Mart in that mall. The same distance in a different direction is Pueblo - a complete food supermarket. 

Exotic Shopping - St Thomas is a shopping Mecca. We have more diamond shops and jewelers downtown than any other place in the world. We get 1.7 million visitors a year to come to our shopping. There is a K-Mart and Cost-U-Less that require a drive.

Swimming - You can swim at any time, a private pool located at the end of Providence Point is an island dream. Additionally swimming at Water Island's beaches are the finest anywhere - not too crowded, not totally alone. If you want to swim from the rocks, you are advised to wear surf shoes to keep from stepping on Sea Urchins. Snorkeling is also divine. Remember: Don't touch - some of the pretty things have stingers and the Sea Urchins are nasty.

Best Walk - go down to the shore in front of the cottage and walk the perimeter of the Point along the shore, sneakers required and some agility. Any kid can do it. Then take the same trip 20 feet further out (in the ocean) with a face mask and snorkel - fabulous!
  

Useful Links and Information:

Scuba Diving: Visit Blue Island Divers in Crown Bay Marina, they can take you on dive tours and teach you diving for PADI certification.  Blue Island Divers

Fishing Charters: The Virgin Islands are world famous for fishing so why not spend a day or half day fishing? Visit Peanut Gallery Fishing Charters.

USVI Vacation Travel Agent: If you want the best prices of airfares to and from the VI, we recommend Beverly Clarke at  Discount Travel or call 1-340-777-8273. Do not call her to book our cottages, only for airfares.

Virgin Islands Information and Guides: Visit Virgin Islands Now a complete guide to the Virgin Islands; includes guides to beaches, accommodations, shopping, activities, events and more. Ask questions and get answers and advice about the Virgin Islands and Water Island on the Virgin Islands Message Board.

Water Island Guides: Visit the Water Island Guide for ferry schedule, beach pictures, dining, history and more. Also visit Water Island Info.

Virgin Islands Shopping: Shop for great Virgin Islands items like calendars, guide books, dvds, rum cakes, art work and more at VItraders Your Caribbean Marketplace.

Weddings and Vow Renewal: Get married on Water Island for a private and fantastic island wedding. Visit Providence Point Weddings for more information.

Photographer: Want to have family pictures taken while on vacation, perhaps wedding or anniversary pictures, try Paradise Pictures for wonderful photos and service.

Meet your host at: Dr. Dream.  

Photo Shoot at Providence Point:

Photos Copyright Rolando Gomez
www.rolandogomez.com

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