Fort Segarra
An unfinished Second World War fort on Water Island, with tunnels cut into the hill.
Updated 4 September 2026
Fort Segarra was begun on Water Island in 1944 to guard the approaches to the harbour, planned as an underground gun position with tunnels cut through the hill, and it was abandoned unfinished when the threat receded. What is left is concrete bunkers, gun mountings and tunnel mouths in the scrub, with the island's quiet lanes running past them. Water Island itself holds only a few hundred residents.
The main sights
- The tunnel mouths - the cut entrances into the hillside.
- The concrete works - bunkers and gun mountings left unfinished.
- The scrub setting - the fort taken back by vegetation.
- The island lanes - Water Island's quiet roads running past the site.
When to go
December to April is the dry season. Ferries to Water Island run on a set schedule. Mornings are cooler for walking the island.
Things to know
The tunnels are unlit, flooded in places and genuinely unsafe; going in is unwise. There is no interpretation on site. Getting there means a ferry and then a walk or a hired cart.
Nearby
Honeymoon Beach is on the same island, and Charlotte Amalie is across the water.
What to pack for Fort Segarra
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Grippy closed shoes - Cave floors are wet, muddy and slick with formations. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
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All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Fort Segarra is going on the list.
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
