One of the most popular destinations for day trips is Jost van Dyke. Named for an early Dutch settler and former pirate, rugged scenery and colorful folklore make up Jost Van Dyke.  With fewer than 300 inhabitants, it measures just four miles by three.It retains the island culture that much of the Caribbean has lost. Jost Van Dyke is a little island with a big reputation.

Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost van Dyke, BVI

White Bay is one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and a visit of the Virgin Islands is not complete without a stop at the infamous “Soggy Dollar Bar” which takes it’s name from the sailors swimming ashore (since there is no dock) to spend wet bills.

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It is also the bar that invented the painkiller, the BVI’s delicious, yet lethal cocktail of rum, coconut, pineapple, orange juice and nutmeg. Another famous drinking establishment is Foxy’s, a bar is full of character, particularly the character of Foxy himself, who greets visitors with impromtu songs to a calypso beat. It is decorated with dangling t-shirts, bandanas, hats, and underwearand has an on-site brewery. It is also famous for it’s new year parties.

While Soggy Dollar Bar is the place to drink and party, you might check out some of the other places for food. For example Jewel’s Snack Shack. Her burgers are handmade with love and absolutely delicious.

Typical Day Trip to Jost van Dyke

A typical Jost van Dyke trip normally leaves out of Cruz Bay St. John in the morning. The first stop usually is great harbour, where you have to check into BVI customs (passport required) and can stop at Foxy’s and from there most boats make their way to White Bay.

Other stops are possible on the way, e.g. Sandy Cay.

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Snorkeling on Jost van Dyke

There are a few good snorkeling spots on the way over to Jost and at B-Line off Little Jost van Dyke

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Paddleboarding on Jost van Dyke

You are not the drinking type? Or are you looking for something to entertain your family? How about paddleboarding in the amazingly turquoise waters of white bay? Rockhoppin’ Adventures is a SUP-friendly charter and can take paddleboards on the Jost van Dyke trip. Their inflatable Paddleboards are perfect for this, they won’t get in the way or damage the boat.

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Options on getting to Jost van Dyke from St. John

  • Powerboat Charter, for example with Rock Hoppin’ Adventures
  • On a Sail Boat, for example with Sail Safaris
  • On a scheduled trip (larger group) with Sadie Sea
  • via public ferry (they usually stop at Tortola Westend first) but that will bring you to Great Harbour, not white bay.
  • For a list of Charter Boats on St. John click here.