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Jost Van Dyke, BVI: Where Chill Meets Thrill

Updated: Apr 23

With around 300 inhabitants, Jost Van Dyke is the smallest island in terms of population in the British Virgin Islands and the kind of place where even the palm trees have a laid-back attitude.

Jost Van Dyke Island in the BVI, where even the coconuts are laid-back
Jost Van Dyke Island, where even the coconuts are laid-back

Rewind and dive into the pirate-infested history of this tiny paradise where Arawak and Carib Indians lived their best island lives, only to have one notorious Dutchman Jost van Dyke show up in the 17th century and turn it into the ultimate pirate playground during the colonial era. Remnants of its past can still be explored, adding a touch of mystery to the island's allure.


White Bay: A Beach Made for Rum and Instag-rum

Aerial view of White Bay. The western side below with Soggy Dollar bar to the left, and the eastern side towards the curved end
Aerial view of White Bay. The western side below with Soggy Dollar bar to the left, and the eastern side towards the curved end

Fast forward to today, and Jost van Dyke is rocking its tropical vibes, especially at White Bay. Powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters and swaying palm trees that practically beg you to chill, in the water or just lounging under the Caribbean sun – this beach is a slice of heaven.

Holidaymakers sunbathing and relaxing in lounging chairs, watching the yachts on anchor in the ocean at White Bay, Jost van Dyke Island
White Bay relaxing

Oh, and did we mention the Soggy Dollar Bar? It's where the Painkiller cocktail was born in the seventies.

Want the best recipe ever?...mix dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and cream of coconut in a shaker with ice. Now shake it...don't stir!

Pour into your favorite glass with a slice of lime sitting pretty on the rim, add fine nutmeg, and enjoy the taste of liquid sunshine.

Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay, Jost Van Dyke Island with painkiller cocktails #instagrum
Soggy Dollar Bar, home of the Painkiller!

Foxy's Bar: Where the Party Never Ends

Now, let's talk legends – Foxy's Bar. Founded by the one and only Foxy Callwood, it's not just a bar; it's a cultural phenomenon.

Foxy's Bar left and Foxy the legend in the hammock right
Foxy's Bar on the left and the one-and-only in the hammock right

Live music, Caribbean cuisine that's a party in your mouth, and locals who practically redefine the term 'warm hospitality.'

And mark your calendar for Old Year's Night – it's the island's way of saying, "Let's kick off the New Year with a bang!"


Great Harbor: Colorful Beach Bars and Seafood Fair

Great Harbor mooring area at Jost van Dyke Island
Great Harbor mooring area

If White Bay is the dazzling diva, Great Harbor is the cool cousin who knows all the best spots. Beach bars, seafood shacks, and locals who'll make you feel like family – it's the authentic Caribbean experience you've been dreaming of. You'll be living on island time in no time!

Bun, the friendly driver entertaining with his triangle and a view of Great Harbor, Jost van Dyke Island, from his taxi
Bun, the friendly driver making music on his triangle and a view of Great Harbor from his taxi

Little Harbor: Lobster Haven

Another charming treasure on Jost van Dyke, unveils a more secluded and serene side of the island's beauty with a little haven for those seeking a more tranquil experience after the bustle and booze of White Bay and Great Harbor.

The turquoise waters gently lap against the rocky shoreline, creating a picturesque setting that feels worlds away. Little Harbor is not only renowned for its scenic view and charming atmosphere but also stands as a lobster haven.

Boasting three local restaurants, all specializing in delectable lobster dishes, this gem invites visitors to indulge in the island's culinary delights. It's worth noting that for BVI yacht charter vessels, the best-sheltered anchorage is situated in the northeast, ensuring a secure and tranquil stay for those exploring the wonders of Jost van Dyke.

Sidney's Peace and Love restaurant at Jost Van Dyke. Now run by Strawberry, his daughter, and a delicious lobster dinner
Sidney's Peace and Love restaurant now run by Strawberry, his daughter, and a delicious lobster dinner

The anchorage at Little Harbor provides approximately 20 mooring balls for charter yachts, with both Abe’s and Harris’ place offering 10 moorings, and monitoring channel 16 for communication. Additionally, there are excellent spots for snorkeling, adding to the allure of this serene retreat.

Harris's and Sidney's Peace and Love restaurants at Little Harbor, Jost van Dyke Island, with its mooring balls. Boy with snorkel goggle holding an empty conch shell
Harris's and Sidney's Peace and Love restaurants at Little Harbor with its mooring balls. Snorkeling there is worth it!

Bubbly Pool, Where Jacuzzi Meets Mother Nature

Bubbly pool signpost and the bubbly pool at Jost van Dyke Island where the ocean washes into a secluded cove and creating bubbles like in a jacuzzi
Explore the Bubbly Pool , just follow the signpost!

Sail from Little Harbor or Garner Bay around to Diamond Cay and anchor at Long Bay. Take a short hike from Foxy's Taboo to the Bubbly Pool on the northeastern part of the island. Picture this: waves crashing against rocks, creating natural bubbling pools of seawater (ok, on calm days and low tide, not so much) – but it's like Mother Nature's jacuzzi. Relax, soak it in, and let the therapeutic vibes wash over you.

Jost van Dyke's colorful name posts on the island Jost Van Dyke
We made it to Jost Van Dyke, yay! and on route to the Bubbly Pool

Jost van Dyke – where time slows down, and paradise becomes your reality. Whether you're chasing the sunset at White Bay, dancing the night away at Foxy's, or discovering the hidden treasures of Little Harbor, this Caribbean gem is an invitation to kick off your shoes, embrace the island spirit, and let the good times roll.

And here's a handy pack list for your convenience!

Other Interesting Facts About Jost Van Dyke

  • Jost Van Dyke has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by African, European (particularly British and Dutch), and Indigenous Caribbean peoples, that is reflected in the island's diverse music, cuisine, and traditions.

  • Water is scarce with an average annual rainfall of about 50 inches (1,270 mm) that often goes unused. Residents rely on cisterns and wells for water supply, as well as water from a desalination plant.

  • As the smallest of the four main islands in the British Virgin Islands, its area covers only 3.5 square miles or 9 square km.

Yachts to Charter Here

Catamaran in the blue Caribbean water, with fresh fish served with salad and lemon slices and a diver giving the scuba "ok" sign in the water.
Yacht Turquoise Turtle.

What was your favorite experience at Jost Van Dyke?

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