British Virgin Islands

A Day on Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke, a part of the British Virgin Islands, may be popular a destination for wealthy boaters, however beyond the yachts and beach bars, lies an undiscovered island waiting to be explored.

Hammock on White Bay Jost Van Dyke

Jost is fairly undeveloped despite being popular. Aside from a few tourist bars and cafes, the island is mostly wild, with residential areas scattered in pockets around the island. White Bay, one of the largest beaches on the island, is the setting for a daily beach party where most attendees arrive via sailboat, catamaran, yacht, or dingy. Few of these visitors stay the night, few explore beyond the sandy beach.

For those of us who can’t or choose not to travel strictly by boat, there are ways to enjoy the party while also experiencing a little more of Jost than just White Bay.

The public ferry is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to get over to Jost Van Dyke from the other BVI or USVI islands. Ferries leave from St. Thomas, St. John, and Tortola most days of the week and will drop you off at the immigration building in Great Harbor. (We came from St. John, only a 45 minute trip) From here, you can grab a ride with a local taxi or head out on foot to explore the island. (Fares may seem expensive in relation to non-Caribbean destinations, however for the region, they are reasonable.)

View of Great Harbor Bay, Jost Van DykeThe first place to check out is Great Harbor, a shallow bay lined with small shops and cafes. It’s fairly quiet and reserved here as nothing opens before midday – it’s a good place to hang out in a swinging hammock in the shade early in the day. At the end of the road on the far western side of the bay sits Foxy’s, a big draw for the partying yacht crowd. Luckily though, it does not ruin the local quiet island vibe of the rest of Great Harbor. This little strip of land is exactly what I pictured when I imagined an untouched island paradise not yet built up with resorts and luxury.

Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke

Tieing up a fishing boat on Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke scuba shack

Restaurant in Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke

From here, you can hike into the hills in either direction. To the west is the road to White Bay, and to the east is a hike over to Little Harbor.  As it was excessively hot upon our arrival to the island, we chose only to hike east over to White Bay.

The walk is fairly steep and strenuous but is worth the effort. Not only will you get a little time alone with the island, but the views on either side of the bluff are breathtaking.

View over Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke

looking back on Great Harbor

Ancient truck on Jost Van Dyke

View of White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

looking out towards White Bay

Once over in White Bay, the road eases down into a cove fringed in the whitest white sand enveloped in a neon bath of warm Caribbean water. This beach instantly earned a place in the list of my favorite beaches in the world. I need to update it now!

The eastern beach is much less crowded as it is lined with only a villa or two as well as Ivan’s – a beachfront budget hotel perfect for a cost-conscious traveler. The western side is the main attraction, though the sand on both parts is equally silken.

The main thing that holds this beach back from perfection is the sheer number of yachts that moor here throughout the day. The panoramic view out to St John and Tortola is sadly obstructed by this army of white boats. In early morning, only a few sit in the shallows while the island slowly rouses. Later on while the bay is buzzing with activity, yachts abound, taking away any Robinson Crusoe/Blue Lagoon-like atmosphere. Luckily, if you hang out on the eastern beach or the western corner, you can steer clear of the crowds. The water and beach is calmer and the craggy rocks make a good place for snorkeling and sunbathing alone.

Looking out at Tortola from Jost Van Dyke

I am always in search of quiet rustic beach destinations, but I’m not gonna pretend that I’m not a fan of a beach party as well. I’ve been halfway around the world to experience a Thai Full Moon Party, so I’m definitely not turning my nose up at a drink in the BVI. After enjoying the quiet island vibe of Great Harbor and the empty fringes of White Bay, of course we headed straight into the middle of one of the most energetic daytime beach parties we’ve seen. Not only is everyone in a good vacation spirits, but all are in awe of the surroundings. Hanging with the yachting crew isn’t necessarily my scene, but for a day on a tropical beach, I ran with it. The drinks flowed freely, the reggae wafted through the air, and the bling was blingy. (not mine though. Hippie island gear doesn’t bling generally.)

The Soggy Dollar is the most famous of the White Bay beach bars, known primarily for creating the Caribbean famous drink The Painkiller. This drink features Cruzan dark rum, mixed with cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juices, with a fresh grating of nutmeg on top. Also popular is a Dark N Stormy (dark rum and ginger) and my favorite – local root beer with Cruzan dark rum.

Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke

Soggy Dollar Bar details

Making Painkillers at The Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke

The western half beach is packed with all types of beach bars, some more popular than others. My favorite – One Love – is a good stop for some afternoon reggae music and a cold Red Stripe. The owners hang out in the back with their friends and dogs, all who were welcoming. We even hitched a ride back to the ferry dock with one of the owners friends, along with his daughter and son.

Empty bar on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

One Love on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

At the end of the day, whether you’ve indulged in the party atmosphere or taken the quiet path, Jost Van Dyke sings. Its beaches and water are among the world’s best and is a breath of fresh air from the standard Caribbean experience. Jost was high on my list for island adventures and is a great option for any traveler looking for a little something different in the Caribbean.


Check it out: TravelShus’ Interactive Guide to Jost Van Dyke, BVI


 

3 Comments

  • Dave
    June 21, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    Nice write up. I have to let you know the jeep is not abandoned. It belongs to Vinny. He owns Corsair’s

    Reply
    • annie
      June 21, 2012 at 11:18 pm

      hah! thanks for letting me know ill change that out. vinny has a super cool car.

      Reply
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