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Soggy Dollar Bar: The Birthplace of the Painkiller

Home of the Original Painkiller Cocktail, this iconic beach bar on Jost Van Dyke offers a quintessential Caribbean escape on White Bay's pristine sands.

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Nestled on the pristine sands of White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, the Soggy Dollar Bar is a legendary Caribbean beach bar renowned as the home of the original Painkiller cocktail. With its casual vibe, dock-free beach, and turquoise waters, it's a must-visit destination for sailors, beach lovers, and anyone seeking the ultimate island escape.

A brief summary to Soggy Dollar Bar

  • Monday 8 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Try the original Painkiller cocktail, the Soggy Dollar Bar's signature drink.
  • Swim in the crystal-clear waters of White Bay, known as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
  • Arrive by boat for the true "soggy dollar" experience.
  • Enjoy the bar's casual vibe, with its dock-free beach and laid-back atmosphere.
  • Try the chicken roti, a delicious Caribbean specialty.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    The most common way to reach Soggy Dollar Bar is by ferry from Tortola. Ferries depart from West End, Tortola (Soper's Hole) to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. From Great Harbour, you can take a taxi to White Bay, where the Soggy Dollar Bar is located. **Ferry Costs (from West End, Tortola to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke):** * One way: $30 USD * Round trip: $40 USD **Taxi Costs (from Great Harbour to White Bay):** * Approximately $5 USD per person. **Important Considerations:** * Ferry schedules can change, so check the latest timings in advance. * Taxis may not always be readily available at the ferry dock, especially early or late in the day, so it's best to arrange transportation in advance.

  • Water Taxi

    For a more direct and flexible option, consider a water taxi from Tortola, St. Thomas, or St. John to White Bay, Jost Van Dyke. This will drop you off directly at White Bay, a short swim or wade away from the Soggy Dollar Bar. **Water Taxi Costs:** * BVI commute starting at $200 USD. * USVI commute starting at $700 USD. **Important Considerations:** * Rates vary depending on the destination. * Additional fees may apply.

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Discover more about Soggy Dollar Bar

The Soggy Dollar Bar, a name synonymous with Caribbean relaxation and the birthplace of the famous Painkiller cocktail, has been a beloved destination since the 1970s. Located on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands, its origins are as charming as the bar itself. In the early days, White Bay was a secluded anchorage, untouched by modernization. With no dock, visitors had to anchor offshore and swim to the beach, their dollars getting soaked in the process – hence the name "Soggy Dollar". Over time, the Soggy Dollar Bar evolved from a simple shack run by Gertie O'Neal to a more established, yet still wonderfully rustic, beachside establishment. The bar's fame skyrocketed with the creation of the Painkiller cocktail. Daphne Henderson, a bartender at the Soggy Dollar in the 1970s, is credited with perfecting the recipe: a potent blend of dark rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, orange juice, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. The Painkiller quickly became the bar's signature drink, drawing visitors from around the globe. Today, the Soggy Dollar Bar bottles its own aged dark rum and specially blended spiced rum. Beyond the Painkiller, the Soggy Dollar offers an authentic Caribbean experience. Visitors can relax on the powdery white sand, swim in the turquoise waters, play a game of ring toss, and listen to mellow tunes. The bar also serves classic Caribbean food, including chicken roti, burgers, and conch fritters. The Soggy Dollar Bar is open year-round, ensuring that whenever you visit Jost Van Dyke, you can experience this iconic beach bar.

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