White Bay Beach: Jost Van Dyke's Crown Jewel
Discover paradise at White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke: pristine sands, turquoise waters, and the home of the legendary Painkiller cocktail.
White Bay Beach, located on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, is a world-renowned destination celebrated for its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant beach bar culture. Home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and the birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail, it's a must-visit for those seeking a quintessential Caribbean experience.
A brief summary to White Bay Beach
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Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a prime spot on the beach, especially during peak season, as it can get crowded.
- Try the original Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar, but also sample the variations at other beach bars like One Love.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often, as the Caribbean sun is strong.
- Consider bringing water shoes for walking on the sand and in the water.
- If you plan to rent a car, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for navigating the steep, unpaved roads.
Getting There
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Ferry
Most visitors arrive via ferry from Tortola. Ferries depart regularly from West End, Tortola (Soper's Hole) to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. The ferry ride is approximately 25 minutes. From Great Harbour, you can take a taxi or walk over the hill to White Bay Beach. A one-way ferry ticket costs around $12 for adults.
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Taxi
From the ferry dock in Great Harbour, taxis are readily available to take you to White Bay Beach. The taxi ride is about 5 minutes. The standard fare is around $5-$10 per person, but confirm the price with the driver before you set off.
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Walking
For those who prefer to walk, it's a 15-20 minute walk from Great Harbour over the hill to White Bay. Follow the main road from Great Harbour, which will lead you over a small hill and down into White Bay. Be aware that the road can be steep in places. This option is free.
Discover more about White Bay Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peter Island Spa
0.8 km
Indulge in serene luxury at Peter Island Spa: a Caribbean escape offering rejuvenating treatments and breathtaking ocean views.
Dead Chest
2.1 km
Explore Dead Chest Island in the British Virgin Islands – a serene paradise with stunning beaches and rich pirate lore, perfect for adventure seekers and relaxation.
Key Cay
2.4 km
Discover Key Cay, a serene British Virgin Islands escape with pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and tranquil natural beauty.
Benures Bay
4.6 km
Discover Benures Bay on Norman Island: a tranquil BVI escape with clear waters, vibrant reefs, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.
Pirates Bight
5.4 km
Experience the best of Caribbean dining at Pirates Bight on Norman Island, where stunning views and delicious cuisine meet in a tropical paradise.
The Bight
5.8 km
Discover the serene beauty of The Bight, a luxurious resort hotel in the British Virgin Islands, perfect for relaxation and adventure in paradise.
Manchioneel Bay
7.5 km
Discover Manchioneel Bay: a tranquil BVI escape with clear waters, vibrant marine life, and the eco-friendly Cooper Island Beach Club.
Cooper Island Beach Club
7.5 km
Discover the beauty of Cooper Island Beach Club, a serene escape in the British Virgin Islands with stunning beaches and delicious local cuisine.
Rum Bar
7.6 km
Discover a world of flavors at Cooper Island's Rum Bar, home to one of the largest rum selections in the Virgin Islands, with stunning sunset views.
Pussers Fort Burt
8.3 km
Discover the serene beauty and cultural richness of Pusser's Fort Burt, a must-visit spot in Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
MarineMax Vacations - Nanny Cay BVI
8.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the British Virgin Islands with MarineMax Vacations - your gateway to unforgettable boating adventures in paradise.
Santa Monica Rock
8.3 km
Explore the underwater wonders of Santa Monica Rock in the British Virgin Islands, a top destination for diving and snorkeling adventures.
British Virgin Islands Charters - Dream Yacht Worldwide
8.3 km
Discover the enchanting British Virgin Islands with Dream Yacht Worldwide, offering boat rentals for an unforgettable Caribbean sailing experience.
Hodge's Creek Marina Hotel
8.3 km
Experience waterfront relaxation and nautical adventures at Hodge's Creek Marina Hotel, your gateway to exploring the beauty of Tortola.
Virgin Islands Ink
8.4 km
Explore the art of tattoos and piercings at Virgin Islands Ink in FishBay, a must-visit for unique body art in the heart of the British Virgin Islands.
Unmissable attractions to see
Peter Island
0.3 km
Discover Peter Island, the British Virgin Islands' largest private island, offering secluded beaches, luxurious accommodations, and a rich history.
Peter Island Resort and Spa
1.0 km
Experience secluded luxury on Peter Island, a private Caribbean paradise with pristine beaches, a world-class spa, and unforgettable adventures.
Dead Chest Island
2.0 km
Explore Dead Chest Island, a serene paradise in the British Virgin Islands, rich in pirate lore and natural beauty, perfect for adventure seekers and beach lovers.
Dead Chest National Park
2.1 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Dead Chest National Park, a serene paradise in the British Virgin Islands perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Lee Bay
4.8 km
Discover Lee Bay, a secluded anchorage on Great Camanoe offering tranquility, snorkeling, and a rocky beach escape in the British Virgin Islands.
Norman Island
5.2 km
Explore Norman Island: Dive into pirate legends, discover hidden caves, and experience the natural beauty of the British Virgin Islands.
Salt Island
5.5 km
Discover Salt Island: A British Virgin Islands gem with historic salt ponds, world-class diving at the RMS Rhone wreck, and tranquil natural beauty.
The Bight Bay
6.0 km
Discover The Bight Bay in the British Virgin Islands: a tropical paradise with turquoise waters, pirate lore, vibrant marine life, and lively entertainment.
The Indians
6.1 km
Explore The Indians, a stunning cluster of islands in the British Virgin Islands, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and soaking in breathtaking views.
Willy T
6.2 km
Experience the legendary Willy T: a floating bar and restaurant in the BVI, offering a unique blend of seafaring charm and Caribbean revelry.
Treasure Point
6.5 km
Discover the beauty of Treasure Point in Road Town, BVI: Snorkeling, diving, and relaxation in a tropical paradise with vibrant marine life.
Cistern Point
7.1 km
Explore the underwater wonders of Cistern Point, a vibrant snorkeling and diving site off Cooper Island in the British Virgin Islands.
Nora Hazel Point
7.3 km
Discover Nora Hazel Point, a luxurious Tortola estate with stunning views, private villas, and a tranquil Caribbean escape on 42 acres of lush paradise.
Cooper Island
7.5 km
Discover Cooper Island: A serene British Virgin Islands escape with pristine beaches, eco-friendly charm, and fantastic snorkeling.
Quart -a-Nancy Point
7.8 km
Discover Quart-a-Nancy Point in the British Virgin Islands: a serene beach escape with soft sands, clear waters, and rich history.
Essential places to dine
Oceans 7 Yacht Club
1.8 km
Discover exquisite gourmet dining at Oceans 7 Yacht Club, where luxury meets breathtaking views in the heart of Peter Island.
Brandywine Estate Restaurant
7.2 km
Discover exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at Brandywine Estate Restaurant in Kingston - where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.
Brandywine Bay
7.2 km
Discover Brandywine Bay: A serene paradise with pristine beaches and vibrant marine life awaits you in Kingston's stunning landscapes.
Duck 'N' Dive
7.6 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining at Duck 'N' Dive in Tortola's stunning Brandy Wine Bay – a true taste of Caribbean culinary excellence.
Tradewinds Mexican Grill
7.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico at Tradewinds Mexican Grill in Kingston - where delicious food meets stunning Caribbean views.
Bell's Cafe
8.1 km
Discover authentic Caribbean flavors at Bell's Cafe in Tortola - where every meal tells a story.
Royal BVI Yacht Club
8.1 km
Discover exquisite dining and vibrant sailing culture at Royal BVI Yacht Club - your gateway to unforgettable experiences in the British Virgin Islands.
Crandall's Pastry Plus
8.2 km
Discover delightful pastries at Crandall's Pastry Plus, where Caribbean flavors come alive in every bite.
The Pub
8.4 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors at The Pub in Road Town—where delicious food meets vibrant island culture.
The Aerial, BVI All-Inclusive Private Island
8.4 km
Experience ultimate luxury at The Aerial, BVI All-Inclusive Private Island – where paradise meets exceptional hospitality.
Peg Legs Restaurant
8.4 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine at Peg Legs Restaurant in Nanny Cay - a culinary oasis with stunning waterfront views.
The Jamaican Kitchen
8.4 km
Savor authentic Jamaican flavors at The Jamaican Kitchen in Road Town - a must-visit for tourists craving Caribbean cuisine.
The Circle Café
8.5 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine at The Circle Café in Road Town—where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
Omar's Dockside Nanny Cay
8.5 km
Experience the best of Indian cuisine with stunning waterfront views at Omar's Dockside Nanny Cay in Road Town.
Captain Mulligans
8.6 km
Experience delicious Caribbean cuisine at Captain Mulligans in the British Virgin Islands - perfect for travelers seeking authentic flavors.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sail Caribbean Divers
5.4 km
Discover the underwater wonders of the British Virgin Islands with Sail Caribbean Divers, your premier SCUBA tour agency for unforgettable ocean adventures.
Clarence Thomas Ltd. Home Center
8.2 km
Explore Clarence Thomas Ltd. Home Center in Fish Bay for all your home improvement needs while visiting the British Virgin Islands.
Arawak
8.2 km
Explore Arawak, the premier homewares shop in Road Town, British Virgin Islands, offering unique treasures and authentic local artistry.
RiteWay Food Markets
8.2 km
Discover the flavors of the British Virgin Islands at RiteWay Food Markets, your one-stop destination for local and international groceries.
L & L Buy and Sell
8.2 km
Explore L & L Buy and Sell, Tortola's premier consignment shop for unique finds and local treasures in the British Virgin Islands.
Unique Blendz Clothing Store
8.2 km
Explore Unique Blendz Clothing Store in Kingston, where local culture meets contemporary fashion for a unique shopping experience.
Drakes Traders Ltd
8.3 km
Discover the charm of the British Virgin Islands at Drakes Traders Ltd, your go-to home improvement shop for all island-inspired projects.
Amorbeach
8.4 km
Experience the serene beauty of Amorbeach in the British Virgin Islands, a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and vibrant local culture.
Island Department Store
8.5 km
Explore a vibrant shopping oasis at Island Department Store, where local culture meets diverse offerings in Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
Arawak Nanny Cay
8.5 km
Explore Arawak Nanny Cay for stylish, tropical apparel in the British Virgin Islands, where fashion meets island charm in every piece.
Riteway Nanny Cay
8.5 km
Explore Riteway Nanny Cay, your top supermarket in the British Virgin Islands for fresh produce and local goods in a beautiful marina setting.
Blue Water Divers
8.6 km
Discover the underwater wonders of the British Virgin Islands with Blue Water Divers - your gateway to unforgettable diving adventures.
The Islander Swim Collection
8.7 km
Explore the Islander Swim Collection for stylish swimwear and accessories that capture the essence of the British Virgin Islands' vibrant culture.
KennyTees
8.8 km
Explore the essence of Tortola with unique and stylish t-shirts at KennyTees, the island's favorite t-shirt shop.
Manuel Reef Market
8.9 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of the British Virgin Islands at Manuel Reef Market, your go-to supermarket in Tortola for local and international goods.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Island Sizzle
9.1 km
Experience the vibrant Caribbean bar scene at Island Sizzle in Road Town, where delicious drinks meet a lively atmosphere.
Pusser's
9.1 km
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The Wine Barrel Bar
9.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and exquisite drinks at The Wine Barrel Bar in Road Town, British Virgin Islands, where every sip tells a story.
TheWineBarrelBar
9.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite drink selection at The Wine Barrel Bar in Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
Bamboushay Restaurant & Lounge
9.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Bamboushay Restaurant & Lounge, your go-to dining spot in Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
