White Bay Beach, Peter Island Travel Guide

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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring White Bay Beach.

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.

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Explore White Bay Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near White Bay Beach, mapped for you.

Getting There

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.
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.
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

White Bay Beach is an idyllic crescent of powdery white sand embraced by steep, verdant hills on the island of Jost Van Dyke. A protective barrier reef ensures calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This beach is a magnet for day-trippers arriving by boat, drawn by the laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery.The beach's main draws are its lively beach bars, most notably the Soggy Dollar Bar, the originator of the iconic Painkiller cocktail. Visitors can wiggle their toes in the sand, soak up the Caribbean sun, and enjoy the lively social scene. For a quieter experience, the eastern end of the bay offers a more secluded escape.Beyond the bars, White Bay offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. A short taxi ride or energetic walk will take you over the hill to Great Harbour, where you can find more restaurants, bars, and water sports activities. Jost Van Dyke is small, only about 4 miles from end to end, making it easy to explore. Consider a hike to the Bubbly Pool, natural jacuzzi-like pools filled with ocean water, or charter a dinghy to visit Sandy Cay for a change of pace.