White Bay, Scrub Island Travel Guide

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Discover White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: a Caribbean paradise with white sands, turquoise waters, and legendary beach bars. Your ultimate island escape!

White Bay, located on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, is a stunning arc of white sand and calm, turquoise waters. Sheltered by a barrier reef, it's perfect for swimming and anchoring. This popular destination is known for its vibrant beach bar culture, including the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, the birthplace of the 'Painkiller' cocktail.

A brief summary to White Bay

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Try the original 'Painkiller' cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar, a must-do for any visitor.
Bring cash, as some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen liberally and often, as the Caribbean sun is strong.
Consider visiting during the off-season (summer/fall) for fewer crowds.

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Explore White Bay on the Map

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

Getting There

Ferry

The most common way to reach White Bay is by ferry to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke. Ferries run from West End, Tortola, multiple times a day; the ride is about 25 minutes and costs $20-30 USD round trip. From St. Thomas or St. John (USVI), ferries run less frequently, typically on weekends, costing around $120 for adults and $100 for children for a round trip. From Great Harbour, a taxi to White Bay is approximately $20 for three people and takes about 5 minutes.
Boat/Dinghy

If you're arriving by private boat, there's a small dinghy dock at the eastern end of White Bay, near Ivan's Stress-Free Bar. Moorings are available in White Bay for around $25 per night, payable at Ivan's Bar (eastern set) or the Soggy Dollar (western set). Alternatively, you can anchor in the bay in 10-15 feet of water, clear of the moorings. Many day charters from Tortola, St. Thomas, or St. John include a stop at White Bay.

Discover more about White Bay

White Bay, on the southern coast of Jost Van Dyke, is a Caribbean dream come to life. This idyllic bay boasts a long, white crescent beach embraced by steep, green hills. A barrier reef protects the bay from strong waves, creating a serene swimming environment and a safe anchorage for boats.White Bay is famous for its laid-back vibe and lively beach bars. The most iconic is the Soggy Dollar Bar, known as the birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail. The bar got its name from boaters swimming ashore to reach it, paying for their drinks with wet money. Today, a road connects White Bay to Belle Vue, but the tradition of swimming to shore continues.Along the beach, you'll find a variety of bars and restaurants, each with its own unique charm. From Hendo's Hideout to Ivan's Stress-Free Bar, there's a spot for every taste. Enjoy Caribbean-inspired cuisine, sip on tropical cocktails, and soak up the sun on the soft sand.Beyond the beach bars, White Bay offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and simply relaxing in the crystal-clear waters. You can also explore the island's hiking trails, discover hidden coves, and enjoy panoramic views from the Ridge Road.