White Bay: Jost Van Dyke's Beach Paradise
Experience the ultimate Caribbean escape on Jost Van Dyke's White Bay: sun, sand, turquoise waters, and the legendary Painkiller cocktail.
White Bay is a stunning crescent-shaped beach on the southern coast of Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main British Virgin Islands. This idyllic bay is famous for its exceptionally soft, white sand and calm, turquoise waters, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply soaking up the Caribbean sunshine. The bay's vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by a collection of popular beach bars, including the Soggy Dollar Bar, the birthplace of the famous Painkiller cocktail. These bars contribute to White Bay's reputation as a lively and social destination, drawing yachters, day-trippers, and those seeking the ultimate beach party. Beyond the beach bars, White Bay offers opportunities for water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. The surrounding reefs teem with marine life, offering a glimpse into the underwater beauty of the British Virgin Islands. For a quieter experience, visitors can explore the eastern end of the bay, which tends to be less crowded. While Jost Van Dyke was impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, White Bay has since recovered and continues to welcome visitors with its breathtaking beauty and convivial spirit.
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during peak season (November to February), to secure a prime spot on the beach and avoid crowds.
- Try the original Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the delicate marine environment.
- Consider renting a dinghy to explore nearby Sandy Cay or other secluded spots.
- If you plan to drive to White Bay, be aware that the road can be steep and unpaved; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
A brief summary to White Bay
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Getting There
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Ferry and Taxi
The most common way to reach White Bay is by ferry to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, followed by a short taxi ride. Ferries operate from West End and Road Town on Tortola, as well as St. Thomas and St. John in the US Virgin Islands. From Tortola: Take the New Horizon Ferry from West End to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. The ride is approximately 25 minutes and costs around $20-30 USD round trip for adults. From the ferry dock in Great Harbour, taxis are readily available to take you to White Bay. The taxi ride is about 5 minutes and typically costs $5-10 USD per person. From St. Thomas/St. John: Ferries operate from Red Hook, St. Thomas, and Cruz Bay, St. John, to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. The ferry from Red Hook to Jost Van Dyke will cost around $110/pp plus $60/pp for international processing fees. The ferry ride is approximately 30-60 minutes. Upon arrival in Great Harbour, take a taxi to White Bay for $5-10 USD per person. Note: Ferry schedules can vary, so it's essential to check the latest timings in advance. Taxis do not run on fixed schedules, so you might need to arrange a pickup time or have your restaurant/hotel call one for you.
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Walking
For those arriving in Great Harbour, White Bay is accessible by foot, though it's a 30-minute walk. Follow the road west from the ferry dock, over a small hill, and down into White Bay. Be aware that the road can be steep in places.
