From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring White Bay.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
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, located on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, is a world-renowned beach celebrated for its powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and lively beach bars. It's a must-visit destination for those seeking relaxation and Caribbean vibes.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to White Bay
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Discover more about White Bay
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.
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Getting There
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.
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.
A brief summary to White Bay
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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