Jost Van Dyke BVI Travel Guide
Welcome to Jost Van Dyke, a tiny off-the-beaten-path paradise nestled among the British Virgin Islands! Jost Van Dyke sits in the northeastern Caribbean Sea and is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. John. Here, you won’t find high-rise hotels or bustling cities – instead, you’ll discover quaint beach bars, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals eager to share their slice of paradise with you.
Jost Van Dyke is the smallest and least populated island of BVI’s four main islands, at just three square miles and around 300 year-round residents. While Jost Van Dyke is relatively empty in comparison to the other islands, it is a popular daytime stop for Virgin Islands boat charters and for seafarers who moor overnight in the harbors.
With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, laid-back vibe, and fewer crowds, Jost Van Dyke is a hidden gem. Rather than stopping by for a brief visit, consider calling this island paradise home for a few days. In this travel guide, I am sharing the best places to stay, eat, and adventure in Jost Van Dyke. Let’s start exploring!
Getting to Jost Van Dyke
Getting to Jost Van Dyke is an adventure in itself. You have a few ways to reach the island, and all involve a boat because there is no airport on Jost Van Dyke. It’s all part of the adventure, so kick back and enjoy the views!
The first option is to fly directly into Tortola, BVI. Once you arrive on the neighboring island of Tortola, you can hop on a ferry to Jost. The ferry ride is a treat, offering views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding islands.
The second way you can reach Jost Van Dyke is via St. Thomas USVI, which is also a popular choice, and how we arrived. You have several ferry options that will take you to Tortola, and from there, you can hop on a ferry to reach your final destination in Jost. The ferry rides are all reasonably short, but finding the ferry combo that works best for you can be tricky.
Ferry rides vary in cost but typically start at around sixty-five dollars one way. The BVI port authority is the best place to view ferry schedules. You can find up-to-date ferry schedules on their website.
Private Water Taxi from St. Thomas USVI to Jost Van Dyke
Alternatively, you can take a private water taxi directly from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke. You’ll be on Jost in twenty minutes, and they even help you clear customs upon arrival. It is so convenient, but you pay a premium for convenience. A private water taxi starts at around $1,200 one way, but you can likely find a shared water taxi and reduce your cost.
When we spent time in Jost last year, we used a private water taxi to get there. The timing of our flight did not work well with the ferry schedule, so we opted for convenience. We had a great experience with Ocean Dreams Water Taxi. They even found another couple willing to share the taxi, which cut our cost in half. The ferry schedule worked for our return, so we took a ferry from Jost to West End, Tortola, and then hopped on the Aquatic Rentals ferry to return to St. Thomas. It was a great experience as well!
Regardless of how you arrive, once you get to Jost Van Dyke, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and the laid-back atmosphere that the island is known for. So sit back, relax, and get ready to experience paradise!
Where to Stay on Jost Van Dyke
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay on Jost Van Dyke, you have a range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Remember, you won’t find high-rise hotels or a bustling city here, so accommodations are limited. Plan ahead and book early!
Whether it’s a high-end boutique hotel, beachfront cottage, or vacation rental tucked away in the hills, you’ll wake up to the sound of waves and ocean views. With a variety of accommodations to choose from, you’ll find the perfect place to call home during your stay on Jost Van Dyke.
The Hideout, a boutique “resort,” seems to be the nicest and newest place to stay on the island. It features seven villas, each with private plunge pools. Next door to Soggy Dollar, the Hideout is perfectly situated on White Bay. Although the Hideout was booked during our visit, it’s at the top of my list the next time we travel to Jost.
Up the hill and on the quieter end of White Bay, you’ll find White Bay Villas. You can rent directly through their site, but several White Bay Villas are on VRBO and AirBNB. At White Bay Villas, it is all about the views! The hillside location provides beautiful views of White Bay. We enjoyed our stay at White Bay Villas. We enjoyed our morning coffee while overlooking White Bay. Our unit was a little dated and had the normal wear and tear you’d expect of a seaside unit, but the hospitality was spot on!
Other lodging options on Jost Van Dyke include the Sandcastle Hotel at Soggy Dollar, Perfect Pineapple Inn, Ali Baba’s Heavenly Rooms, and Ivan’s Stree-Free Guest House and Campgrounds.
For vacation rentals, head to VRBO, where you can find homes ranging from one-bedroom cottages to large estates.
No matter which type of accommodation you choose, you’re in for a fantastic stay on Jost Van Dyke!
Things to Do on Jost Van Dyke
On Jost Van Dyke, you’ll find a variety of outdoor activities to keep you entertained from sunrise to sunset. First things first, let’s talk about the beaches – they’re what dreams are made of! Picture yourself lounging on the powdery sands of White Bay, sipping on Painkillers at Soggy Dollar, or soaking up the sun at Great Harbour.
If you’re feeling adventurous, dive into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling or paddleboarding. After all, no visit to Jost Van Dyke would be complete without indulging in some water activities – whether it’s swimming, sailing, diving, or fishing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ready to explore by land? You’re in for a treat! While this tiny island may be known for its stunning beaches, it’s also home to incredible hikes and scenic lookouts just waiting to be discovered. One popular hike takes you to the top of Majestic Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island and beautiful blue waters. Another must-visit spot is Bubbly Pool, a natural tidal pool tucked away on the eastern coast—the hike there is half the fun!
Getting Around Jost
While Jost is tiny and certainly a walkable distance, it is very hilly, so I suggest a car rental or taxi to get around the island.
On Jost Van Dyke, there is no UBER or LYFT, just local taxis. If you need a number for a taxi, ask your server or host; they will gladly assist. One important thing to know is that the taxi service on the island isn’t always reliable- at least, that was our experience. During our stay, someone hosted a party and invited the island locals, including the taxi drivers. Fortunately, the kind owner of Tipsy Shark gave us a ride back to our villa.
Rentals are available on the island if you’d prefer to have a vehicle so you can come and go as you please. After we were almost stranded, we decided to rent a car from Paradise Jeep Rentals for the remainder of the trip. We enjoyed having a car and exploring the island at our own pace.
Jost Van Dyke Dining and Nightlife
When it comes to dining and nightlife on Jost Van Dyke, you’re in for a deliciously good time! From beachside bars serving up ice-cold cocktails to waterfront restaurants dishing out mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
You’ll discover that most beach bars serve lunch. Whether it’s a burger from Soggy Dollar or a lobster roll from Hendo’s, enjoy lunch and sip on a cocktail with your toes in the sand. With stunning ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll never want to leave.
Don’t miss the chance to sample the delicious flavors of Caribbean cuisine during your stay on Jost Van Dyke. From spicy jerk chicken to creamy conch chowder, there’s no shortage of local specialties to tempt your palate. Two of my favorite dinners were at Tipsy Shark and Hendo’s. Some restaurants were closed, but other popular dinner restaurants on the island include Foxy’s Taboo, Alice’s, Corsairs, Ali Baba’s, and Gertrudes.
When the sun sets, the party really gets started – whether you’re at a beach bonfire at Ivan’s Stress-Free Bar or dancing the night away at Foxy’s, the nightlife on Jost Van Dyke is a relaxed, fun vibe.
So grab your friends, raise a glass to island life, and get ready for an unforgettable dining and nightlife experience on beautiful Jost Van Dyke!
Before You Go
Before you embark on your adventure to Jost Van Dyke, it’s a good idea to be prepared with some practical information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Let’s start with the most important thing- your passport! Whether heading over for a day trip or spending several days in the British Virgin Islands, you’ll need a passport.
Other Things to Know
- Currency– The official currency on the island is the US dollar, so there’s no need to worry about exchanging money.
- Weather– When it comes to weather, you can expect warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine year-round, with occasional showers. During hurricane season, island life slows down a lot, with several restaurants closing for a few weeks to enjoy the downtime.
- Bug Spray– As with any tropical destination, you’ll likely have mosquitos, so bring insect repellant. I never need it during the day, but when the sun goes down, it might be a good time to apply.
Jost Van Dyke – Final Thoughts
Are you ready to pack your bags and head to Jost Van Dyke? This tiny island packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless adventure. From the stunning beaches to the lively beach bars, Jost Van Dyke has something for everyone.
So whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both, Jost Van Dyke is the perfect destination to unwind, recharge, and make memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Come discover the magic of Jost Van Dyke – paradise is calling your name!
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