Sitting pretty in the Lesser Antilles, just four miles west of Tortola, lies the tiny island of Jost van Dyke. Named for a seventeenth-century Dutch privateer, Jost van Dyke is one of the British Virgin Islands’ best-kept secrets, accessible only by yachts and small sailing vessels. When you sail with our preferred partners at SeaDream Yacht Club, you'll drop anchor in secluded White Bay as you're greeted by a palm-lined white-sand beach and turquoise waters backdropped by lush mountains.
Continue reading to learn more about this secluded Caribbean paradise.
With less than 300 inhabitants the locals truly live life on “island time.” Sparse in development and rich in beauty, the island has only one road, a handful of cars, and a few stores. Hike and snorkel in this secret paradise of just three miles, and discover the ruins of early sugar mills, surviving explorer footpaths, and wildlife along the way to picture-perfect white-sand beaches that attract yachters and beach bums alike.
Whether you choose Diamond Cay, Great Harbour, Little Harbour, or White Bay, there is no such thing as a bad spot to snorkel on Jost van Dyke. If we had to choose just one, we would pick the waters of Sandy Cay, a little uninhabited islet just offshore.
On every SeaDream Yacht Club Caribbean itinerary, our signature Champagne & Caviar Splash® bursts on beaches nestled within breathtaking bays and paradisical coastlines, followed by an elegant beach barbecue. Jost van Dyke is our signature island of choice for a burst of the bubbly and the coveted “black gold.”
If you prefer rum instead of—or in addition to—champagne, simply stroll down the beach to the unassuming but world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar. This is where “The Painkiller”— a blend of Pusser’s Rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, orange juice, and a hint of nutmeg—was invented. To keep the Soggy Dollar Bar spirit alive, we offer our own rum version on board.
From White Bay, you can walk along the beach or choose to hike up and over the hill to Great Harbor. The hike takes about 20 minutes one way and is moderately challenging, which makes another Jost van Dyke world-famous watering hole, the floating Foxy’s Bar at the other end of your hike, even more welcoming.
Are you ready to experience the secluded beaches and playful yachting harbors of the British Virgin Islands? SeaDream Yacht Club provides you with an intimate and unique view of Jost van Dyke.
Submit a Trip Request via the button below to get started planning your yachting adventure with our TRAVELINK advisors.