Soggy Dollar Bar
White Bay, Belle Vue, White Bay, British Virgin Islands
Yachties, Caribbean sailors, and thirsty tourists are a regular fixture at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost van Dyke, one of the British Virgin Islands. This legendary bar is reputed as the birthplace of the BVI’s signature cocktail, the Painkiller, a rum drink made with pineapple and orange juices. The bar’s name purportedly comes from the sailors who would swim to shore and purchase drinks with wet bills.
The basics
Located in a remote location along the coast of Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay, Soggy Dollar Bar was once only accessible by boat but is now reachable by road. Because there’s no dock, many patrons traveling via boat are known to toss an anchor in the protected bay and swim to shore.
It's arguably one of the most popular and quintessentially Caribbean ways to spend an afternoon when visiting the British Virgin Islands. Boat charters and rentals to the island of Jost Van Dyke are available from both the US Virgin Islands and BVI.
Things to know before you go
There's a clothesline conveniently located behind the bar where you can hang your “soggy dollars.”
The bar serves lunch until 3pm and small bites until 7pm.
The Soggy Dollar boasts its own radio station that streams live 24/7 and a live webcam.
You can buy someone a Painkiller (or any drink) at the Soggy Dollar and have it waiting for them, courtesy of the bar’s drink board; the recipient can claim their drink when they arrive at the bar.
How to get there
The Soggy Dollar Bar is on the beach of White Bay on the south side of Jost van Dyke. The bar is reachable by boat, but you must swim to shore. From Tortola or St. Thomas, take a water taxi to Jost Van Dyke via one of the ferry services. It’s then a quick taxi ride to White Bay.
When to get there
Because boaters and charters need to return to their islands before dark, the busiest time at the Soggy Dollar Bar is during the day, typically between 11am and 5pm. Also, expect to encounter the biggest crowds during peak season, from December through April, and when cruise ships are docked on Tortola.
What’s up with the Painkiller?
According to legend, the infamous Painkiller originated at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the 1970s and is served all across the Caribbean. The cocktail contains dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice and is topped with fresh grated Grenadian nutmeg. It’s similar to a piña colada but not as sweet.
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