White Bay
Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands
On tiny Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), yachties, sunseekers, partyers, and divers all gather along White Bay, a picturesque sandy cove that’s backed by the turquoise sea. Travelers can snorkel and swim among schools of small, silvery fish and watch pelicans swoop through the sky in search of a meal. Home to laidback bars and beachside restaurants, White Bay remains true to its casual roots.
The basics
White Bay is the epitome of a tropical paradise, with sparkling blue waters and pristine sands that resemble a vivid screensaver image. A popular destination on the tiny island of Jost Van Dyke, it’s lively with beachside restaurants serving up conch fritters and frozen “Painkiller” cocktails. Charter your own private boat and drop anchor directly offshore White Bay, or book a group charter that departs from nearby islands like St. Thomas.
Things to know before you go
- The popular Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke purportedly gets its name from the sailors who would swim to shore and purchase drinks with wet bills.
- White Bay is a popular spot where many yachts anchor.
- The area is known for its party scene during the day, and may not be the best place to bring kids.
How to get there
Jost Van Dyke is most easily accessed by boat from St. Thomas or St. John. Both islands have regular ferries that visit Jost Van Dyke—though passports are required when re-entering US territory, because BVI is a British overseas territory. You can also visit from Tortola or neighboring Virgin Gorda, or charter your own boat to White Bay.
When to get there
Hurricane season runs from June to November, so keep that in mind when booking your visit. The British Virgin Islands typically experience large crowds during the winter holidays; New Year's Eve parties on Jost Van Dyke are some of the biggest in the Caribbean. This is also when the weather is prime—from December to February, the islands welcome sunny skies and very little rain.
More BVI beaches to visit
While White Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches within the Caribbean archipelago, BVI boasts many more, including Cane Garden Bay on the island of Tortola, which is the center of activity and can get busy when a cruise ship is in port. A destination called the “The Baths” on Virgin Gorda isn’t a typical sandy beach, but it’s one of the main attractions, featuring giant boulders that form a grotto and tranquil pools.
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