Does anyone really know...

In the very laid-back ways of the sunny islands, no one knows for sure how many British

Virgin Islands there are. The number varies depending on who you ask. Plus, not all are

populated, and some are very remote, home only to waterfowl and undisturbed wildlife.

Jost Van Dyke Island, sometimes known as JVD or just Jost, is the smallest of the populated

islands with 298 people at last count. The Turners, Grants, Ringes, and Callwoods have

lived here for generations, well outnumbered by visitors any day of the week. The old

families prefer to continue the old ways, keeping the island looking like it did 200 years ago.

This tranquil little place takes its name from 17 th century pirate Joost van Dyke, who

harbored his ships in the coves, before he decided to settle. When the British arrived, they

mostly ignored Jost, which judging from the remains of sugar works, was under cultivation at

some point.

The island’s largest town, Great Harbour, is very authentically Caribbean and home to many of

the island’s traditional residents. Quaint, charming small shops, bars, and restaurants line the

sandy beach that serves as Main Street. Foxy's Yot Klub is always open, busy, and worth a stop

for BBQ. You can indeed, spend the day enjoying any of the plentiful beach clubs where free

chairs, lounges, and tables are put out for visitors to enjoy, even if they’re not staying. Pull up a

chair outside Gertrude’s, One Love, or Hendo’s and let the party begin.

Painkillers At The Soggy Dollar

And of course, you must sip a rum Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar, likely the most famous bar in

the British Virgin Islands or some say the entire Caribbean! It got its name from sailors who

dropped anchor, swam ashore, and paid for their drinks with soggy dollars. Visitors keep the

tradition going, jumping off their boats and swimming up to have a drink. The bartenders are

quick, and the Mahi Mahi sandwiches are great, even though breakfast and lunch menus are

limited. Appetizers are served from 4:30 to 6PM and dinner is by reservation only.

If you’re looking for some place quiet, stroll down the beach to White Bay Villas and sip a drink

at Ivan’s Stress Free while enjoying views of the turquoise water.

There is a beach at Great Harbour, but if you’re here for the beach, it’s not where you want to be.

The best beach on Jost Van Dyle is right around the corner from town, just a bit of an uphill walk

over. You’ll find White Bay Beach stunning! It’s considered one of the best in the BVI. The

secluded half a mile of white sand with reefs close to shore and amazingly clear water, is a

superb location for underwater exploring. But it can be busy, packed with boats bringing people to the Soggy Dollar.

A lot of tour boats make the Soggy Dollar a stop on their route from St. John and Tortola.

Getting to Great Harbour on JVD is very easy. Just take the New Horizon Ferry from the West

End Ferry Terminal on Tortola to Great Harbour – a pleasant 10-15 minute ferry ride. The ferry

company will also rent you a car for the day, insurance and gas included. That way, you can

explore Jost Van Dyke beyond Grant Harbour and White Bay Beach and get away for a few

hours, before the 5PM ferry ride back to Tortola.