Jost Van Dyke | A Charming Island Gem
Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands at about three square miles. It rests in the northern portion of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands. Jost Van Dyke lies about five miles to the northwest of Tortola and five miles to the north of Saint John. The island of Jost Van Dyke was named after a noted Dutch privateer, Joost van Dyk.
About Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands. It is about 3 square miles.
Like many of the British Virgin islands, it is volcanic in origin and mountainous. The highest point on the island is Majohnny Hill at 1,053 feet.
Weather
The climate in Jost Van Dyke is subtropical and cooled by gentle trade winds. Since the trade winds prevent the island from becoming overly warm, the weather varies very little from month to month. The yearly average temperature is 80.5 F.
Jost Van Dyke | Things to See and Do
- Snorkel or dive at popular dive sites. Favored spots near Jost Van Dyke include Twin Towers, Sandy Cay, Wayward Wall, Stoney Bay, and The Cathedral.
- Go hiking. There are several trails on the island with fantastic views. The view from the top of Majohnny Hill is worth the strenuous hike to get there. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing Caribbean Sea views.
- Mountain bike. In addition to hiking, you can also travel the hills on a bike.
- Kayak, standup paddleboard, and other water sports. Jost Van Dyke is a fantastic place to get out your yacht’s water toys.
- Fish. Just north of Jost Van Dyke is the North Sea Drop which is the second deepest ocean depth in the world. This area is said to have the highest number of Blue Marlin strikes per day of anywhere in the world. Of course, you can also fish from the shore.
- Visit the natural jacuzzi known as the Bubbly Pool, a tidal pool with a narrow opening to the sea. Be sure to bring water shoes because the area is rocky.
- Try local dishes such as barbecues, West Indian roti, flying fish sandwiches, grilled fresh fish, as well as lobster.
- For a truly unique experience, get a massage at Ocean Spa BVI.
- Swim at White Bay. This secluded half-mile sandy beach has reefs that are close to the shore.
- Snorkel at Trunk Bay: This is a secluded bay on the north side of the island. It is home to a coral reef and a variety of marine life.
- Scuba Dive. JVD Scuba offers equipment rentals, snorkeling and eco tours, scuba diving trips, and a PADI Scuba school.
Beach Bars on Jost Van Dyke
- Stop by the Soggy Dollar Bar for a Painkiller drink. This swim-up beach bar is world-famous. They even have their own brand of rum! This is one of the BVI beach bars Jimmy Buffett enjoyed to visit along with Foxy’s.
- Visit the famous Foxy’s Bar. This iconic bar is known worldwide as a place to have fun and party.
- Seddy’s One Love Bar and Grill is a great place to meet new friends.
Marinas
Little Harbour Marina: Amenities include Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, a grocery store, an ice machine, diesel and gasoline, and water. In addition, the marina is close to restaurants, bars, and taxi services. It is well-lit at night.
North Latitude Marina: This full-service fuel station can easily accommodate yachts up to 100 feet with a draft of 12 feet. Friendly docking assistance and a shop offering ice, snacks, cold beer, fishing baits, and batteries.
