Is it worth visiting Jost Van Dyke?

If you’re a traveler looking for a pristine Caribbean island that’s relatively untouched by tourism, you may have heard of Jost Van Dyke. It’s situated in the British Virgin Islands and is known for its fantastic beaches and crystal-clear waters. This island is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, couples, and families who seek an escape from the mainland’s hustle and bustle. But, is it worth taking a trip to Jost Van Dyke? In this blog post, we’ll explore the island’s highlights, its history, and its drawbacks to help you decide.

The history of Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke is a small island named after a Dutch pirate who used the location as a base as he carried out his misdeeds in the Caribbean. The island has a rich history of shipwrecks, rum distilleries, and indigenous tribes. Today, it has a population of only a few hundred people, making it a peaceful retreat from the mainland’s hustle and bustle.

What to do on Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke Island offers numerous activities to suit a wide range of interests. You can spend your time lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun or enjoy some of the numerous water sports available on the island. Here are some of the top things to do on Jost Van Dyke Island.

Visit the Soggy Dollar Bar

The Soggy Dollar Bar is the island’s most well-known bar, and for a good reason. It’s located on the beach and is known for its famous drink- the Painkiller. It’s a delicious blend of rum, pineapple, orange, and coconut. The bar also offers a range of Caribbean dishes, making it perfect for those who want to grab a bite to eat in a relaxed atmosphere.

Explore the island on foot

Jost Van Dyke is compact enough to explore on foot, making it easy to take in the island’s natural beauty. It’s surrounded by calm seas and lush greenery, making it the perfect location for a leisurely stroll. You can also hike to the highest point on the island, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving

Jost Van Dyke Island is surrounded by some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean. You can rent snorkeling or scuba diving equipment and explore the underwater world. You’ll see colorful fish, sea turtles, and many other marine creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.

What are the drawbacks of visiting Jost Van Dyke?

Despite its many attractions, there are some drawbacks to visiting Jost Van Dyke that you should be aware of before planning your trip.

Limited accommodation options

Although the island has a few accommodation options, they can fill up quickly, making it difficult to book a place to stay if you don’t plan well in advance. The island’s accommodation options range from budget backpacker hostels to high-end luxury villas, so there’s something to suit every budget.

Expensive prices

Like many Caribbean islands, prices on Jost Van Dyke can be expensive. You’ll find that even basic amenities like groceries and transport can be costly. However, the island’s stunning beauty and unique charm may be worth the extra expenses.

Less developed infrastructure

Jost Van Dyke’s infrastructure is limited compared to other Caribbean islands, and some travelers might find it challenging to get around. However, the lack of infrastructure has helped preserve the island’s natural beauty and old-world charm.

Conclusion

So, is Jost Van Dyke worth visiting? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a true Caribbean escape and stunning natural beauty, Jost Van Dyke Island is an excellent destination. With its calm seas, unspoiled beaches, and lush green landscapes, it’s easy to see why this British Virgin Island is a popular tourist destination. Although it may have some drawbacks, its many attractions and unique charm make it an island worth visiting.

An Insider’s Guide to Jost Van Dyke: Why It’s Worth a Visit

Jost Van Dyke may be a hidden gem in the British Virgin Islands, but it’s definitely worth the visit. This island offers a serene and peaceful retreat with its idyllic beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Here’s an insider’s guide to the best of Jost Van Dyke, from local attractions to off-the-beaten-path suggestions, and everything in between.

Local Attractions – Hidden Gems

Although Jost Van Dyke is a small island, its local attractions are abundant, beyond the famous white sand beaches. One of the hidden gems we recommend is the Bubbling Pool. It is a natural pool of clear sea water that bubbles with the tide. Besides the stunning view, you could enjoy the massage-like bubbling sensation that the pool creates, what a fantastic natural spa treatment.

Another hidden gem is the BVI National Parks Trust Jost Van Dyke Scenic Trail. The trail is a moderate, 3.5-mile hike through the natural beauty of Jost Van Dyke, with scenic views of the surrounding islands. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the island, discovering beautiful vistas, and even stumble across ancient rock carvings, a testament to the history of the island.

Dining Spots – Food Culture and Unforgettable Experiences

When it comes to dining spots, Jost Van Dyke offers its unique cuisine and dining spots and not just the conventional ones. For instance, the Soggy Dollar Bar on the island is famously known for its creation of the Painkiller cocktail, local to the island. Besides that, their lobster dish is cooked to perfection, the epitome of delicious island cuisine.

Another intriguing dining spot on the island is Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. Not only is their menu exceptional with a range of dishes to please everyone, but their experience is something to remember. The proprietor, Foxy Callwood, is a legendary storyteller, known to entertain his customers with songs and tales of the island.

Cultural Experiences – Music And Traditions

Music and traditions are a significant part of Jost Van Dyke. The island offers its unique local music genre, Quelbe, which reveals its historical importance in the island’s Slave Trade period, when the Quelbe music allowed slaves to pass messages among themselves. On Festival Day, the island comes alive with traditional songs and dance performances.

Moreover, culture is intertwined with religion. If you happen to visit during the Easter holiday, one of the island’s significant festivals, you will witness the ‘Peace Parade’ on Easter Monday. The parade involves roaming throughout the town with a doll representing Judas being carried to the ocean where it is burned to symbolize the apostle’s betrayal.

Local History – Fascinating Stories To Remember

While Jost Van Dyke could be a relaxing island escape, it has an intriguing history worth exploring. One of the fascinating histories is the mention of its name. Jost Van Dyke is named after an infamous privateer, Joost van Dyk, who had chosen the island to be his hideout in the 17th century.

The island is also known for being the location of one of the US’s major drug smuggling bust operations. In the 1980s, a 70-ton shipment of cocaine was seized by U.S. Customs & Border Protection, which is still remembered and recalled on Jost Van Dyke.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions – Experiences for The Adventurous

For the adventurous type, why not venture beyond the ordinary. Jumping off the famous Soggy Dollar Bar’s pier and swimming around to White Bay, or charter your boat for a day trip to Sandy Cay, a deserted island just a short sail from the coastline.

If you prefer to stay on land, exploring the surrounding cays via ATV or scooter makes for an unforgettable experience that offers a unique chance to see this island’s hidden beauty while also enjoying the off-road terrain and the rugged coastline.

Jost Van Dyke welcomes you, your journey to the island is sure to be filled with exciting discoveries, and we cannot wait to hear your take on the island’s hidden gems.