Port information & tips for Jost Van Dyke Island
Jost Van Dyke is the easygoing jewel of the British Virgin Islands, embodying the epitome of Caribbean serenity in a compact space. The island captivates with its authentic charm and powder-white sandy beaches, inviting guests to an exclusive barefoot experience thanks to its relaxed atmosphere. Outstanding highlights include the dreamy White Bay with the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar and the world-famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour. As the island preserves its original character, guests reach the shore by tender boat at the Great Harbour Pier. This central arrival point also provides direct access to the tranquil main village, from where the iconic beach bars and picturesque coastal paths can be easily explored on foot.
Jost Van Dyke is a small island in the British Virgin Islands and is typically reached by ferry after a flight to the larger neighboring islands. Direct travel by car or train to the island's port is not possible.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves long-haul flights to major hubs such as San Juan (SJU) or Miami (MIA). From there, connecting flights are available to Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Tortola, the largest airport in the British Virgin Islands. An alternative route leads via Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas (USVI), from where ferry connections to Jost Van Dyke also exist. Due to the long flight duration and the required ferry connection, an overnight stay on one of the neighboring islands before embarkation is strongly recommended.
Ferry & Transfer
After arriving on Tortola (EIS), you can reach the ferry terminal in West End by taxi, from where regular ferry connections to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke are offered. The crossing takes about 30-40 minutes. Ferry connections are also available from St. Thomas (STT), though these take longer and often require a stopover on Tortola. Additionally, some private charter or water taxis offer a more direct transfer, which can be particularly advantageous for larger groups.
Pre-Cruise Stay
To break up the journey and ensure a relaxed start to your cruise, a pre-cruise stay on Tortola or St. Thomas is recommended. Numerous hotels on these islands offer pleasant overnight accommodations before you conveniently take the ferry to Jost Van Dyke the following day. This allows you to acclimatize and provides more flexibility in the event of potential flight delays.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Jost Van Dyke is a small island in the British Virgin Islands and is typically reached by ferry after a flight to the larger neighboring islands. Direct travel by car or train to the island's port is not possible.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically involves long-haul flights to major hubs such as San Juan (SJU) or Miami (MIA). From there, connecting flights are available to Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Tortola, the largest airport in the British Virgin Islands. An alternative route leads via Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas (USVI), from where ferry connections to Jost Van Dyke also exist. Due to the long flight duration and the required ferry connection, an overnight stay on one of the neighboring islands before embarkation is strongly recommended.
Ferry & Transfer
After arriving on Tortola (EIS), you can reach the ferry terminal in West End by taxi, from where regular ferry connections to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke are offered. The crossing takes about 30-40 minutes. Ferry connections are also available from St. Thomas (STT), though these take longer and often require a stopover on Tortola. Additionally, some private charter or water taxis offer a more direct transfer, which can be particularly advantageous for larger groups.
Pre-Cruise Stay
To break up the journey and ensure a relaxed start to your cruise, a pre-cruise stay on Tortola or St. Thomas is recommended. Numerous hotels on these islands offer pleasant overnight accommodations before you conveniently take the ferry to Jost Van Dyke the following day. This allows you to acclimatize and provides more flexibility in the event of potential flight delays.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Cruise ships usually anchor offshore and bring you directly to the pier in Great Harbour via tender boats, from where your exploration of the island begins conveniently.
Safari Taxis
These open shared taxis wait directly at the pier and take guests quickly and easily to the famous White Bay or other picturesque destinations on the island.
On Foot
The charming main town, Great Harbour, can be explored directly from the pier in just a few minutes and offers direct access to well-known beach bars and small shops.
Water Taxis
Local boat captains offer their services at the harbor, enabling a comfortable crossing to more remote bays and neighboring islands directly across the crystal-clear water.
To make the most of your stay on Jost Van Dyke, it is recommended to spend time at the island's stunning bays and charming, historic beach bars.
Great Harbour
The island's picturesque port of arrival welcomes visitors with unparalleled serenity and the world-famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar; additionally, the maritime flair can be perfectly enjoyed during a stroll along the palm-lined coastal road.
White Bay
This paradisiacal stretch of coastline is famous for its brilliant white sand and vibrant turquoise water; furthermore, the iconic Soggy Dollar Bar invites you to try the original Painkiller cocktail right by the sea.
Bubbly Pool
The natural rock pool on the north coast transforms into a bubbling whirlpool due to the incoming surf and, thanks to the idyllic hiking trail leading there, offers an impressive nature experience amidst untouched flora.
White Bay
The picturesque White Bay is easily accessible from the pier in Great Harbour in just a few minutes by taxi or water taxi and impresses with its powdered-sugar white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water. This iconic location is home to the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar and offers first-class infrastructure with cozy beach bars and excellent opportunities for swimming and relaxing in a paradisiacal setting. It is best to visit the bay in the morning to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in peace and to secure one of the coveted spots under the palm trees. Ideally, plan your return to the ship about ninety minutes before departure to end the day in a relaxed and timely manner.
Returning to the pier in Great Harbour is straightforward thanks to the short distances on the island, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed conclusion to your shore excursion. Since ships here usually lie at anchor, you can reach your cruise ship comfortably using the provided tender boats.
Safari Taxis
At White Bay, typical open-air safari buses are available behind well-known meeting points such as the Soggy Dollar Bar or Hendo’s Hideout, and will take you back to the pier in Great Harbour in just a few minutes. These taxis run regularly between the main beaches and the port area, so you can enjoy your stay to the fullest until shortly before departure.
On Foot
The walk from White Bay to Great Harbour follows a paved path over the hill and rewards you with a picturesque view of the bay and your ship. You will reach the port area after about 15 to 20 minutes and find yourself directly at the central square of Great Harbour, where the boats depart.
Tender Service
Tender boats shuttle between the pier in Great Harbour and your ship throughout the entire day. Thanks to the clear organization at the pier, you will find the boarding point immediately and can use the short sea journey back on board to take some final photos of the stunning scenery.
