Known fondly as the New York of the Virgin Islands because of its wealth of nocturnal activities, Jost Van Dyke is the perfect place to head on a Caribbean yachting charter if you are looking for a party.
- Caribbean – Jost Van Dyke Foter.com / Public domain
Measuring barely eight square miles, Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the four British Virgin Islands and lies just five miles off the capital, Tortola.
It may be small, but its’ reputation is anything but, and most people who venture on this rugged island whilst on a yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands find it hard to leave, we are told.
- Jost Van Dyke Beachkenteegardin / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Surrounded by beautiful white beaches and emerald blue sea, the scenery on Jost Van Dyke is hard to beat, but it is perhaps its unique atmosphere which is the islands greatest quality.
It remained largely undeveloped until the late 20th century, with electricity and paved roads only arriving on the island in the 1990s. The result is that Jost Van Dyke is one of the most unspoiled islands in the region, and those on yacht charter in the Caribbean will notice how unsophisticated and real it seems compared to other more developed destinations.
Visitors to this small corner of paradise will also appreciate its very colourful nightlife. Top of the list of bars to seek out is the Soggy Dollar, located in White Bay on the southern coast of the island. Famed the world over for its potent yet delicious cocktail the Painkiller, the bar is adjoined to the equally reputed Sandcastle Hotel which was recently named as one of the Best Hotels in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
Named after a regular who reportedly anchored his boat, swam to shore for a drink and paid for it with wet cash, the Soggy Dollar is set on one of the most picturesque beaches in the Virgin Islands and is the perfect place to sit, relax, and imbibe.
Another hugely popular bar is Foxy, located in Great Harbour just along the coast from the Soggy Bar. And while Foxy’s doesn’t boast its’ own lethal cocktail, it does sell beer lovingly made in its’ very own brewery. Parties here are legendary, especially over Christmas and New Year so if you are planning a holiday in the British Virgin Islands during this time of year, be sure to book ahead.
