The Caribbean is full of beautiful beaches, but some places stand out in particular. Not only do they have beautiful water and fine sand, but they also have that special atmosphere that you can’t put into words. White Bay on the small island of Jost Van is one of these places. It is a place that touches the soul, that calms body and mind in equal measure – and is really fun at the same time. Once you’ve experienced White Bay, you’ll understand why so many sailors, travelers, and Caribbean lovers keep coming back.
Arrival by water – White Bay is not reached by chance
Jost Van is one of the smallest islands in the British Virgin Islands – just eight square kilometres in size and with around 300 inhabitants. There is no airport, no expressway, no big hotels. The island can only be reached by boat, and that’s exactly what makes a visit here so special. From the mainland, for example from Tortola or the US Virgin Islands, ferries run daily to Jost Van. If you prefer to travel flexibly, you can sail directly into the bay of White Bay with your own sailboat or a chartered catamaran. And yes – many do just that.
Arriving here is part of the experience: the anchor is thrown, the dinghy is lowered into the water or – what is particularly stylish – you simply jump into the sea and swim ashore. With the cocktail in sight, the goal is clear. And that’s how the name of the legendary “Soggy Dollar Bar” comes from: guests pay for their drinks with wet banknotes – saturated by the crystal clear water of the bay.
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Powdered sugar under your feet – A beach, as if painted
White Bay itself is a natural spectacle: a crescent-shaped bay with a perfect, almost dazzling white sandy beach. The sand is so fine that it is hardly noticeable under your feet – it is more reminiscent of powdered sugar than what you know from European beaches. The sea in front shimmers in bright shades of turquoise and blue that flow into each other, and the water is pleasantly warm, shallow and calm – a dream for swimmers, children, snorkelers and anyone who just wants to float on the air mattress. The view from the water back to the beach is just as impressive: palm trees sway in the light breeze, behind them green hills from which small colorful wooden houses peek out. The scenery is almost too good to be true – but that’s exactly what makes White Bay so special. It doesn’t feel like a tourist destination, but like a place to discover. A place that doesn’t scream its magic out loud, but lets it work quietly and constantly.
The most legendary beach bar in the Caribbean and its neighbors
White Bay wouldn’t be White Bay without its iconic beach bars. First and foremost is the Soggy Dollar Bar, where the famous “Painkiller” was invented. This creamy cocktail of rum, coconut cream, orange juice, pineapple juice and freshly grated nutmeg is the unofficial national drink of the bay – and tastes especially good at sunset. The bar itself is the epitome of Caribbean serenity: bar stools in the sand, no shoes necessary, music from the 80s or reggae, palm trees to provide shade and a crew that knows how to mix a good mood. But other restaurants in the bay also contribute to the flair. Hendo’s Hideout offers a more modern twist on the Caribbean beach club – with artisanal cocktails, a creative menu and a sophisticated yet casual ambience. If you’re looking for something a little more rustic, you’ll be happy at One Love Bar & Grill , where you’ll find freshly grilled fish, conch fritters and a family atmosphere. Each of these places is right on the water, so you can eat and drink with your toes in the sand as the late afternoon light bathes the bay in gold.
As much as White Bay invites you to laze around, there is also plenty to do. The sheltered bay is ideal for water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking. The calm sea makes it possible to paddle along the coast in a relaxed manner while observing the underwater world from above. Snorkeling is also possible – especially at the edges of the bay, with a bit of luck you will discover colorful fish, small coral formations and occasionally even a sea turtle.
A very special highlight is a small floating spa anchored in the bay. Here you can get a massage in the middle of the water – an experience that is hard to top. For nature lovers, a trip to the Bubbly Pool in the northeast of the island is also recommended – a lagoon protected by rocks, into which waves crash when the swell is right, creating a bubbling natural pool. The way there leads through the wild, dry vegetation of the island, past cacti and lizards – a pleasant change from beach life.
The Rhythm of White Bay – Quiet in the Morning, Music in the Evening
White Bay is a place with two faces – depending on the time of day. In the early morning, an almost meditative silence lies over the bay. Only a few people are on the move, the water is as smooth as glass, and the first rays of sunshine bathe the landscape in warm light. Ideal for early risers who want to enjoy solitude or do yoga on the beach. In the course of the morning, the bay slowly fills with life. Boats arrive, music begins to play, voices mix with the sound of the waves. The afternoon is the busiest time: that’s when people laugh, dance, drink and swim. Nevertheless, White Bay never seems hectic – even in the high season, a certain serenity remains palpable, which is transmitted to every visitor. Towards evening, the beach empties again, the boats move on, and the sun begins its way towards the horizon. Then peace returns – accompanied by the last drinks of the day, the soft sound of acoustic music and the light of the lanterns lit in the bars. Those who are still there now experience White Bay in its most romantic form.
Spend the night on Jost Van – Just stay
Many visitors come just for the day – but if you want to experience the true magic of White Bay, you should stay. In the hills behind the beach are small, charming cottages and villas with fantastic views over the bay. The accommodations are mostly simple but stylish and offer everything you need for a few quiet days in paradise. There are no big resorts, no package tourism – just peace, nature and Caribbean lightness. Whether it’s a romantic break for two, a few days alone with yourself or a relaxing family holiday: Anyone who stays overnight in White Bay feels the true Caribbean feeling with every fibre of their being. The nights are warm and quiet, the chirping of crickets accompanies sleep, and in the morning you wake up to the light of the rising sun directly over the sea.
Conclusion – White Bay is a feeling
White Bay is more than a place. It is an attitude to life, a state of being. Here it becomes clear that it doesn’t take much to be happy: sun, sea, a few good friends – and maybe a painkiller in your hand. It’s one of those rare places where time doesn’t matter and the moment is everything. So, if you’re wondering if a single beach is worth the trip to the British Virgin Islands , the answer is yes. And much more. Because White Bay remains – in your heart, in your memory and maybe even in your next dream.
