Jost Van Dyke Revisited

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We continued our trek through the British Virgin Islands by sailing over to Jost Van Dyke. This was one of the islands we stopped at last year, yet our time here was brief. Too brief, like only a few hours on shore to eat lunch and check out of customs and immigration. Which is certainly not enough time to explore any island, in my opinion. So we were excited to return and spend more time there. Besides, our good friend Brian and Stephanie told us about all the great anchorages and some really cool things to do on the island. In fact, it is one of their favorite islands in the BVIs. So it became our next destination.

Our first anchorage we visited was called Little Jost Van Dyke, on the eastern end of the island. Although technically this anchorage isn’t on Jost Van Dyke at all, but located on the little island just off Jost (hence the name, Little Jost Van Dyke). What makes it such a great anchorage is that it is set in a chain of small islands, which creates an archipelago that is perfect for exploring and snorkeling. We spent a couple of days just hanging out there, going to all the little islands. We would grab our snorkel gear and hop in the dinghy, pack a day bag with lunch and sunscreen and maybe even a good book, and set off. We swam with turtles and rays, relaxed at the beach on Sandy Cay, and watched as the boats sailed across the beautiful Caribbean waters. Lovely Jubbly!

But our favorite thing that we did while anchored at Little Jost Van Dyke was visit the Bubbly Pool. The bubbly pool is a natural phenomenon, created by the strong ocean swells working their way thru rock grottoes to a small tidal pool. The effect is like a Jacuzzi, where the torrent water creates fizz and bubbles. In order to get there you have to hike across the island, following the goat path. It is a well kept secret and the only reason why we found it was because Brian and Stephanie told us where to go. There are no signs to follow and we got lost a couple of times, when the path we were following would dead end abruptly in the bush. I guess that is what you get when you follow a goat path, those silly goats! But we kept going and eventually found it. And I must admit it was well worth the effort. We quickly hopped in the bubbly pool and had a blast swimming in the effervescent water, getting pushed around by the strong waves, and always anticipating the next set. It was so much fun! Check out the videos to get the full effect.

Sunday is fun-day in the Virgin Islands, and we heard that White Bay is the place to be in Jost Van Dyke. So we sailed the boat over to the west end of the island and picked up a mooring ball in White Bay. You know us, we can’t resist a good beach party. And it truly was a fun day! Tons of boats came over to White Bay for the day, and the beach was crowded with people young and old. Kids were playing at the beach, making sand castles with one another. While the adults were hanging out at one of the many beach bars, listening to the locals strum their guitars in the shade of the palm trees. We ended up spending all day at the beach. We had a delicious lunch at the One Love Bar and Grill (which was featured on Alton Browns tv show “Feasting on Waves”). And of course had the famous pain killer at the Soggy Dollar Bar, home of this tasty tropical concoction. We even found an empty hammock on the beach and had a little hang time while we enjoyed the live music. It was fabulous! And by the time we went back to the boat, we had one of the most glorious sunsets we have ever seen. The entire sky was red- unbelievable!

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Photos

Red Sky
Red sky at night, sailors delight!

Sandy Cay
What a lovely beach!

Bubbly Pool
Jen enjoying the bubbly pool at Little Jost Van Dyke- fun!

White Bay
Sunday is fun-day at Jost Van Dyke!

One Love Bar and Grill
Lunch at the One Love Bar and Grill at White Bay- cool!

Hang Time
Having a little hang time in White Bay!

Soggy Dollar Bar
Jen hanging out at the Soggy Dollar Bar- just swim in from the anchorage!