View Caribbean & Bahamas on the mapThere are no traffic lights or large hotels, and island life gathers along the sandy shores of White Bay and Great Harbour. Beach-bar culture, passed down among yacht sailors, is at the heart of it, and a laid-back atmosphere where the day ends barefoot is its trademark.

Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke · British Virgin Islands · 18.45, -64.75

One of the smallest inhabited islands in the British Virgin Islands, with a population of about 300. Without a pier, cruise passengers come ashore by tender boat at this simple port of sandy beaches and beach bars.

Port highlights

A small island of about 300 people

Population

A tropical maritime climate with little temperature variation year-round. Trade winds blow constantly, so it does not feel as hot. August to October is hurricane season, and fewer ships call during this period.

Climate

English (official language)

Language

US dollar (USD). Cash is the safest option at beach bars, and many places do not accept cards.

Currency

December to April (dry season with gentle winds; August to October is hurricane season and best avoided)

Best time to visit

Local food

Conch fritters and grilled conch, lobster barbecue, and the island's signature rum-based cocktail, the Painkiller

Sights

White-sand beach and beach bar strip at White BayGreat Harbour (the island's main settlement and boat landing)Soggy Dollar Bar at Bloody Pond BayBubbly Pool (rock pool where the tide wells up)Nearby reefs suited to snorkeling

Monthly average high / low temperatures

29°

23°Jan

29°

23°Feb

29°

23°Mar

30°

24°Apr

31°

25°May

32°

26°Jun

32°

26°Jul

32°

26°Aug

32°

26°Sep

31°

25°Oct

30°

24°Nov

30°

24°Dec

Unit: °C · Calculated from NOAA GHCN-Daily station observations · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: CYRIL E KING AP · about 27.3 km from port · Approximate (distant station) · Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Much more expensive than Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)378 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, beer costs about the same; water, coffee, meals and a Big Mac are much more expensive.

$3.00

Water 750 ml

$6.00

Coffee

$21.00

Inexpensive meal

$4.00

Local beer

$17.00

Hamburger (local restaurant)

Prices from nearby Tortola (Road Town) (about 15 km away) · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 · Sources: Shop and menu prices