Sailboat Charter Flotilla: BVI — Jost Van Dyke, Foxy’s, and the Soggy Dollar Bar

Lots of boats anchored in White Bay in Jost Van Dyke

We awoke to a beautiful morning in Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands! We slept in a bit this morning, as the long day of travel from Virgin Gorda via Anegada the day before in our Lagoon 46 sailboat had been exhausting. Some of the crew left early in the morning for a dive trip, so the rest of us went ashore to wander around and look for a grocery store to stock up on some things. We also heard from other cruisers that there was a great bakery nearby, but unfortunately, by the time we arrived, they were out of almost everything. So, lesson learned: arrive early to get the best selection!

When in Jost Van Dyke, you must pose for the Foxy’s Sign!

We did some shopping at the tourist traps around the harbor, then went to Foxy’s for lunch. Not bad, but I think Foxy’s is a better bar than a restaurant. It was also extremely hot during the day, and with no breeze or fans in sight, and walls on three sides, it didn’t help alleviate the heat or the flies, which were numerous. I recommend going there after dark and focusing on cold drinks!

Lunch at Foxy’s Bar in Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke

After lunch, we went back to the boat. Then, once the rest of the crew returned from their dive trip, we dropped the mooring ball and headed next door to White Bay. This is the home of the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and a great traditional white sand beach. Unfortunately, the original building, with all the soggy dollars, washed away in Hurricane Irma in 2017. It has since been rebuilt as good as new, so the story continues, and the beach, with all the other bars as well, is now fully open.

Anchient Army “car”tifact — It actuall ran pretty well, considering its age!

There is no dinghy dock in White Bay, which is where the Soggy Dollar Bar got its name, as many people choose to just swim to the beach, rather than dinghy, so their money gets wet. We chose to anchor a bit farther out and took our dinghy to the beach instead. Just make sure to pull it way up out of the water, and maybe throw out a day anchor to keep it from wandering off in the waves while you’re at the bar! Due to the open nature of the bay, small waves lap in continuously, and can send a dinghy floating off if it is not secured.

Just hanging on the beach in White Bay in front of the Soggy Dollar Bar

The beach where Soggy Dollar and the other bars are located is very nice, with several small boutique hotels and villas available. There is a ferry from Tortola if you don’t have a boat.

The day we visited, a small cruise ship was anchored offshore, so there was a bit of an extra crowd, and it felt very much like a tiny cruise-ship port town on many Caribbean itineraries. If you like crowds and tiny bathing suits, you’ll like this area. However, if you prefer more secluded beaches, where you are the only people there, it can be a bit noisy. All the bars had a dozen or more people in line for drinks the entire time we were there. Not particularly relaxing, but certainly great for people watching.

The new Soggy Dollar Bar, on a day without the crowds — Restored after Hurricane Irma

After a few drinks at the bars, some mingling with the other crews, and some group photos, we headed back to the boat to prepare for dinner. Aside from the beach, it was a rather uneventful day on the boat…which is what you want when you’re sailing in paradise! Unfortunately, it would soon be time to head back to Nanny Cay and end our adventure!

BVI Charter Flotilla Series:

Next Post: *Sailboat Charter Flotilla: BVI — Back to Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola*

Back to the Beginning: *Sailboat Charter Flotilla: British Virgin Islands — Introduction*

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