Check out the FAQs below or tell us how we can help?
Please contact Maria or Kevin at maria@jostvandyke.com and kevin@jostvandyke.com directly for the most up-to-date answers to your questions, and policy and travel information.
Yes, you need a valid passport to travel to Jost Van Dyke, and also to get back to the US (or other country) after your stay. The BVI are a British overseas territory. Please be sure that your passport is not within 6 months of expiration for your entire travel period.
Basically, there are two different ways that we recommend getting to Jost Van Dyke from St. Thomas – 1) Private Water Taxi or 2) Public Ferry from Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas to Road Town Tortola. Currently, there are no direct public ferry services from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke. We are expecting this service to resume soon.
There are ferry services from St. Thomas to Tortola and from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. Currently, you will need to take two ferries with a taxi ride in between. You might also require a taxi ride from the St. Thomas airport to the Charlotte Amalie ferry dock.
There are three (3) public ferry companies that rotate days and times. They depart from the Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas ferry dock and then go to Road Town, Tortola (RT), taking approximately 45 minutes. The 2:30p ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Road Town will stop at West End and allow fully vaccinated passengers to disembark, so please inform the ferry operator of your plans.
Otherwise, after clearing Customs, you will need to take a taxi to the West End, Tortola ferry dock, which takes about 25 minutes. Then you would take the New Horizon ferry from West End(WE) to Jost Van Dyke (approx. 15 minutes). Please check https://www.bestofbvi.com/info/info_bviferry.htm for ferry information and times, or feel free to contact us for up-to-date information. West End customs is open until 7pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday, the fees increase.
The alternative to the public ferry are private water taxis that will take you from St. Thomas (usually departs from Red Hook, but some also depart Charlotte Amalie) directly to West End Tortola where they stop and clear customs, and then onto Jost Van Dyke. Prices do vary. WBV will soon be resuming their own private water taxi available just for guests of WBV. Contact Maria or Kevin at maria@jostvandyke.com and kevin@jostvandyke.com for more information. Also see below FAQs for more information.
There is public ferry service (New Horizon Ferry) from West End, Tortola to Jost Van Dyke departing at 8am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, and 6pm daily, but schedules change so you should check with them https://newhorizonferry.com/.
If you are coming from the Terrence Lettsome International Airport Tortola (airport code EIS and also referred to as Beef Island), or from Road Town Tortola, you will need to take a taxi to West End ferry docks (about 25 from town and 45 minutes from the airport).
Then you would take the New Horizon ferry from West End (WE) to Jost Van Dyke (approx. 15 minutes). Please check https://newhorizonferry.com/ and/or https://www.bestofbvi.com/info/info_bviferry.htm for other ferry information, or feel free to contact Maria or Kevin at maria@jostvandyke.com and kevin@jostvandyke.com for up-to-date information.
Effective November 1, 2021, the new international ferry passenger schedule has changed, BUT they are subject to further changes. Guests should check with the individual ferry companies listed in other FAQs below.
The BVI Ports Authority announced that the international ferry passenger schedule between the BVI and the USVI has been adjusted for the period starting November1, 2021, up until January 31, 2022, due to increased bookings. Ferry passengers arriving and departing the Virgin Islands must reserve a ticket with the scheduled ferry operator through their booking portal.
Until Dec 1, you will still have to go to RoadTown first, then to West End to catch the ferry to Jost Van Dyke.
See ferry schedule in a below FAQ.
- Ferries will depart Road Town, Tortola for Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas at 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Ferries will depart Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas for Road Town, Tortola at 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Ferries will depart West End, Tortola for Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas at 10:30 a.m.
- Ferries will depart Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas for West End, Tortola at 2:30 p.m.
BVIPA also indicated that only vaccinated passengers will be allowed to disembark at West End and said the ferry will continue to Road Town for disembarkation of either vaccinated or non-vaccinated passengers.
For more information see: https://bestofbvi.com/bvi-ferry-schedules/
Smith’s Ferry www.smithsferry.com
Road Town Fast Ferry www.roadtownfastferry.com
Native Son Ferry www.nativesonferry.com
New Horizon Ferry Service www.newhorizonferry.com
From San Juan Puerto Rico, you will need to fly either to St. Thomas (STT) or to Beef island Lettsome Airport (EIS) Tortola first. There are several airline carriers. Then can take a public ferry or private water taxi to Jost Van Dyke. There are No ferry services from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas, Tortola, or JVD. See other FAQs for more information.
With many options for ferry transportation from STT to JVD, it is difficult to supply exact costs for ferry transportation services since also it is all controlled by each individual ferry company. Please contact Maria or Kevin at maria@jostvandyke.com and kevin@jostvandyke.com to get the most recent general cost breakdowns for ferry travel between STT and JVD.
We always recommend traveling via Private Water Taxi (see FAQs on water taxis below) and although private water taxis do usually cost more, especially for individuals or small groups, if you are traveling with a larger group (8-10), then a water taxi is usually less per person than the ferry.
Note that prices are subject to change (and they can frequently) and exclude Customs fees.
It takes approximately 45 minutes from St.Thomas Charlotte Amalie ferry dock to the Road Town Tortola ferry terminal, and approximately 15 minutes from West End Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. When the service resumes, the ferry from Red Hook St. Thomas direct to JVD takes about 30 minutes.
Below are some differences:
- Cost - Private water taxis usually cost more, especially for individuals or small groups. If you are traveling with a larger group (8-10), then a water taxi is usually less per person than the ferry.
- Convenience – Travel on one boat (water taxi) versus multiple ferries plus a likely land taxi in between.
- Speed of Service (less time) to get to where you want eliminating wait time. A water taxi will usually help to expedite clearing customs and getting you to your final destination faster than a public ferry that has to coordinate many passengers.
- Flexibility – Private water taxis have more flexible departing times including waiting for passengers to transfer. This is especially useful if your party has different arrival times.
- Customizable & Personalized to your arrival needs and timing. A seamless private transportation option, eliminating wait time and drastically reducing transit time. When it resumes, the White Bay Villas private water taxi is personalized and exclusively for the use of its guests.
- Enhanced Customer Service for private water taxis – Help with luggage; they help you to clear customs and immigration and will personally check you in and out of Customs; they usually offer free refreshments on board; they are happy to answer all your questions and providing local travel and community information and recommendations.
- A better customer guest experience is typical for a private water taxi.
Please contact Kevin at kevin@jostvandyke.com for updated information.
The WBV private water taxi provides direct transit between the USVI and Jost Van Dyke and is exclusive for WBV guests. Advanced reservations are required, as availability is not guaranteed. It is a seamless private transportation option usually including land taxi pickup at the St. Thomas airport, eliminating wait time and drastically reducing transit time. Your Captain will be at the dock ready for your departure and will personally check you in and out of Customs.
The WBV water taxi runs from Red Hook St. Thomas (east end of the island) directly to Jost Van Dyke. And from JVD back to Red Hook via St. John to clear customs and immigration. It takes 30 to 45 minutes.
You board the White Bay Villas private water taxi at American Yacht Harbour in Red Hook, St. Thomas (east end of the island). We can arrange and include in the cost a wonderful private WBV-contracted taxi driver to pick you up from the STT airport, or from other accommodations, and bring you directly to the WBV private water taxi. The land and water taxi service is customized to your arrival, departure times, or other requested stops and will not stop to drop off or pick up other travelers on the way to your destination.
Please contact Kevin at kevin@jostvandyke.com to schedule any travel accommodations.
The international customs fees are shown below as an approximate breakdown. It can be complicated. These fees may vary based on Sunday, holiday, overtime, and number of passengers on the boat. This is the estimated amount your private water taxi Captain may charge each guest. You will be responsible for paying what the customs officers actually charge.
Total of $65 per person to enter the BVI (charged at port of entry - either West End Tortola or at JVD). Fees are per person and include the following components:
- BVI Cruising Permit per vessel (see here for changes effective Aug. 1, 2017)
- BVI Environmental and Tourism Levy (see here , effective Sept. 1, 2017, with these exemptions)
- BVI Wharfage
- BVI National Park Fee- VI Search & Rescue (VISAR)
- Vessel Entry Customs and Immigration, document, processing fees (based on size of vessel and number of passengers)
- Varying Fees Cushion
BVI Departure and U.S. Entrance Fees per person and include the following components:
- BVI Departure Tax
- U.S. Port Authority
$40 per person Total Fee estimated to cover per guest departing BVI to USVI
Private water taxis offer either a fixed price with all fees included, or you to pay for only what is charged. Private boat entry is different from ferry entry into the BVI as ferries waive many of the fees.
NOTE: Arrivals to BVI Customs after 4:30pm will need to be cleared in advance by the Water Taxi Captain and will incur overtime fees.
Every visitor to the U.S.V.I. 21 years of age or older may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $800 worth of gifts.
These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is altogether forbidden to bring into the country certain foodstuffs (particularly fruit, cooked meats, and canned goods) and plants (vegetables, seeds, tropical plants, and the like). Foreign tourists may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving. For details regarding U.S. Customs andBorder Protection, consult U.S. Customs (tel. 800/232-5378; www.cbp.gov).
Then from the U.S.V.I. to the states, U.S. citizens can bring back $1600 worth of goods duty-free. That can include 5 liters of liquor, plus an extra liter of rum (including Cruzan rum) if one of the bottles is produced in the VirginIslands. Be sure to collect receipts for all purchases in the Virgin Islands and beware of merchants offering to give you a false receipt -- he or she might be an informer to U.S. Customs. Also, keep in mind that any gifts received during your stay must be declared. For the most up-to-date specifics on what you can bring back from the BVI and the corresponding fees, go to www.cbp.gov. (Click on"Travel").
Note that visitors to the BVI can bring in food, with the exception of meat products that are not USDA-approved. Visitors can bring up to $10,000 in currency and 1liter of alcohol per person.
Yes and no. It depends on where you are coming from, the time of year, your airline, and the total cost. For most, it is a full day of travel to get to Jost Van Dyke. BUT it is totally worth it, and what makes Jost Van Dyke so quaint.
There are many direct flights to US St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport (airport code-STT), which is our recommended arrival/departure airport for cost, speed, and flexibility. From there, you will need to take a land taxi to the ferry or private water taxi to take you to Jost Van Dyke. See other FAQs for more details.
You can choose to fly first to San Juan Puerto Rico, and then take a small plane to either St. Thomas (STT) or to Tortola Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (airport code-EIS). There are several different air carriers. From there, you will need to take a ferry or private water taxi to Jost Van Dyke.
There are currently no direct flights from the US to Tortola Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (airport code-EIS). Jost Van Dyke has no airport or seaplane landing area.
Jost Van Dyke is a small, quiet, off the beaten path tropical island. There are no retail chain stores, chain hotels, or chain restaurants. Most guests to JVD are day sailors and charter boats, that only stay for short periods. There are many bars and restaurants on JVD that offer live music during the high season (December through March), especially in the evenings. JVD is predominately a beach-focused island, and a place to beach comb, chill out, sleep, read, hike, and generally relax. There is very little dress code, although it is British and many establishments require tops, especially for dinner.
Use the links for more information about Jost Van Dyke and BVI include:
www.bvitourism.com
www.bviwelcome.com
www.bviwelcome.com
https://bvi.gov.vg
Beyond the basics of international travel, you should use common sense and your comfort levels when considering what to pack for a tropical vacation. Below is additional information to consider.
Jost Van Dyke is a tropical island influenced by the trade winds. It can be sunny, hot, and humid during the day, especially during the summer months. A great time to visit the Jost Van Dyke is April to June, when you can expect mild weather and very little rainfall. The peak season (most popular) is December to March, when the daily average temperature is around 24/25°C (75/77°F), and a hotter and sultry period from May to October, when the daily average is around 28°C (82°F).
Many times, there is a cool breeze coming from offshore. Walking around in the evenings and nights can sometimes feel chilly after a day in the sun on the beach. There are also insects including mosquitos, sand fleas, no-see-ums, and flies.
At a minimum, here are some items we recommend that you bring with you:
• Bring light clothes and possibly a scarf or wrap for the breeze
• A sweatshirt for the evening
• At least one pair of long pants
• Sunscreen that is safe for coral reefs is a must
• Insect repellent
• Skin lotions, especially those that can help with sunburn
• Sunglasses
• Shade hat
• Bathing suits
• Snorkel gear, swim goggles
• Sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, walking shoes
• Book(s)
Yes, but it can be a long day.
Flight Requirements for Same Day Travel to Jost Van Dyke
If you have not yet booked flights and are hoping for same day transport (ferry or water taxi) to Jost Van Dyke, please note the following while making travel arrangements. Note that ferry schedules change frequently, especially with government travel rules and protocols. It is important to check with the ferry operators, and even buy tickets in advance.
See other FAQs for ferry times announcements for travel changes. You should also check with the individual carriers for times and reservations.
VIA ST. THOMAS (STT)
Flying into St. Thomas (STT):
Fly to St. Thomas and take the ferry to Road Town Tortola that normally runs three times per day at 9am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm
- Arriving to STT no later than 2:30pm is recommended in order to catch the 5:30pm ferry from Charlotte Amalie
- Departures from STT airport must be after 1pm in order to have enough time to get to the airport at the 3 hour suggested advance time (water taxi only. For ferry returns the flight will have to be later).
- Returning to STT, you will take the7:00 am or 9:00 am ferry from JVD to West End, taxi to Road Town, and then take the 11:30am ferry to Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas.
VIA TORTOLA (EIS)
Flying into Beef Island (EIS)
- There are no time restraints when landing at EIS
- Departing flights should be booked no earlier than 11am
Getting from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke
Once you arrive in Tortola and clear Customs, you will take a taxi (approx. $30/person) to West End. There is a ferry to Jost Van Dyke (the NewHorizon ferry) leaving at 8am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, and 6pm.
Private Water Taxis
We recommend the WBV Private Water Taxi, which is exclusively for White Bay Villa guests.
NOTE: The WBV private water taxi service is currently not operating. Please contact Maria or Kevin at maria@jostvandyke.com and kevin@jostvandyke.com for updated information. For later arrivals, Franky Chinnery, a Gold Seal Certified water taxi on JVD ($160 for up to 3 passengers and $50 each additional), can also bring you to Great Harbor JVD where you will get in a taxi (approx $8/person) to bring you directly up to your villa. Franky Chinnery's phone number is 284-441-2431. Call Franky at least 2 days ahead to reserve. Prices and times change and you should check with your carrier.
Other water taxi carriers include:
- Dolphin Water Taxi: 340-774-2628 www.dolphinshuttle.com
- Ocean Dreams Water Taxi: 340-998-6720 www.oceandreamswatertaxi.com
- BVI Water Taxi: www.bviwatertaxi.com/
- VI/BVI Water Taxi: www.vi-bvi-water-taxi.com
No refunds will be made in cases of guest cancellations. Instead, provided that the cancellation is made at least 90 days in advance of arrival date, a credit is extended on amounts paid for the guest to use for a future booking at White Bay Villas. This credit has no expiration. This policy is firm as our guests very often book twelve months or longer in advance and we do not have the ability to secure another rental on short notice. We highly recommend that all our guests purchase travel insurance, as we cannot accommodate refunds due to the long lead time on reservations. No credits will be given for weather-related flight delays, flight cancellations, or for early departures.
Contact us regarding cancellations for emergency medical reasons. Please view our full cancellation policy here or contact us for further information.
Yes. As in all tropical climates, there are mosquitos and other biting insects such as sand fleas and no-see-ums. We provide bug spray and coils in the villas, but you should also consider bringing some of your own insect repellents. If it’s been dry and windy there are fewer mosquitos than if it’s been unseasonably rainy and wet. All villas are regularly treated to minimize bugs. All villas have screens in the windows that minimize flying insects from entering. All villas also have air conditioning. Mosquito netting for beds is available on request.
NO. No smoking of any kind is allowed in any of our villas.
Just a few basics. Salt & pepper, and a variety of spices on the spice rack. No coffee, no tea is provided. A water filtration pitcher is also included. Many food items are locally available for purchase on Jost Van Dyke.
Yes. Note that there are few natural water sources on JVD. The source is predominately rainwater that we collect and store in large cisterns located underground below the villas. As needed, we supplement that with desalination water that we produce from our own system or purchased locally from the BVI water company on Jost Van Dyke. All the water is triple filtered on site before it reaches your villa. Absolutely no chemical purifiers or other additives are used. You will experience our soft rainwater to drink and bath in.
Yes. There is a modest selection of food and beverage staples available on the island of JVD. There are also a couple “superettes” (similar to convenience stores) on JVD that sell many basics including vegetables, meats, chicken, and fish. You can also take the ferry to Tortola or St. Thomas where there are many large grocery and other retail stores. Many guests do some shopping on their way to JVD after landing in STT or Tortola and before getting on the ferry or water taxi. You also have the option of bringing dry goods, or even frozen foods in insulated chests, from home, but these might be subject to a 10% duty tax in the BVI.
Yes. You can arrange to have almost all of your grocery and beverage needs to be delivered to JVD and even to your villa. Both RiteWay Food Market and Bobby's Super Market located on Tortola have online grocery shopping, which you can arrange a few days before arrival. Those stores will also arrange to have your groceries brought over via ferry (fees apply) to JVD and picked up at the dock. As noted above, you can bring items from the US or USVI’s as baggage, but you may incur a 10% duty tax.
Additionally, a provisioning service is available by White Bay Villas for an additional fee. WBV can make it easy for you as we can take care of all the steps including picking the boxes up at the ferry and stocking the items in your kitchen. Imagine arriving at your villa that is already stocked with your favorite foods and beverages. Please contact us at +1 800-778-8066 for further information.
You can easily walk to White Bay Beach from our villas. It takes between 2-10 minutes depending where you are on the property. We have constructed easy to follow walking paths to the beach. Note that the villas are built into a hill overlooking White Bay and there is about a 100+ feet (33 meters) elevation gain from the beach, which might be considered difficult for some. On request, the WBV staff can drive you down to the beach and back using our electric vehicles. Great Harbour is a 15 to 20minute walk from WBV depending on your pace and which villa you are in. Taxis are readily available. Also on request, the WBV staff can shuttle you Great Harbour. Check out a map here....
We offer a selection of free snorkel gear including masks, snorkels, and fins. But feel free to bring your own if you prefer. We cannot guarantee a perfect fit. Please contact Maria for more information.
Yes. All villas have new, high efficiency AC units in the bedrooms. All units also have ceiling fans.
Yes. We recommend Paradise Jeep Rentals. Please contact them for more information. Paradise Jeep Rentals: +1 284-495-9477
Yes. All our villas have Wi-Fi along with fast and redundant secure high-speed Internet service. Many of the local establishments also provide free Wi-Fi. WBV is the perfect place to work from home (WFH). Also, all villas have a smart TV with Roku, stereo with Bluetooth wireless streaming, and USB connectivity. WBV also has redundant emergency generators for enhanced reliability.
Yes. Note that coverage is from BVI companies, and you might incur roaming fees and foreign charges from your carrier. The local providers are: CCT Prepaid Plans, Digicel BVI Prepaid Plans and Flow BVI Mobile.
AT&T broadcasts good service from US St. Thomas and many guests staying at WBV get decent coverage as there are line of sight towers from St. Thomas to WBV. Note, that most calls can be made over Wi-Fi (check your phone settings) and Internet, and most locals use WhatsApp, which is Wi-Fi/Internet based.
Yes. We have folding and cushioned beach chairs and lounges available for loan at the WBV office for you to use at the beach. Coolers and beach towels are also available.
We also have beach lounges available for you at our new, soon to open private White Bay Villas Beach Club and restaurant down on White Bay Beach. The White Bay Beach Club is planning to open winter 2021-22. See below FAQ on the White Bay Beach Club.
The private White Bay Beach Club and its upscale bar restaurant is located on the beach at White Bay close to the White Bay Villas. The club is open for lounging and day use but our planned restaurant/bar opening is winter 2022-23.
The White Bay Beach Club is first and foremost, a value-added amenity for White Bay Villa (WBV) guests. The Beach Club is a private club and not open to the general public. It is the policy of the Beach Club to require membership. Only members or guests of members are permitted to use the Beach Club and its private restaurant and bar. The Beach Club reserves the right to change its membership rules and policies at any time.
The Beach Club is a modern, eco-friendly green (uses solar energy and water reuse), sustainably built (rebuilt 40-year old structure utilizing heat recovery and the most energy efficient and water conserving equipment), and resilient (hardened structure to withstand the worst imagined forces of nature and including backup generators and a separate grid network) property. It consists of a private restaurant and bar, shaded outdoor patios with tables and chairs, with modern bathrooms, outdoor showers, beach chairs, water sports equipment.
The Beach Club restaurant and bar will be open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus snack options in-between. The kitchen closes at 10:00 pm, but late-night bar options. Dress codes apply and will be posted. The menu features local and fresh with an island flare. It is an exclusive high-end full-service restaurant that will have the only wood-fired pizza oven in the Virgin Islands adding to the many food options that will be available.
Membership to the Beach Club is automatic for WBV guests for the duration of their stay. It is included as part of a “resort fee” for all bookings and the amount varies based on the number of bedrooms in each villa (1,2,3, or 5) rented. All guests staying at any villa are included within the resort fee Beach Club membership for every villa reservation. Each villa will be issued a dated Beach Club access card for use by its guests.
All White Bay Villa guests have full access to all the amenities offered by the Beach Club located on White Bay beach Jost Van Dyke. All these amenities are included in the resort fee EXCEPT for food and beverages.
Beach Club amenities and benefits to WBV guests include:
- Use of the Beach Club Restaurant and Bar. All restaurant charges and bar tabs can be charged to your villa or by paid by credit card. Villa guests can bring additional guests (guests of our guests) to the restaurant and bar to join your party.
--- Dinner reservations are highly recommended, and guests should make these no later than 3:00 pm on the day of. Villa guest members have priority for reservations and at open seating times. If the villa guest has no dinner reservation, or at all other times, table availability will be first come first served basis.
--- Take-out options are available
--- No room service is available
- Beach chairs and loungers located in front of the Beach Club
- Beach towels
- Secure lockers
- Freshwater outdoor showers
- Filtered drinking water
- Ice
- Water sports equipment including sea kayaks, stand up paddle boards, wave boards, tubes, rafts, and floats. Kayaks and paddle boards can be reserved in advance.
- Free shuttle rides to and from the villas available every half hour or posted times
- Freshwater swimming pool with swim-up bar coming 2023
All Villas and buildings are hardened, hurricane-tested, and built with a culture of resiliency, sustainability, clean/green renewable energy, conservation, and climate change issues foremost in mind.
Key components include:
• Energy and water efficiency and conservation
• Materials and resource management including recycling, reclamation, and reuse (e.g., using villa grey water in landscaping)
• Solar panels to make electricity
• Backup emergency generators for enhanced reliability
We are committed to a unique and sustainable eco-tourism resort and a community that sources locally and cares about our guests, our staff, the Virgin Islands locals, and life itself. We have a long history of commitment and authenticity in how we love and respect the beautiful, yet fragile environment, and the people of Jost Van Dyke.
Yes, but currently limited to small parties. Destination weddings in a tropical place can be glorious and White Bay Villas offers a beautiful place to have one. We offer coordinated villa rentals for all your guests. We also have a several beautiful intimate locations for wedding vows and ceremonies. In the next year or so, we expect some significant changes that will positively impact future guest events.
We have plans for a hilltop private meeting, reception area, and events pavilion above WBV (called Dandy Point) that can accommodate larger groups. Further, beginning in winter 2022-23, we plan to open the new White Bay Beach Club and Restaurant that will be able to cater large events on our properties.
White Bay Villas is a pet-friendly resort. You are welcome to bring your dog or other pet.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, though the peak period is from the beginning of August through the end of October, when 78% of all Caribbean storms occur and 96% of major hurricanes. Note that tropical storms can occur year-round. We encourage all guests to get travel insurance before traveling to the Caribbean.
If a hurricane causes travel disruptions or shortens your stay, the White Bay Villas cancellation policy states that no cash refunds will be made. Instead, registered guests precluded from staying at White Bay Villas because of such circumstances will be given full credit for amounts paid but not utilized for use on a future stay at White Bay Villas. This credit has no expiration date. Most travel insurance policies will pay for some, or all emergency travel costs due to hurricanes.
Note that the White Bay Villas themselves are hurricane-tested, hardened, and constructed with resiliency foremost in mind including back-up power.
We are affiliated with a local spa and massage company. Please Maria at maria@jostvandyke.com for more details and rates.
Yes, absolutely!
Yes. There are taxis readily available on the island. Please contact us if you need to hire taxi services during your stay. Although not necessary, we recommend renting a small Jeep for your convenience and flexibility during your stay. Check out Paradise Jeep Rentals for more information.
Yes. Dinghy rentals are available from Franky’s, Sugar & Spice, or the JVD SCUBA Shop. Dinghies start at around $120 per day (day considered 9:00 am to 5:00 pm). No other type of small boats are currently available. Please contact Maria for more information.
Yes. Franky’s, BVI Eco-tours, and SAIL-BVI offer a variety of options. There are also day sails out of Tortola. The WBV Water Taxi will soon offer private day charters from JVD that allow you to explore the BVIs on a customized itinerary for the day. Please contact Maria or Kevin at maria@jostvandyke.com and kevin@jostvandyke.com for more information.
There are many activities to do during your stay at White Bay Villas. You can ferry to and explore Tortola or St. Thomas, rent a dinghy, go deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Please check out our Activities page to learn more. WBV will soon offer private day charters that allow you to explore the BVIs on a customized itinerary for the day. Please contact Maria at maria@jostvandyke.com for more information.
Yes. There is fishing gear you can rent, although most avid fishers bring their own. Bait is available locally. You can fish off the rocks or surf fish from the beach in designated areas. And if you would like someone to take you fishing, please contact Dave Chinnery at 284-540-9614. Additionally, deep sea fishing charters are available and provide fishing gear.
Yes. There are several of local fishermen that we stay in close contact with. When at the Villas, please contact our onsite manager, Maria, for assistance.
Many bars and restaurants on White Bay, Great Harbour, Little Harbour, and even Diamond Cay are open and back in business following the pandemic. Check out our Dining pages for more information. Note that our private White Bay Beach Club bar restaurant is scheduled to open winter 2022-23. See the FAQ on the White Bay Beach Club for more information.
Yes. There is a full-time nurse with a clinic in Great Harbour. In the near future, WBV would like to have an onsite medical facility with a resident nurse-practitioner that can also assist the general JVD community.
Yes. It is especially safe on Jost Van Dyke. Like for many island destinations, there can be a few unhappy residents that can be loud. Always be vigilant when walking in unknown areas. Tortola and St. Thomas are generally safe, especially during the daytime.
Yes. On Jost Van Dyke, there are retail shops and boutiques that sell clothing, T-shirts, jewelry, beach stuff, souvenirs, etc. Many are associated with bar/restaurants (example, Foxy’s and Soggy Dollar) that sell branded, as well as other, merchandise.
St. Thomas is a well-known “mecca” port for tax-free and duty-free “everything”, especially jewelry. Many cruise ships purposely dock in Charlotte Amalie for that very reason.
Tortola has many excellent retail shopping areas in both Road Town and West End.