The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are made up of more than 60 islands, but when families come here on vacation, Jost Van Dyke often ranks highly as a favorite day trip.
Jost Van Dyke (JVD) is the smallest of the four main islands and roughly 3 square miles, so it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours exploring.
From St Bernard’s Hill House on Tortola, first you drive down to Soper’s Hole Marina (only a short 10-minute journey) where you meet the captain of your private charter boat.
You leave the marina with the wind in your hair, some refreshing sodas in your hands, and Caribbean tunes playing. The fun has begun.
As you speed across to JVD with the sun shining down, you’ll be able to see St Bernard’s Hill House’s lilac rooftops up high in the distance, nestled in the green canopy.
The boat ride from Tortola to JVD takes approx. 45 minutes. On a speed boat, the West End to JVD is a short and exciting journey – about 20 minutes.
White Bay Beach is one of the most (some say the most) beautiful beaches in the BVI. As the name suggests, the sand is pure white. The waters are turquoise and shimmer in the sunlight. It’s a picture of perfection.
It’s also a popular tourist destination, as it’s home to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar. The Soggy Dollar is known for being the home to the painkiller cocktail (Pusser’s Rum, coconut cream, orange juice, pineapple juice and nutmeg), but some might call it a tourist trap.
While there are several beachside bars, including Tipsy’s and Gertrude’s, we prefer Hendo’s Hideout as a family-friendly alternative.
The food is delicious: It’s traditional Caribbean with an American twist. There’s a selection of beach games, including volleyball, as well as White Bay’s half a mile of beach to run about on.
You may also wish to check out some of the boutiques and pick up a special souvenir to take home.
Wherever you choose to go to White Bay, we recommend getting there early and avoiding days when cruise ships are docked. You’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
The Bubbly Pool is in the northeast of Jost Van Dyke. It’s on the opposite side of the island, so you could either take a taxi to see more of the island and beautiful views or sail in your private charter.
From Foxy’s Taboo, it’s a relatively short hiking trail. It’s well-marked and takes you through beautiful landscapes, which adds to the sense of adventure.
The Bubbly Pool is a natural wonder that delights families of all ages.
It’s like a natural jacuzzi. Water rushes between boulders and creates a bubbly effect in the small pool. The water is cool from the Atlantic, so it’s refreshing and exhilarating.
The bottom of the pool is rocky, so we recommend wearing aqua shoes. The waves can be very strong, so exercise caution, especially with young children.
After your hike back to the beach, enjoy a refreshing beverage or snack at Foxy’s Taboo.
Be mindful that during the afternoon and evening, the JVD party atmosphere comes alive.
You might choose this time to set sail back to Tortola and St Bernard’s Hill House. But don’t forget to stop off at Sandy Spit.
Imagine the desert islands you’ve seen in cartoons and children’s books. Sandy Spit isn’t far off, with its ring of white powder sand and swaying palm trees.
Sandy Spit is an uninhabited islet midway between Green Cay and Sandy Cay. (If it seems familiar, it’s also been used in a series of Corona commercials.)
There isn’t a dock, so you’d get a dinghy or swim onto shore from the anchorage.
After JVD’s lively beach bars, it’s an idyllic locale for a picnic, to throw around a football or even dig for buried treasure.
Sandy Spit will make a spectacular backdrop for a family photo too.
After your island adventure, it’s time to return to your own private haven, St Bernard’s Hill House.
There’s a range of inflatables and pool toys at the saltwater infinity pool for you all to enjoy (or your kids to enjoy while you’re relaxing on a lounger.)
St Bernard’s poolside and terraces look out across to JVD. It’ll give you the opportunity to spot where you’ve been and talk about your day’s highlights over an ice-cold soda, juice or virgin cocktail.
St Bernard’s Hill House was built for families to enjoy time together.
It’s perfect for multi-generational family vacations. When you want time together to play games and talk, there are communal spaces like the Sunset Deck, main terrace and living room.
When you want some alone time, the individual villas give you your own space.
Thanks to an interconnected door and split-level terrace, The Allamanda Villa 1 & 2 is versatile and can be used as one or two villas. Teenagers love the sense of independence, while their parents are close enough to keep a loving eye on them.
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