On clear days at Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel, when the morning haze lifts and the Caribbean sun begins to shimmer on the water, a silhouette appears across the channel — quiet, welcoming, and just close enough to feel like a whispered invitation. That’s Jost Van Dyke.

From our oceanfront balconies, guests often gaze at this neighbouring gem, not realising at first that the adventure of a lifetime is only a short boat ride away. But once they do — once they step foot on this storied island — they return changed. Salt-kissed, soul-fed, and smiling.

An Island With a Story to Tell

Though Jost Van Dyke spans just three square miles, its history runs deep. Once home to Arawak and Carib peoples, and later touched by Dutch, African, and British cultures, the island is a living tribute to the layered heritage of the Virgin Islands.

The island’s name itself honours its colonial past — believed to be named after the 17th-century Dutch privateer Joost van Dyk, who used the surrounding islands as a base of operations during the age of Caribbean piracy and trade. His legacy lingers not only in the name, but in the spirit of freedom and bold exploration that still defines the island today.

It’s also the birthplace of William Thornton, the original architect of the U.S. Capitol Building, and John Coakley Lettsom, the founder of the London Medical Society. But beyond its notable sons, Jost’s spirit is etched into the rhythm of its waves, the rumble of its laughter, and the warm, timeless welcome it offers to all who arrive by sea.

What Awaits You on Jost Van Dyke

A trip to Jost Van Dyke isn’t just about visiting a place — it’s about entering a feeling. The island’s most famous stretch, White Bay, draws visitors from every corner of the world with its crystalline waters and powder-soft sand. By midday, the beach comes alive with the easy joy of sun-lovers and sailors, many sipping a Painkiller cocktail from the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, named for the soggy bills patrons swim ashore with.

Just around the bend is Foxy’s Bar, a cultural institution known for its smoky barbeque, bold Firewater Rum, and the island’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebration — Old Year’s Night. If you visit during that time, expect music, dancing, and storytelling that spills into the stars.

But Jost’s treasures don’t end there.

Sandy Spit & Sandy Cay: The Stuff of Castaway Dreams

Nearby, Sandy Spit — a one-acre circle of white sand with a single palm tree — looks like it was sketched by someone’s imagination of paradise. It’s as photogenic as it is peaceful, and a favourite stop for boaters seeking a swim, a snorkel, or just a moment of “I can’t believe this is real.”

Then there’s Sandy Cay, a 14-acre nature preserve perfect for hiking, reef exploration, and unobstructed views of Tortola and the surrounding cays. The trail is short, the memories are long-lasting.

Little Jost Van Dyke, a smaller, wilder sibling just east of the main island, is known for its rugged beauty and off-the-beaten-path appeal. It’s a place for the curious — those who want to explore tide pools, feel the crunch of coral beneath their feet, and escape the world for a while.

From Cane Garden Bay to Island Escape

Here’s the best part: you don’t need to dream from a distance. From right here at Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel, you can arrange a private boat tour or shared charter to Jost Van Dyke. Depart directly from our beach and be sipping a Painkiller or snorkeling a reef in less than an hour.

Whether you’re craving a day of barefoot adventure, seaside cocktails, historical curiosity, or just the magic of being somewhere that feels untouched — Jost Van Dyke is waiting.

Let Us Take You There

Our front desk concierge is ready to help plan your perfect day trip to Jost Van Dyke. From personalised itineraries to trusted tour operators like Magic Moments, we’ll take care of every detail — so you can focus on what matters most: living the story.

Ask us today, and wake up tomorrow to the adventure you’ve been dreaming of — just across the water.