Fun Facts about the Jost Van Dyke and Sandy Spit Area
Discover fascinating information and stories about Jost Van Dyke and Sandy Spit of the British Virgin Islands with Kuralu Catamaran Charters. These interesting facts and anecdotes add more to these places’ appeal and mesmerizing underwater views. Join our public or private charter trips to explore the allure of the charming Jost Van Dyke and Sandy Spit area firsthand.
Jost Van Dyke:
The Smallest of the Main Islands
Jost Van Dyke is roughly 8 square kilometers, making it the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands. Like many of the neighboring islands, it is volcanic in origin and mountainous. The highest point on the island is Majohnny Hill, with its 321 meters (1,054 feet) elevation. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful white-sand beaches, and local entertainment. Its turquoise water, pristine beaches, and old-fashioned charm make Jost Van Dyke a very popular destination for anyone staying in Tortola.
There are two main attractions for visitors to Jost. Great Harbour is the home of Foxy’s, a bar and restaurant owned by the legendary musician and known as the place to spend New Years Eve. The other is White Bay, a stunningly beautiful stretch of white sand and turquoise water where you will find the Soggy Dollar bar, birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail. There is no dock at White Bay and boaters would swim in to the bar and pay for their drinks with soggy dollars, hence the name. White Bay is a popular spot with visitors and has been an inspiration for country music singer Kenny Chesney.
Kenny Chesney’s 2002 music video for “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” was filmed on Jost Van Dyke. The video featured several scenes at Ivan’s Stress-Free Bar and One Love Bar. In these local establishments, patrons can mix their own drinks and leave their payments in the register. Chesney also references Jost Van Dyke in his song “Somewhere in the Sun” from his album “Be as You Are (Songs from an Old Blue Chair).”
Neighboring Islets
Sandy Spit
This tiny yet beautiful tropical islet has stunning snorkeling sites showcasing colorful coral reefs in the clear turquoise water. It supposedly earned its name by being a “spitting distance” from Jost Van Dyke.
Little Jost Van Dyke
This now-uninhabited islet offers another lovely snorkeling site with its beautiful diamond reef. It is also known to be the birthplace of Dr. John Lettsome, the founder of the London Medical Society.
