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7 Best Ways to Get to the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke (BVI) from the USVI

Planning a trip to the famous Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke from St. Thomas or St. John? From private boat charters to ferries and sailing tours, here are the seven best ways to reach this iconic Caribbean beach bar.

bonus time charters jost van dyke white bay

Rum, Sand & No Dock: How to Get to the Soggy Dollar Bar

The Soggy Dollar Bar is a true Caribbean icon — nestled on White Bay on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, where the beach is soft, the water is clear, and the drinks (like their world-famous Painkiller) flow freely. But as its name suggests, there’s no dock here. You anchor offshore, swim in, and your dollars get a little soggy in the process.

So, how do you get there? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but whether you’re after a private boat, group tour, or a quick ferry ride, we’ve rounded up the seven best ways to reach the Soggy Dollar Bar — starting with our favorite way to go: a private charter with Bonus Time.

1. Visiting Jost Van Dyke by Private Boat Charter

We’ll admit it — we’re biased here too. But there’s really nothing like pulling into White Bay on a private boat with the turquoise water glowing beneath you and a Painkiller waiting on shore.

Instead of rushing through Jost Van Dyke on a crowded schedule, a private charter lets you experience the island at your own pace. Spend more time floating in White Bay, hop between beach bars, snorkel along the way, or turn the trip into a full BVI island-hopping adventure.

Most private charters from St. Thomas or St. John usually follow one of two styles:


🏝 Full BVI Island-Hopping Day

This option turns Jost Van Dyke into just one stop during an unforgettable day exploring the British Virgin Islands.

Depending on timing and conditions, the day may include:

  • The Baths at Virgin Gorda
  • snorkeling at The Indians or The Caves
  • lunch stops on Norman Island
  • cruising past smaller islands and cays
  • ending the afternoon with a Painkiller in White Bay

This is the “see as much as possible” version of the BVIs — perfect for adventurous groups.


🍹 Jost Van Dyke-Focused Charter

Want more beach bar time and less running around? This style of trip focuses primarily on Jost Van Dyke and White Bay.

Typical stops may include:

  • Soggy Dollar Bar
  • Foxy’s
  • Hendo’s Hideout
  • Sandy Spit
  • snorkeling nearby reefs and coves

This option gives you more time to:

  • swim in White Bay
  • relax on the beach
  • hop between bars
  • and settle into the laid-back Jost atmosphere without feeling rushed

Some guests want to island-hop all day. Others just want to grab a floating drink and forget what time it is. Both are good choices.


2. Inter-Island Ferry from St. Thomas or St. John (Most Budget-Friendly Option)

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to get to the Soggy Dollar Bar, hopping on a public ferry is a solid option. Inter Island Boat Services operates scheduled routes between St. Thomas, St. John, and Jost Van Dyke, making it possible to day trip to White Bay without needing a private boat.

This is an excellent choice for travelers staying on land who want a few hours at the beach and are willing to adhere to a fixed schedule. Be sure to arrive early, bring your passport for BVI entry, and check the latest departure times and port info directly on their website.

  • Lowest-cost option for independent travelers
  • Direct access to Jost Van Dyke via scheduled ferry service
  • No-frills transit — pack a day bag and go

🔗 Check routes & schedules at InterIslandBoatServices.com


3. Full-Day BVI Tour on Bad Kitty (Large Group Power Catamaran – Multi-Stop Adventure)

Bad Kitty is a large power catamaran that offers a full-day, guided trip that includes the stunning rock formations at The Baths, snorkeling around Norman Island, and a final stop at White Bay to visit the Soggy Dollar Bar.

With a fun, upbeat vibe and plenty of scenic stops, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to see a lot without the commitment of a private boat.

  • Large group setting with a social, guided experience
  • Visit three major BVI highlights — The Baths, Norman Island, and Jost Van Dyke
  • Departs from St. John with an easy online booking option

4. Private Sailing Catamaran with Kindred Spirit (Full-Day Luxury Sail to Jost Van Dyke)

Sail to the Soggy Dollar Bar in total comfort aboard a private luxury sailing catamaran with Kindred Spirit Charters. This full-day experience includes smooth sailing, snorkeling stops, and plenty of time to enjoy White Bay — perfect for couples, families, or small groups looking for a quieter, upscale day on the water.

  • Private luxury catamaran with spacious deck and shaded seating
  • Full-day charter to Jost Van Dyke with optional snorkeling
  • Relaxed, all-inclusive vibe with a friendly local crew

5. Large Group Catamaran Sail from Westin or Ritz-Carlton (Full-Day Beach & Bar Trip)

If you’re staying at a resort and want an easy, all-in-one way to get to the Soggy Dollar Bar, these full-day catamaran sails from Cruz Bay (Westin) or St. Thomas (Ritz-Carlton) are a great pick. You’ll enjoy a relaxed sail across the channel, time on the beach in White Bay, and drinks included onboard — all without needing to plan a thing.

  • Comfortable catamarans with shaded areas and an open bar
  • Great for resort guests or cruise travelers
  • Fixed itinerary with a few hours to relax at Soggy Dollar

6. Small Group Sail with Stormy Pirates (Sailing Catamaran – Laid-Back Group Vibes)

For a relaxed day on the water with just a handful of guests, Stormy Pirates offers a small group sailing catamaran trip to Jost Van Dyke. You’ll sail through the BVIs, enjoy some snorkeling, and spend plenty of time at White Bay, soaking up the beach bar scene at Soggy Dollar without the party crowd.

  • Intimate group size with personal service
  • Classic sailing experience with scenic views en route
  • Snorkel + beach time balanced into a full-day itinerary

7. The Baths & White Bay with Stormy Pirates (Small Group Power Boat – Sightseeing + Chill)

This scenic small group charter with Stormy Pirates gives you the best of both worlds — a morning exploring the stunning rock formations at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, followed by a relaxing afternoon at White Bay with time to visit the Soggy Dollar Bar. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to squeeze in some natural beauty before the beach bars.

  • Two iconic stops: The Baths and Soggy Dollar
  • Small group setting with relaxed pacing
  • St. Thomas and St. John departures

🌴 FAQ: How to Get to the Soggy Dollar Bar

Yes — since Jost Van Dyke is part of the British Virgin Islands, all travelers (including U.S. citizens) need a valid passport for entry and return.

Nope! That’s the charm — you’ll anchor offshore and swim in to the beach. Bring a dry bag and be ready to get your dollars a little soggy.

Absolutely. There are ferries, group charters, and resort catamarans that visit Jost Van Dyke daily. Private charters just give you more flexibility and comfort.

Late morning to early afternoon is prime time at Soggy Dollar, especially if you want to catch the beach scene and grab a fresh Painkiller in the sun.

Yes — while it’s known for its adult beverages, the beach and atmosphere are family-friendly during the daytime.

🍹 Final Thoughts on Visiting Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke is exactly what most people picture when they dream about the Caribbean — turquoise water, white sand, beach bars, and boats floating just offshore all afternoon.

You can absolutely get there by ferry or group charter. But we’ll admit it — we’re biased. We think Jost is best experienced by private boat.

Instead of following a strict schedule, a private charter lets you experience the island at your own pace. Spend more time in White Bay, hop between beach bars, snorkel along the way, or turn the trip into a full BVI island-hopping day.

Depending on your itinerary, your day could include:

  • Soggy Dollar Bar
  • Foxy’s
  • Sandy Spit
  • snorkeling stops around Norman Island
  • or even The Baths before ending the afternoon on Jost

Some guests want a full BVI adventure. Others just want a Painkiller and nowhere to be.


🚤 Interested in Visiting Jost Van Dyke by Private Charter?

A private boat day gives you the flexibility to experience:

  • beach bars at your own pace
  • snorkeling and hidden coves along the way
  • smaller islands beyond Jost
  • and a much more relaxed experience than rushing ferries or crowded group tours

Fill out the quick form below and we’ll send over availability, pricing, and a few ideas to help you plan the perfect BVI boat day.

Want help planning? We can text or call you.*

The ferry gets you there. A boat day turns it into an experience.

👇 Choose your perfect charter to Jost Van Dyke: