How to Get to the Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke (2026)
How to get to the Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: ferries from Red Hook, Cruz Bay and Tortola, charter boats, the swim-in, and fees.
Key Takeaways
How to get to the Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: ferries from Red Hook, Cruz Bay and Tortola, charter boats, the swim-in, and fees.
How to Get to the Soggy Dollar Bar (2026 Season Guide)
The Soggy Dollar Bar is on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, in the BVI. You get there by boat, then swim or wade ashore, because there is no dock. From the USVI, take a charter or the Inter-Island ferry to Great Harbour. From Tortola, take the New Horizon ferry. Then a short taxi goes over the hill to White Bay.
Quick Answer
- Location: White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
- No dock: boats anchor off the beach and you swim in. That is how the bar got its name (Soggy Dollar)
- From Red Hook / Cruz Bay: Inter-Island Boat Services to Great Harbour, Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays
- From West End, Tortola: New Horizon Ferry, $30 one-way / $40 round trip, 5 sailings a day
- Easiest: a BVI day-trip charter that anchors right off White Bay
- Bring: passport, eDeclare, $10 BVI levy, and a dry bag for your cash
All Ways to Get There
| From | Option | Schedule | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Hook / Cruz Bay | Inter-Island Boat Services | Sun, Tue, Fri | ~$120–170 + ~$30 customs | Leaves Red Hook 7:30 AM, Cruz Bay 8:00 AM; returns ~3:30 PM |
| West End, Tortola | New Horizon Ferry | 5x daily | $30 / $40 RT | Lands at Great Harbour, then taxi |
| St. Thomas / St. John | Private or shared charter | Any day | From ~$179 pp shared | Anchors right at White Bay |
| Your own yacht | Anchor or mooring | Any day | Mooring fees vary | Clear in at Great Harbour first |
Ferry sources: Inter-Island Boat Services, New Horizon Ferry. Schedules change seasonally, so confirm before you go.
Option 1: Charter Boat (Recommended From the USVI)
A charter is the only way to go from the USVI to Jost Van Dyke on a day the ferry does not run. Your captain:
- Clears you into the BVI at Great Harbour (customs open 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
- Motors around to White Bay and anchors off the beach
- Lets you swim in for a Painkiller, then often adds stops at Sandy Spit or Foxy's
Compare St. John BVI trips and St. Thomas BVI trips.
Option 2: The Inter-Island Ferry
On ferry days you leave Red Hook at 7:30 AM or Cruz Bay at 8:00 AM and arrive at Great Harbour. From there, a taxi takes about 10 minutes over the hill to White Bay. The return boat leaves Great Harbour around 3:30 PM, so watch the clock.
Option 3: From Tortola
Staying on Tortola? New Horizon runs from West End to Great Harbour for $30 one-way / $40 round trip. Grab a taxi to White Bay on arrival.
What "Swim Ashore" Really Means
- Water at White Bay is usually waist to chest deep near the anchorage
- Money goes in a zip bag or dry pouch, since soggy dollars are the tradition
- Non-swimmers: ask your captain about a dinghy drop on the beach
Customs, Passports & Fees
- Passport required for all USVI ↔ BVI crossings (Soggy Dollar)
- BVI eDeclare completed online before arrival
- $10 per person Environmental & Tourism Levy (BVI Government)
- On return, U.S. arrival is reported through CBP ROAM
Local Tips
- Arrive by 11 AM to get a beach chair before the day boats roll in
- Order a Painkiller. The Soggy Dollar claims it invented the drink
- Pair it with Foxy's in Great Harbour for the classic Jost Van Dyke double
- More ideas: Jost Van Dyke day trip guide
Our Recommendation: Book Your Boat With QuestVI.com
The easiest, most reliable way to get there is to book your boat on QuestVI.com. We are a local team on St. Thomas and St. John, and we compare 180+ vetted charters, so you do not have to juggle ferry timetables, customs lines and taxi rides.
- Every option in one place: private, shared and BVI day trips side by side, with real prices and live availability
- Vetted local captains who know the moorings, the swell and the customs process
- Secure online booking with instant confirmation
- Any day of the week, with no waiting for limited ferry schedules
- Local help from people who live here, if you are not sure which boat fits your group
Find your boat on QuestVI.com → or get matched with Find My Charter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a ferry to the Soggy Dollar Bar?
Ferries go to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, not White Bay. Take a taxi from there, or use a charter that anchors at White Bay.
Do I need a passport for the Soggy Dollar Bar?
Yes. Jost Van Dyke is in the BVI.
How long is the boat ride from St. John to Jost Van Dyke?
Usually 30–45 minutes from Cruz Bay, depending on the boat and the sea.
Is there a dock at the Soggy Dollar?
No. You swim or wade ashore from boats anchored off White Bay.
What is the best day to go?
Weekdays outside holiday weeks are calmest. Ferry riders are limited to Sunday, Tuesday and Friday.
Book Your White Bay Day
Let the captain worry about customs and anchoring. See Jost Van Dyke trips leaving St. John and St. Thomas.
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