About Our Island

Jost Van Dyke belongs to the British Virgin Islands. A volcanic island of approximately 8 square miles, Jost lies about 5 miles northwest of Tortola, 7 miles northeast of St. Thomas, and 5 miles north of St. John. Winter temperatures here range between 75 and 85 degrees, with summer temperatures in the 80-90 degree range (and occasionally reaching into the lower 90s). Showers do occur, but they rarely last more than 10 minutes. The prevailing easterly tradewinds provide great sailing and natural air-conditioning.

Though only 25 year-round residents live in White Bay, the island of Jost Van Dyke has about 222 permanent residents, most of whom live in Great Harbour. The "commercial" center of the island, Great Harbour boasts five restaurant/bars, the government administration/Customs building, a small Methodist Church, a school and library, a small grocery store, a bakery, an ice house and several small boutiques. Little Harbour has three restaurants, all specializing in lobster dinners. Up until March of 1996, the only way to get to these harbours from White Bay was by water taxi. We now have a paved road, however, and access to the rest of the island is much easier.

• About Our Island
• A Little History