Jost Van Dyke

Named for an early Dutch settler and former pirate, Jost Van Dyke runs deep with rugged scenery and colorful folklore. Explore vegetation-covered sugar mill ruins, old trails that crisscross the island and the East End’s natural sea-formed Jacuzzi, or observe whales and dolphins.

Measuring just four miles by three and with fewer than 300 inhabitants, the BVI’s smallest island has been home to Arawak Indians, Caribs, Dutch, Africans and the British. Notable inhabitants have included William Thornton, architect of the U.S. Capitol Building, and John Lettsome, founder of the London Medical Society.

Food and fun abound on Jost Van Dyke, with numerous places to indulge in favored cuisine, such as barbecues, West Indian rotis, flying fish sandwiches, grilled fresh fish and lobster. For the party animals, Great Harbour is world-famous for its yacht-filled parties on Halloween and New Year’s Eve.