History of Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is a stop on Go Sail VI’s British Virgin Islands itinerary and is famous for its white sand beaches and laid-back vibe. But long before sailors pulled up for the famous Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar after snorkeling in White Bay, this small island just off the coast of Tortola was home to sugar colonies, fishing villages, and a legendary pirate.
Jost Van Dyke’s Early Inhabitants
Long before the island was settled by European explorers, the Arawak and Carib Indigenous people lived on the island. While it’s not known exactly how long the tribes were there, experts estimate it was hundreds of years. Archeologists have found artifacts, including pottery and tools, made from local resources.
Colonialism in Jost Van Dyke
The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle on this island, and they named it after the famous privateer—more or less a pirate with legal status from their government—Jost Van Dyke. The colonial settlers used the island’s idyllic coves to hide their ships, protecting fortunes stolen from other sailors. Later, British businessmen settled on the island and developed sugar mills, forcing labor on enslaved Africans until slavery was abolished in 1834. The plantation ruins can still be seen in areas like Brewer’s Bay.
Who Was Joost van Dyk?
Joost van Dyk was a businessman who sailed around the Caribbean trading goods with colonial settlers in islands such as Puerto Rico. However, historians have uncovered a darker side, as it is well-believed that he was one of the most legendary pirates of the 17th century. Van Dyk lived in the Virgin Islands beginning around 1615, using Tortola as his main point of business until a Dutch-sponsored plot against a Spanish fleet was unsuccessful, and he had to hide on the island now named after him (Jost Van Dyke) in the British Virgin Islands.
Jost Van Dyke Island Today
Jost Van Dyke may not be as famous as St. John in the USVI or Tortola in the BVI, but it’s one of our favorite islands to take sailing students when we host them on ASA sailing courses in the Virgin Islands. The history alone is worth a visit, sailing around the sparkling blue bays, you can practically see the pirate flags blowing in the Caribbean breeze. But Jost Van Dyke is a true paradise now, with beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine—making it a must-stop for travelers sailing the British Virgin Islands.
When you sail to Jost Van Dyke, stop in the Great Harbor and chat with other sailors over cocktails and live music at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. If you have a whole day, explore the sandy shores in White Bay or sail to nearby Diamond Cay for the gorgeous beaches and low-key snorkeling spots.
Sailing around Jost Van Dyke is a unique experience that checks many of the boxes travelers dream of when planning a sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands. Our ASA instructors can help you experience our favorite white sand beaches and sailing routes, while sharing a story or two about Jost Van Dyke’s history.