Bar-Hops, Powder Sand and a Roaring Rocky Pool: A Day on Jost Van Dyke from Smith Bay

SMITH BAY SELF-GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Bar-Hops, Powder Sand and a Roaring Rocky Pool: A Day on Jost Van Dyke from Smith Bay

An 8‑hour self-guided day aboard a chartered boat that lets you choose stops—Soggy Dollar, Foxy’s, Sandy Spit and the Bubbly Pool—so you can linger where you want.

Bar-Hops, Powder Sand and a Roaring Rocky Pool: A Day on Jost Van Dyke from Smith Bay.

Duration
8 Hours
Location
Smith Bay
Operator
Phoenix Island Charters
Category
Self-Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Explore Jost Van Dyke’s famed shoreline at your own pace: swim ashore to the Soggy Dollar Bar, drop into Foxy’s for a cocktail, relax on the tiny white-sand island of Sandy Spit or hike to the bubbling tidal pools when conditions allow. The itinerary is flexible, designed for a relaxed, fun-filled BVI day for couples and families, with the freedom to add a snorkel stop around St. John if you prefer more time in the water.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s — Beachfront Culture
THE BARS

Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s — Beachfront Culture

Two of the Caribbean’s most famous beach bars bookend this trip: swim in to Soggy Dollar or step off the boat at Foxy’s to sample local cocktails and the island atmosphere that made Jost Van Dyke legendary.

Sandy Spit — Tiny Cay, Big Pause
THE SAND

Sandy Spit — Tiny Cay, Big Pause

A minute‑long walk across coral sand is enough to remind you why a day like this is about lingering: Sandy Spit’s postcard sandbars invite sunning, snorkeling from shore and uninterrupted downtime.

The Bubbly Pool — Rocky Tide-Fed Jacuzzi
THE NATURAL FEATURE

The Bubbly Pool — Rocky Tide-Fed Jacuzzi

When sea conditions allow, a short hike brings you to the Bubbly Pool, a rocky outcrop where incoming waves churn and create a frothy, tidal plunge pool—an elemental contrast to the island’s sandy beaches.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

This is a flexible, sun-drenched island day: board at a designated marina in the USVI, hop between famous beach bars and secluded sandbars, choose a shore swim or a short hike, and shape the day to your group’s mood. The pace is unhurried—linger over a Painkiller at Foxy’s, trade stories at Soggy Dollar, or take a long swim off Sandy Spit before returning to the boat at your own tempo.

Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s — Beachfront Culture

THE BARS

Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s — Beachfront Culture

Two of the Caribbean’s most famous beach bars bookend this trip: swim in to Soggy Dollar or step off the boat at Foxy’s to sample local cocktails and the island atmosphere that made Jost Van Dyke legendary.

Sandy Spit — Tiny Cay, Big Pause

THE SAND

Sandy Spit — Tiny Cay, Big Pause

A minute‑long walk across coral sand is enough to remind you why a day like this is about lingering: Sandy Spit’s postcard sandbars invite sunning, snorkeling from shore and uninterrupted downtime.

The Bubbly Pool — Rocky Tide-Fed Jacuzzi

THE NATURAL FEATURE

The Bubbly Pool — Rocky Tide-Fed Jacuzzi

When sea conditions allow, a short hike brings you to the Bubbly Pool, a rocky outcrop where incoming waves churn and create a frothy, tidal plunge pool—an elemental contrast to the island’s sandy beaches.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this day trip suits—and who should look elsewhere

1
CouplesIdeal for couples seeking a relaxed day of beach and bar-hopping with the freedom to linger at favorite spots.
2
FamiliesWell suited to families looking for a flexible day of swimming and sand; the itinerary is adaptable to short attention spans and varied interests.
3
Large Groups or EventsThis charter has a maximum capacity of 11 people; groups larger than that will need multiple boats or a different arrangement.
4
International Travelers / Anyone Crossing BordersNotable requirement: passports are necessary for travel to the British Virgin Islands—plan accordingly before boarding.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Passports are required for travel to the British Virgin Islands—be sure everyone in your party carries theirs.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The chartered outing runs approximately 8 hours.

Where do we meet the boat?

Meeting locations include Sapphire Marina, St. Thomas, Cruz Bay (St. John), and Lovango.

What does the cost include?

The advertised package includes the boat, a captain and fuel.

How many people can join?

The charter has an 11-person capacity.

Do I need a passport?

Yes—passports are required for travel to the British Virgin Islands.

Who operates this trip?

The tour is operated by Phoenix Island Charters.

Is the itinerary fixed?

No—there’s no rigid schedule; you can choose which stops to make and how long to stay at each.