Jost Van Dyke Beach Day a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure

Jost Van Dyke Beach Day is a popular excursion for many cruise passengers visiting Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. My family visited White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke during an Eastern Caribbean Disney Cruise and it is no surprise why so many people love it.

When we visit ports, my family likes to do a combination of guided tours and plan our own adventures. In this case, we knew we wanted to go to Jost Van Dyke (more on why further down) and it worked out much better to do a Disney Port Adventure. This was a multi-generation vacation with my husband, myself, our 2 kids, my dad, and my in-laws – 7 of us in total.

Watch Our Day Instead

If you want a quick (under 3 min) video of our day you can watch it here, or keep reading below.

Starting Our Day

Because we booked this excursion directly with Disney it was incredibly easy and stress-free. While on board our cruise we received information on when and where to meet the next morning. We didn’t have to get going super early, so we were able to enjoy breakfast in one of the main dining rooms before making our way to the Buena Vista Theater (our meeting point). Side note – make sure to plan at least one day for breakfast in a main dining room – it is delicious.

We met in the Theater and a Crew Member gave each of us a wristband and character sticker. When it was our time to leave, a Crew Member escorted us off the ship and onto a boat that would take us over to the Island of Jost Van Dyke. It was a beautiful ride and both the kids and grandparents loved it.

Enjoying Jost Van Dyke Island

Once we arrived on Jost Van Dyke we got into an open air taxi and were driven up and around to White Bay Beach.

Location of Jost Van Dyke Beach Day - White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke Island, British Virgin Islands

There are a number of places on the beach and we were lead to a group of lounge chairs and umbrellas we could use for the day. We were also given lunch tickets for a buffet and a drink ticket for one non-alcoholic drink.

Kids running into the water on White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke Island, British Virgin Islands

My kids (and Grandma) couldn’t wait to run into the ocean and play in the water. The beach is beautiful, but I do want to give a slight word of warning. There are small groups of rock a few feet into the water. There are openings in the rocks, and you can certainly step through them, but you will want to be paying attention as you and any kids make their way further into the ocean. Once you get past these rock groups, the ocean is sandy and perfect for swimming.

Once the kids got hungry we all had the buffet BBQ lunch. There was plenty to eat and a good variety. As you might expect, it was not fancy, but everyone is our group enjoyed all the offerings.

After lunch, the kids were back in the water and playing on the beach. (Side note: we bring these pails with us whenever we head to the beach. They pack well and the kids love them.) While they played, the Grandpas relaxed in the chairs and my husband and I set off down the beach.

Soggy Dollar Bar – Home of the Original Painkiller

One of the reasons we wanted to visit White Bay Beach is because it is home to the Soggy Dollar Bar – where the Painkiller was invented. When we found out we could plan a day for the kids and grandparents to relax on the beach and we could try the Original Painkiller, we knew we had to come.

Painkiller Drinks at Soggy Dollar Bar on White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke Island in British Virgin Islands. Where the Painkiller was invented.

While the bartenders at Soggy Dollar Bar know how to make many drinks, it is clear that the Painkiller is their specialty. My husband and I tried an original and vanilla – both were delicious. After we got our drinks, we walked back up the beach (less than 5 minutes) to the rest of the family.

We had a little more time before we had to head back so jumped in the water too and played with the kids.

Family playing in the the ocean in the Caribbean

When it was time to leave, everyone from the excursion left the beach and went back to where the open air taxi had dropped us off. Once everyone was there we took the short drive back to the pier to catch the boat that brought us back to the ship.

Tired family after Disney Port Adventure/ Shore Excursion on Tortola

It was a wonderful, relaxing, easy, and tiring day. The kids and grandparents still talk about the beach and crazy sandcastles they made together.

If you would love some beach time, but aren’t sure where to start, schedule a complimentary call with us. We can help you pick the best cruise line (or resort), rooms, activities and much more to make your family’s vacation one to remember!