A fairly large, mountainous and very sparsely populated island northwest of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands, is said to have taken its name from a Dutch pirate (the first part of the name is pronounced yost).
Jost Van Dyke offers two good harbors, a couple of nice beaches (Great Harbour and White Bay) and a handful of choices for overnight accommodations. The island is a popular stop on the yachting circuit. The Soggy Dollar and Foxy's bars are favorite places to drop in. Small ferries run between Jost Van Dyke and Tortola's West End several times a day. For information, phone New Horizon Ferries at 284-495-9278. http://www.bestofbvi.com/info/bviferry_tortola_jost.htm.
Just off Jost Van Dyke sits Sandy Cay, a tiny, uninhabited islet that has a gorgeous white-sand beach. It's the epitome of a deserted island—especially nice if you happen to have it to yourself. Foxy's Taboo Bar and Restaurant has a dock on nearby Diamond Cay, which is a national park and bird sanctuary.
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