FAQs

What's the best way to get to Jost Van Dyke?

You can fly either into Tortola (Beef Island Airport) or St. Thomas. Getting to Sandcastle is easiest from Tortola, but airline fare variations and frequent flyer programs may make St. Thomas a more practical point-of-departure.

Either way, you will need to get to West End Tortola. From there, you'll take either the ferry or a chartered boat to Jost Van Dyke. To ensure catching the last ferry to Jost Van Dyke (6pm) you should arrive at St. Thomas not later than 3:30 pm and Beef Island not later than 4 pm.

Some logistics to factor in: From Beef Island Airport (Tortola), a cab will bring you to West End. To get to West End Tortola from St. Thomas, you must take a ferry ($50 per person, each way).

A pricier (but more direct) option is a water taxi to bring you directly into Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke from Red Hook, St. Thomas ($325-350 each way).  Please let us know if this is your preferred mode of travel so that we may assist you in arranging it.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, as of 12/31/06, valid passports are required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean and within the British Virgin Islands.

What is the currency in the BVI?

The currency in the BVI is the U.S. Dollar; dollar-denominated travelers' checks are also widely accepted. At Sandcastle, we accept MasterCard and Visa.

What do I need to bring?

Just bring shorts, t-shirts, a bathing suit and one pair of shoes for walking into town. You're certainly welcome to dress-up for our evening meal, but this is definitely not a requirement. You don't need to bring beach towels or bug spray. You do need to bring suntan lotion.

Are you open year-round?

We are closed to overnight guests in the month of September. Our bar is open for drinks and lunch service 365 days a year.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept Visa and MasterCard.

Do you allow children?

Children under 16 years of age are not accepted as overnight guests.

What about the cruise ships?

It's true that small luxury cruise ships and windjammers do come into our bay to enjoy our beach. Frankly, we wish they would go elsewhere. At the same time, these are small ships (not more than 100 people typically), and they have arrangements with neighbors to use their beach and facilities. In the end, these voyagers aren't on the beach for more than 3 to 4 hours.

While all beaches in the BVI are public, we provide a roped-off area in front of our cottages with chaise lounges and hammocks specifically for our guests— a great vantage point for people watching! Ultimately, the cruise ships have never posed a major problem for our guests, but numerous day trips can be arranged if this is a major concern to anyone.