Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
Great Harbour JVD · Foxy's anchorage
18°26.93'N 64°44.59'W
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand in 3–10m. Jost Van Dyke is a National Parks Trust marine park — mooring balls preferred where available. If anchoring in sand, set firmly with engine test. In any northerly swell, the bay rolls.
About This Anchorage
Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke is one of the most famous anchorages in the Caribbean — principally for Foxy's Tamarind Bar, the legendary sailors' bar operated by Foxy Callwood (now in his 80s, still occasionally performing) on the beach. Foxy's hosts the world-famous New Year's Eve party drawing hundreds of boats, and the Wooden Boat Regatta each May. The island has a resident customs officer making it an official BVI port of entry — convenient for vessels arriving from the USVI or east. Great Harbour is designated as a National Parks Trust marine park; mooring balls are available and preferred over anchoring. The bay is open to the north and can roll in Atlantic ground swell. The beach has several bars and restaurants including Ali Baba's, Christine's Bakery, and Rudy's. A short dinghy ride or walk takes you to Little Harbour and Diamond Cay NPS.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- NPS mooring balls $30/night; anchoring in sand permitted where mooring unavailable
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- BVI entry fees apply: $7.30/person + $10 environmental levy. NPS mooring permit $150/year for foreign vessels.
Restrictions: NPS marine park — no anchoring on coral or seagrass; official customs port of entry — Q flag mandatory if arriving from non-BVI port; customs officer on island; no jet skis in anchorage.
Hazards
- !North swell vulnerability — check swell forecasts; during winter northerly swell periods the bay rolls significantly
- !Extreme crowding on New Year's Eve (hundreds of boats) and major regattas — arrive early or expect to anchor in difficult position
- !NPS marine park rules strictly enforced — anchoring on coral or seagrass results in heavy fines
- !Limited provisions on island — carry full provisions from Road Town or Soper's Hole
- !Dinghy traffic very heavy in peak season — maintain speed limit and vigilance near beach
Skipper's Tips
- →Foxy's Tamarind Bar is one of the great sailing experiences in the Caribbean — an evening here with Foxy performing is unmissable
- →New Year's Eve at Great Harbour: book mooring buoys well in advance via BoatyBall — 200+ boats fill the bay; arrive December 30 to secure a good position
- →Clear customs at the island office if this is your first BVI stop from USVI — the officer is usually found at the administration building near the pier
- →Great Harbour to White Bay is a 10-minute dinghy ride around the western headland — or a short walk over the hill
- →Christine's Bakery opens at 07:00 for fresh baked goods — the best breakfast option on the island
Facilities
Foxy's Tamarind Bar (legendary Caribbean institution), Ali Baba's Restaurant, Christine's Bakery, Rudy's Restaurant. No fuel or water from boats — provisions very limited on island.
Nearest provisions: Road Town, Tortola (via ferry or 8nm sail) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April. The New Year's Eve party is legendary — plan this visit carefully (arrive Dec 30 minimum). Best quieter experience January–February after the New Year rush.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In BVI waters, anchor drag toward coral reef can cause serious damage — to the reef and your vessel. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the beach bars with confidence.
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