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Andrew Cooper

Soggy Dollar Bar

Updated: Jul 3, 2023




Caribbean style, off-the-cuff beach vibe rules this must-stop destination for boaters exploring the British Virgin Islands, whose custom of paddling ashore for a drink earned the bar its distinctive name.


The Soggy Dollar Bar is on the White Bay beach towards Jost Van Dyke's southern section. The bar is accessible by boat, and revelers must swim to the shore. Once you get there, you can have the time of your life, including playing island castaway in a rum-filled bar.


So what does the reputable B.V.I. premises offer? Read on to find out.


A Quick Glance at Soggy Dollar Bar


The fabled Soggy Dollar Bar opened in 1972, about 300 years after the English captured the British Virgin Islands from the Dutch West Indies. Tucked away in Jost Van Dyke's White Bay, the joint has grown to earn a reputation as the provenance of the original Painkiller rum.


Caribbean travelers love the joint thanks to its casual vibe, dock-free beach, and pristine white sand.


Back when the Jost Van Dyke island had no roads in White Bay, boaters used to berth in the bay and swim ashore to enjoy a good time at the bar. The revelers would use the cash in their soaked pockets to pay for drinks, and that's how the name Soggy Dollar Bar came to be.


Nowadays, the bar serves specially-blended spiced and aged dark rum. Interestingly, some boaters still follow tradition by swimming to shore with dollars in their pockets and settling in to enjoy the Painkiller—the bar's signature cocktail.


Soggy Bar's perfect concoction of flavorful drinks and serene atmosphere make the joint an ideal escape from reality.


What's There to Enjoy in Soggy Dollar Bar?


Soggy Dollar Bar is the perfect place to retire after your fun-filled day exploring the area's places of interest and fun activities. Whichever way you choose to indulge, you will enjoy a memorable experience.


Rum That Takes You There


The bar offers diverse tastes of rum. The Soggy Dollar Dark Rum is a reveler's favorite. This handcrafted drink is triple distilled with cane sugar molasses, caramel, and vanilla. The specialists then age it on oak casks to achieve its deep golden color and rich flavor.


You'll also like the Soggy Dollar Island Spiced, a handcrafted, smooth, rum-infused specialty beverage blended with the restaurant's secret spices recipes native to Jost Van Dyke island.


Other tastes include:

  • Bloody Mary

  • The Nilla Killa

  • Soggy Man

  • Banana Bender

  • Mango Madness

  • Cherry Therapy

  • G.O.A.T. Punch

  • Coco Lima


A Taste of the Original Painkiller


Soggy Dollar Bar crafted and perfected the original Painkiller in the 70s. The full-flavored, smooth rum cocktail has gained immense popularity and is considered the kernel of Caribbean imbibing. This drink comprises a perfect blend of superior dark rum, pineapple, orange juice, and coconut cream with fresh Grenadian nutmeg topping. The resultant concoction makes the swim worth the effort.


Perhaps it is the White Bay setting, the thirst after swimming, the cocktail, or just because of Soggy Dollar's Original Painkiller tradition. Whatever brings you here, you'll undoubtedly have a memorable experience.


The Legendary Ring Game


Nobody accurately explains when or how this awesome Soggy Dollar game came about.


Some accounts claim the game originated from a local inn with a dice click in the background. But other stories claim that Blackbeard, one of the earliest explorers in the region, played the game with his crew. According to this version, the group used bones and a hemp noose to play the Ring Game on their sloops decks.


Regardless, the game has been here for generations, and players combine it with good rum after a long day. The grand prize? You guessed it—a drink of rum! The game is available in varied local versions, but the objective is the same—getting the ring on the hook.


What's There to Eat at Soggy Dollar Bar?


Rum alone isn't enough for your survival. Fortunately, Soggy Dollar serves breakfast, lunch, and appetizers for evening meals.


The bar's breakfast menu comprises three meal categories. The first includes "morning handies" like the Yo Ho Ho Burrito and egg sandie.


You can also enjoy sunrise shoot-ins like the pirate bowl, guac the plank, oatmeal, fruit cup, and toasted bagel.


Finally, the "swig yo grub" menu comprises the famous "berry nice booty" smoothie and "ahoy me hearties" protein shake.


You can also order lunch at the bar between 11 AM and 3 PM and enjoy special platters, salads, sandwiches, and wraps.


Finally, Soggy Dollar Bar also has a dinner plan for you, comprising Caesar or garden salads and multiple sharables, including:

  • Conch Fritters

  • Grilled Mahi bites

  • Wings

  • Coconut Shrimp

  • Fried Calamari

  • Old bay French fries

  • Chicken roti egg rolls

  • Crispy chicken tenders


It's Time to Unwind in A World-Class Destination


You work hard every day, and life moves incredibly fast. In this crazy and chaotic world, you must find a way to escape from the fast-paced world.


This is precisely what you'll get at Jost Van Dyke's Soggy Dollar Bar.


A visit here will give your mind the rest it deserves, and you'll have the opportunity to rethink priorities and lose track of time. The original Painkiller in your hand and toes in the sand, this destination guarantees the serenity for rejuvenation and memorable experiences.


Whether you're visiting for the day or planning to stay and get lost, you can quickly get to Soggy Dollar by flying directly into Tortola B.I.A. or St Thomas U.S.V.I. But you can also leverage the day-tripper ferry service available from St. John and St. Thomas three days a week.


Besides the ferry, you can also leverage B.V.I. yacht charter services and water taxis to access Jost Van Dyke island.


Leverage Reliable B.V.I. Transport Services


You're on the right site if you're looking for travel convenience. Ocean Bliss Charters is here to enhance your evening and day boat adventures in the British Virgin Islands.


You'll explore the scenic waters on a fast, sleek, and beautiful Marlin 35' charter vessel under the guidance of Captain Andrew Cooper, a local boating professional and B.V.I. native.


Whether you want half-day, full-day, or dinner charters or simply looking for a water taxi to take you around the islands, you can always count on us. Book our services today to reserve your spot.


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