The British Virgin Islands Just Launched a Late-Night Ferry for Dinner, Rum, and Live Music

Most people leave Jost before the sun sets, after the last painkiller at Soggy, the final Firewater at Foxy’s. But there’s actually a way you can stay longer — without having to actually spend the night. 

If you’ve ever wanted to do Jost Van Dyke properly — dinner, live music, a late drink, the full night — without booking a room, the British Virgin Islands is bringing back the easiest way to do it.

The experience is called Jost Lime & Dine, and it’s a winter dining-and-nightlife series that pairs restaurant reservations on Jost Van Dyke with dedicated ferry service from Tortola, so you can spend the evening on the island and still get back the same night.

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission has announced the return of the evening dining series, which invites visitors and residents on Tortola to take a ferry over to Jost Van Dyke for dinner, music and island nightlife — then head back the same night.

The 2026 edition launches on Valentine’s Day, February 14, and runs every Friday and Saturday through March 14.

What Jost Lime & Dine Actually Is

Jost Lime & Dine is the opening experience of the BVI Food Fete calendar, but it’s built around something simple: giving you a reason to go to Jost Van Dyke at night, even if you’re sleeping on Tortola.

Traditionally, a proper night out on Jost has meant staying over. This program changes that by putting a dedicated late-night return ferry back into the mix, making it possible to have dinner, have a drink, hear music, and still make it back to Tortola before the night ends.

A 10:45 p.m. return ferry operated by New Horizon Ferry is back again this year, bringing the “night out on Jost” option back within reach for people who don’t want to book a room or charter a boat.

The One Change That Matters Most

The biggest adjustment for 2026 is also the most practical one.

The final departure from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke has been moved to 6:30 p.m., giving diners more time to get to the West End Ferry Dock and start the evening without rushing.

Clive L. McCoy, Director of Tourism, said the change came directly from continued consultation with the Jost Van Dyke community, and that the expansion to both Fridays and Saturdays was also designed to make the series more accessible.

When It’s Happening

The series begins February 14 and runs through March 14, with events every Friday and Saturday.

That’s five weekends of ferry rides, dinner reservations, and the kind of night Jost Van Dyke does best: food, rum, music, and a late return across the channel.

The Restaurants Participating on Jost Van Dyke

A total of 14 establishments are taking part in the 2026 program, ranging from classic Jost stops to smaller local favorites. The list includes:

A&B Restaurant; Abe’s By The Sea; Ali Baba’s; Alice’s; Coco Loco’s; Cool Breeze; Foxy’s Taboo; Foxy’s Tamarind Bar; Gertrude’s; Harris’ Place; Hendo’s Hideout; Ivan’s Stress Free; Pinky’s Delight; and Tipsy Shark.

It’s a lineup that captures what makes Jost’s dining scene different from most Caribbean islands. It isn’t formal. It isn’t imagined around a single resort. It’s about places with names you remember, bars that are part of the landscape, and nights that stretch longer than you planned.

The Opening Night: “Lover’s Lime”

The first night of the series is Valentine’s Day, with a themed launch called “Lover’s Lime.”

Guests boarding the 6:30 p.m. ferry at the West End Ferry Dock will be welcomed with complimentary roses, a complimentary wine tasting by TICO, a red-carpet photo opportunity, giveaways, and a live serenade by vocalist Cal J before departure.

Couples will also be invited to take part in a photo contest, with a chance to win tickets to the next BVI Food Fete event, Taste of Virgin Gorda.

The Finale: “Tropical Glow Night”

The series wraps March 14 with a finale event called “Tropical Glow Night.”

Ahead of departure, guests will be welcomed at the West End Ferry Dock with music by DJ Nixx the Mix, a performance by BVI Optimum Skydancers, complimentary cocktails by TICO, a photo booth and giveaways.

On arrival in Jost Van Dyke, guests will receive glow-themed party items and a welcome cocktail.

What It Costs

The program is built around a special ferry fare structure.

A US $20 round-trip ferry fare is available for guests who present proof of reservation at one of the participating restaurants through the Jost Lime & Dine booking service.

Guests traveling without proof of reservation can still take part, with a US $30 round-trip ferry fare.

Once you arrive in Jost Van Dyke, you’ll be met at the dock and transferred by taxi to your reserved restaurant. The taxi transfer is not included in the ferry fare.

How to Book It

Reservations can be made through the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission’s Jost Lime & Dine booking service by emailing jostlimeanddine@bvitourism.com.

Why It’s a Big Deal for the BVI

The British Virgin Islands has always been a destination built around water. Even the nightlife works that way. The best nights often involve a dock, a boat ride, and a place you can’t reach by road.

Jost Lime & Dine is a reminder of that. It’s a program that takes something people already want — a night out on Jost — and makes it easier, more structured, and more accessible for travelers who are based on Tortola.

And for anyone visiting in February or March, it’s one of the simplest ways to see the BVI the way it’s meant to be experienced: by crossing over, staying out late, and coming back across the channel with the music still in your ears