White Bay Campground

Jost Van Dyke, BVI

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*White Bay was heaven on earth.* Visited: September 2005
Posted by bloomkm2
	I spent a couple of days at White Bay Camp Ground. It was life altering for me. I have never experienced anything like White Bay. It was the most peaceful place I've ever visited. Its beauty is unseen anywhere else. It was pure paradise! Ivan, you rock!
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*Staying at Ivan's is being at a stress-free campground.* Visited: June 2005
Posted by relm1
	This place is the end of the rainbow. It is serene and very peaceful. It is a crude environment, and tourists who desire glitz and fancy accommodations would be out of place here. It is rugged and beautiful. It is a place for people who enjoy simpler things and opt for the less-traveled path. The best way to get there is to sail over, but the ferry will also do. Come prepared just as if you were going primitive camping and you'll do fine.
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*White Bay seems like heaven on earth.* Visited: October 2004
Posted by finddaren
	From my first hike over the hill from Great Harbour (New Year's Eve 1994), I felt the energy of this place. A 12-volt battery, car stereo, cooler with lots of drink but little ice, and a dimly lit bulb reflecting off the mass of seashells glued to the walls of this little shanty on the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean were things I remember. We just escaped from 5,000 people over at Foxy's and wondered if anything was going on over the hill. We found nothing except for a few people enjoying this newly-found hideout. This was Ivan's beginning under his childhood hangout by the massive 500-year old Tamarind Tree. We slept on the beach under a seagrape tree, excited about what we had just discovered. Here was the most pristine beach I had seen in the Caribbean, near this little, wooden, sky-blue shanty and there was nobody here to tell. We woke to Ivan sweeping the sand out of the bar, putting another bag of ice in the cooler, and picking up his axe to sing "I see a rainbow". We found heaven on earth, where all of the most important decisions are made - How long to lay in the hammocks?, What music should we put on next?, What should we fix for lunch?, and what kind of drink do I feel like now? We didn't have a care in the world except those. Since this first experience, Ivan has upgraded the camp ground. We now have electricity, a fridge, and a real stereo. The cabins and tent platforms started popping up over night. Things have changed at the campground, but Ivan has remained untouched by the small success of the business. The knowledge possessed by this man is unfathomable as he looks at you from behind his bi-focal glasses. His insight to life has inspired many, and his outlook on life is the island way. I'll let you make the judgement when you meet Ivan, as I can't find words to explain what this man has done for so many people, probably without knowing it. I have traveled throughout the world and have yet to find a place like this. I no longer live in the Carib, but I recall the memories and hear his words and it makes me smile every day.
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*We were pleased.* Visited: July 2004
Posted by phew
	After visiting the Cardie's Ship Wreck Camp Ground on Anegada and the White Bay Camp Ground, I was equally pleased. My wife and I can't wait to return to the BVIs with our law firm partners and visit these lovely campgrounds again.
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*This was the perfect honeymoon destination!* Visited: April 2004
Posted by themainswa
	What a perfect stay at a perfect place! We stayed at Ivan's Campground for two weeks and it was great to be there. Everybody was so friendly, especially Ivan and Tall. This was such a fantastic, unspoiled place! We loved it and here at home we often think back at the stress-free bar with the honor system with the many Caribs. Ivan and Tall, thank you for everything and we will come back some day!
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*This has to be the most beautiful place in the world.* Visited: March 2004
Posted by poosamelissa
	I have never been to a more beautiful place in all my life. Everyone from the island was authentic and everyone was very laid back. My husband Keith and I agree that there is no way to have a bad time here. I was here a week and will be thinking about that wonderful paradise island every day for the rest of my life. p.s. This is a place that is in no way intended for the "yuppified".
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*No shirt, no shoes - no problems here!* Visited: January 2004
Posted by jsandes
	Ivan's place was very relaxing and a fun time. The relaxation was great, and the music by Ruben was excellent. The honor bar and Painkillers were a huge plus, too. The only thing that bothered me was the lack of hot water to do dishes, and feeling like I was going to get food poisoning in that community kitchen. The showers were also gross, so be prepared to really rough it! If you are planning a trip to Jost Van Dyke, bring food! It cost $5.00 for a jar of peanut butter on the island, and supplies were very sparse. The snorkeling in White Bay was very poor compared to St. John or St. thomas, but the relaxing beautiful beach made up for it. You will love it here, and be free of stress for a long time. Bring supplies, and don't expect luxury! And be prepared to get very, very drunk!
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*Here there exists beauty as you never seen.* Visited: July 2003
Posted by marcel
	White Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches you�re going to find in the Caribbean, and Ivan's Place is something out of reality. I know this because I�ve lived around this area for the past 15 years. I love going out in my boat with my friends fishing, and after that finding a place to camp and start the party. Someone told one of my friends about this bay - how beatiful it was and how nice the people were, but nothing prepared us for what we found. When we arrived July 20, 2003 and we saw White Bay, we were all speechless. It was something taken out of a postcard. In addition to all this beauty, was the hospitality, courtesy and total atmosphere around Ivan's Place. The "just relax" feeling and the island mood were very contagious. If you just want to get away from reality and just "crash" in the beach with absolutely no worries, and be able to let it all out, this is the place to go. The drinks, food, and fun are here - the only thing missing is you. Do not forget to bring someone, because the nights are long.
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*Simplicity at its finest.* Visited: March 2002
Posted by a_baron
	After leading what a lot families experience--the fast-paced, hectic daily life, it was wonderful to slow down and expose our five boys (ages 10 and under) to some of the more important things in life: hermit crab races, tire-swinging over dad lounging on the hammock, playing with new friends from St. Johns and St. Kitts, walking out of the cabin right onto the snowy-white beach, snorkeling in 80 degree, crystal clear water, hiking to the bubbling pool, exploring the island at a very slow pace by rickety jeep up 90 degree hills with the goats and sheep, and just plain old hanging out. Ivan's was the place where you lived in your bathing suit by day, and as a mother of a 4-month old, I was able to do the 3:00 a.m. feeding under a full moon walking on the beach. It was peaceful and serene. I would have felt better if there was hot water to do the dishes. I still couldn't shake the need to eat off clean plates and utensils (regular campers we are not). But it was a small price to pay for the simple life.
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*We love you Ivan and Pearl!* Visited: March 2001
Posted by shthompson
	Camping at White Bay was the best time we have had in the British Virgin Islands. Thank you.
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*Truly the center of the universe!* Visited: January 2000
Posted by clarabell324
	I happened upon this most magnificent place on New Years 1994 and have yet to find a more wonderful place. It is truly your home away from home and Ivan will do anything possible to make your trip here an unforgettable experience. Without a doubt, it�s the most beautiful beach in the Virgin Islands, but if you want luxury this may not be for you. There is no room service and the accommodations are basic, but you can't have everything when staying literally "on the beach." The communal kitchen has everything you need to prepare a snack or a seven-course meal for 20. Guests have their own fridge and storage spaces and usually everyone gets together and makes dinner a nightly event. Ivan usually breaks out the guitar as the sun sets and the magic begins. Anyone can join in with a variety of percussion instruments lying about or better yet bring your own instrument and play along with the master. This ends up as one awesome jam session lasting well into the evening. Since there are no employees, you have to play bartender if you choose to indulge. And yeah, it's on the honor system. Just write it down in the book and pay when you leave. This is the ultimate in stress-free vacations. Ivan frequently has BBQ's where he'll cook for everyone and you don't want to miss this. My stay here is never long enough, but since I live on neighboring St. John, it's never very long until my next trip either. This is still one of the best kept secrets around and I don't particularly know why I'm writing this but after experiencing Ivan's dream for myself, I just want to let others know. I know there is a reason Ivan doesn't advertise and maybe eventually too many people will find out, but as of now, it truly is the center of the universe. Thanks Ivan for all you've done for us and all you've taught us.
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*Truly paradise* Visited: November 1999
Posted by ATraveler
	I brought in the new millennium on Jost Van Dyke and the island breeds good times and good fun. Ivan is by far one of the most gracious and friendly hosts you could find. If I never go anyplace else in the world again, I have truly found paradise!
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*Incredibly unique.* Visited: November 1999
Posted by ATraveler
	Ivan's Stress-Free Bar and (White Bay) camp ground is fabulously unique. Ivan operates his campground on the honor system. Help yourself to a cabin, a camp site and a fully stocked bar. Keep a tally of the drinks you have and the number of nights you sleep on one of his sites. Before you depart Jost Van Dyke, leave a fair amount of money in Ivan's tackle box behind the bar. Your admiration of Ivan's sincerity and his simple trust and confidence in you will probably inspire you to reciprocate his generosity.
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White Bay Campground Overview

White Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the islands. At the eastern end of the beach, Ivan Chinnery has one of the best campgrounds in the Virgin Islands. Ivan is a local celebrity known for his courtesy and musical ability. He played in...