travel to jost van dyke

Most Commonly Searched Terms

Jost van dyke.

• Spring Regatta
• Ginger Islands

Virgin Gorda

• Guided Tour

Other Islands

• Salt Islands
• Private Island
• Peter Islands

The Islands ( )

Experiences ( ), beaches ( ).

Lively Past, Lovely Present

Although it’s one of BVI’s smallest islands, Jost Van Dyke (named for a Dutch privateer) still encapsulates an abundance of charm and history. 

Intrepid explorers can discover the ruins of early sugar mills, still-surviving explorer footpaths, and near-endless amounts of interesting wildlife here. Archaeological evidence suggests that Jost Van Dyke was visited by civilizations as diverse as the Arawak tribe, Caribs, Africans, the British, and — naturally — the Dutch. Despite its diminutive stature, Jost Van Dyke’s rich melting-pot history has fostered some of the Caribbean’s best dining, with barbecue, Indian and seafood dominating the menus at the isle’s various beachside eateries. 

When here, don’t skip visiting Bubbly Pool, a naturally occurring “hot tub”-style swimming hole on the northeast shore.

Book Now Learn More

Island Hopping

Discovering the beauty of BVI is all about uncovering the unique character of each island in this unspoiled volcanic archipelago. Select one of our islands below to learn more about what each island has to offer.

The Islands

Experiences.

Get/Give help - comments or questions about getting to Jost Van Dyke, BVI

• Native Son Ferry
• Smith's Ferry
• Inter Island
• Speedy's Ferry
• Sensation Ferries
• Last Mile Water Taxi
• Charters & Activities
• USVI Hotels
• Diving Tortola
• Diving Virgin Gorda
• Diving Jost van Dyke
• Diving St. Thomas
• Diving St. John
• Diving St. Croix
• Virgin Gorda
• Jost van Dyke
• Bitter End Yacht Club
• Soggy Dollar Bar
• Beef Island
• Virgin Islands National Park
• Charlotte Amalie
• Coronavirus News
• Boats »

Ferry from St Thomas to Jost Van Dyke

Inter Island boat service has been operating between the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands  (BVI) for more than 35 years. They have 3 weekly departures from St Thomas to Jost van Dyke and St John to Jost van Dyke. Simply use our search box to find and book tickets for your ferry service to Jost van Dyke.

• Ferry trips to/from Jost Van Dyke take place each Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.
• Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure..
• Reliable ferry schedule
• Ideal for Day trips
• Seat capacity up to 132 passengers

Warning : Note that this route crosses an international maritime border between the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) so a valid passport is required. A minimum of 15 passengers is needed for the service to be able to go ahead - if this number isn't reached on any given scheduled departure, Inter Island Boat Services reserves the right to cancel the service at last minute and offer you a date change free of charge or a refund.

Inter Island Boat Service ferry schedule:

St Thomas ferry Departure information

St Thomas  is the main island of the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and host the Capital Charlotte Amalie. The island offers many pristine beaches, with turquoise waters. The heart of the island, Charlotte Amalie, in an historic center, with many colonial-era style building. In Charlotte Amalie, the old streets and Fort Christian are a most see!

The ferry from St Thomas to Jost van Dyke will depart from Red Hook. Red Hook is a 20-25 minutes taxi trip from Charotte Amalie. The taxi trip will costs around $25 - $30. Red Hook is located on the East side of St Thomas. Red Hook is famous for its red-tiled roof homes and its coastline that overlooks Pillsbury Sound and the island of St. John. 

Jost Van Dyke ferry Arrival information

The ferry will arrive at Great Harbor, the largest (but still tiny) settlement on Jost van Dyke . From there, easily head over to White bay for the most gorgeous beach with its great selection of beachside bars and shacks serving the famous soggy dollar cocktail and great food throughout the day. Jost Van Dyke is one of the smallest and most beautiful islands of all British Virgin Islands (BVI), with its white sandy beaches and its tropical nature. The island offers over 40 diving sites! Great Harbor is an authentic Caribbean harbour. perfect to experience the untouched Caribbean heritage.

Ferry from St John to Jost van Dyke

The Inter Island ferry from St John to Jost van Dyke departs from The Creek, in the northern section of the Cruz Bay harbour. You can get there easily with a taxi from anywhere on the island. See the above schedule for departure days and times, or use our search box.

St John  is also part of the US Virgin Islands (USVI), but smaller then St Thomas. 60% of the island is a protected area, which result in a very untouch and pristine island. The Island's crystal clear waters are full of  vibrant corals, marine creatures and shipwrecks, making it perfect waters for diving . Cruz Bay, on the western coast, is the main settlement on the island. Cruz Bay has the island’s largest commercial centre and hosts multiple restaurants and shops.Cruz Bay also hosts the National Park Visitor Center and the Elaine Sprauve Library.

Terms and conditions

Specifications

Type: Ferry transportation Construction: Aluminum Engine Horsepower rating: 910 Location City: Cruz Bay Capacity Net Tonnage: 16 Passenger Capacity: 49 Size Register Length: 44.9 Feet Regular Breadth: 14 Feet Overall Length: 44.8 Feet Overall Breadth: 14 Feet Load Draft: 3.6 Feet Light Draft: 3 Feet Other Year: 1977

Island Hopping Tortola to Virgin Gorda St. Thomas to St. John Getting to Jost van Dyke

Tortola Hotels Virgin Gorda Hotels St. Thomas Hotel St. John Hotels

Coming Soon

Diving Virgin Islands Diving Tortola Diving Virgin Gorda D iving Jost van Dyke D iving St. Thomas Diving St. John D iving St. Croix

• Book your fast ferry
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Add your hotel
• Company login

Get travel inspiration sent straight to your inbox, plus 20% off!

By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Site Preferences

Get 20% off your purchase when you sign up for the Moon Travel Guides newsletter!

Where to Go on Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke is four miles long and three miles wide at its broadest point. Its ridge climbs to 1,054 feet at Majohnney Point and stretches from east to west like a meandering backbone. Development is limited to four bays along the southwestern coast of the island, although a few hilltop homes have now been built. A single road connects White Bay, Great Harbour, Little Harbour, and the east end; it takes about 15 minutes to drive the four miles from end to end. A new road has been cut along the ridge. It is mostly unpaved and treacherous without four-wheel drive.

Ferries arrive at Dog Hole, on the far western end of Great Harbour. It is easy to walk from the ferry to any place in Great Harbour, and as long as you don’t mind a bit of exercise, you can walk from there to White Bay as well.

As you reach the top of the hill heading west out of Great Harbour, look down for the spectacular sight of White Bay before you, a ribbon of snow-colored sand and turquoise waters. White Bay is by far the nicest beach on Jost, and it’s one of the best in the entire Virgin Islands. The sand is smooth and clean; it is fringed by low palms, sea grapes, and a few rustic buildings. The beach is cut in half by a small rock promontory. You can follow a path over the rocks or swim around them. An offshore reef rewards snorkelers. The bay is popular with the yachting crowd despite the fact that there is no dock. Boats weigh anchor and passengers wade or swim ashore: hence the Soggy Dollar Bar at the beach’s western end, named for the damp money fished from wet pockets and wallets.

The eastern end of White Bay is quiet; a campground huddles among the sea grape trees and a few tasteful guesthouses look down from the hillside above. The western end is home to a half dozen beach bars and restaurants and a small hotel. The only real nod to commercialism here is at the far western tip of the beach, where on some days small cruise ships unload hundreds of passengers for a beach picnic. A sports center there rents kayaks, pedal boats, and other water toys and takes visitors on ATV tours of the island. The good news is that if this type of thing doesn’t appeal to you, it’s pretty easy to ignore.

Bubbly Pool

Ask at Foxy’s Taboo for a map to the Bubbly Pool, or just head northward from the restaurant and look for the path—it’s not hard to find. You will bypass the salt pond and climb over a low rise before descending into the cove where you will find the pool. The Bubbly Pool is a small grotto formed by rocks and faced by a half-moon beach of coarse sand and rubble. The pool is large enough to fit about four swimmers comfortably. When the sea is calm, the pool is a private and quiet place for a dip. But when the northern swell is up and waves crash violently on the north-facing rocks, the show begins. On these days, large waves crash into the pool, dissipating into mounds of bubbles that crack and pop. It’s fun to play in the waves, and the bubbles have been likened to a high-priced spa treatment.

From the pool you can clamber up a short footpath on the eastern side of the pool that leads to an overlook and views of Jost Van Dyke’s rugged north coast—a landscape of sheer cliffs, pounding waves, and windswept vegetation.

The hike from Foxy’s Taboo to the Bubbly Pool takes about 20 minutes and passes loblolly trees, mangroves, and a large number of Turk’s head cacti. It’s best to wear sturdy shoes.

Sandy Cay, a six-acre island less than a mile offshore Jost Van Dyke, is in many respects a perfect desert island. It has a sandy white beach, coconut palm trees, a nice offshore reef, and a wooded interior. Most visitors can pass a few hours here relaxing on the beach, swimming, or snorkeling. Others take the 20-minute hike that circles the interior salt pond and traverses rocky cliffs favored by nesting seabirds. Naturalists will admire the diversity of ecosystems—beach, swamp, cliff, forest—that exist on such a tiny island. Look for the flowering lilies that grow near the beach and the seeming millions of hermit crabs that maneuver around the island in borrowed shells. Keep your eyes out for a glimpse of the tiny bananaquit, a yellow-breasted bird that flits around with great speed and favors the organ pipe cactus, especially when it is flowering. If you can’t see the birds, look for their nests, untidy masses of twigs and grass that hang just about at eye level in parts of the forest.

For many decades, Sandy Cay was owned by multimillionaire philanthropist Laurance Rockefeller. Just before his death in 2005, Rockefeller donated the island to the British Virgin Islands government on the condition that it become a national park, which it has. Rockefeller always believed in maintaining public access to the island, and the short trail that circles the island is well maintained. There are no moorings, however, and no trash cans, picnic tables, or bathrooms. Visiting sailboats should anchor off the sandy beach. The beach is susceptible to swells, especially in winter.

Related Travel Guide

Two Days on Jost Van Dyke

• March 27, 2017
• Beach Breaks , British Virgin Islands , Family Travel
• Comments Off on Two Days on Jost Van Dyke

Our entire trip to the BVI was slated to be a yachting trip. We had originally planned to spend seven days exploring the islands by boat until we ran into a snafu with our dates. Undeterred, we decided to take the four-day yacht charter with Virgin Motor Yachts  and figure out a game plan for the first two nights. We narrowed it down to two options: Virgin Gorda (our first choice) or Jost van Dyke.

During the planning process I was convinced that Virgin Gorda would be the better of the two options; it’s a bigger island with more to see and do, plus I’d never been which was enough reason for me to want to dedicate more time to exploring. Finding accommodations that fit the bill for the five of us proved more difficult than we expected though, and we decided to explore Plan B, Jost van Dyke.

I’ve been to Jost twice before, both times on day trips from the neighboring USVI. My memories – at least the bit that I do remember – are fond, with painkiller-fueled days on White Bay. During our first trip we met people who were staying on Jost and I vividly remember being stunned that people  stayed  on the island. For those that haven’t overnighted there, it’s easy to think of it as a day trip destination and little more.

Yet Jost’s vibe, beaches and offerings provide enough for travelers to spend a few days on this little island paradise, and we were thrilled with our choice. In hindsight, we were all happy to have had a couple of days and nights to explore the parts of Jost than day trippers often  don’t see. 

On a traditional day trip from another island, what you’ll likely see is White Bay by day. You’ll miss out on the stunning sunsets, the nighttime activities at Foxy’s, some fun dining, plus the peacefulness of the mornings before the crowds roll in.

Thinking of spending a few nights on Jost van Dyke? Check out what we did with two nights and two full days on the island:

We arranged a rental car through Paradise Jeep Rentals, checked in at our villa, and headed immediately to Foxy’s Taboo where we had our first lunch of the trip. The BVI aren’t exactly reputed for their dining scene but we found ourselves impressed throughout our trip with the food options across the islands. Foxy’s Taboo kickstarted that for us with gorgeous beach views, great salad options, healthy pitas, and sandwiches and burgers to round out the menu (far more than the typical beach bar fare you imagine in the Caribbean). Plus, when you can wash it down with a signature Bushwacker, it’s all kinds of vacay mode.

The Bubbly Pool

Beyond the beach bar scene, one of the island’s main draws is the Bubbly Pool , on Jost’s east side. There’s a small hike to reach the Bubbly Pool, which sits about 15 minutes from Foxy’s Taboo. It’s more of a walk than a hike, but those with mobility issues will have a tough time with some of the rocky steps that lead to the pool. The effect of the Bubbly Pool relies on the ferocity of the water and the tide; when we visited during low tide, we saw more of a small, still pool of water with lots of tourists trying to find their patch for wading. We stayed ten minutes tops before heading back, but in better conditions I imagine it’s worth dedicating more time to enjoy. There’s a patch of sand and boulders behind the pool that create a perfect backdrop for a daytime picnic.

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

With our second full day, we had one objective: laze on White Bay. Scott and I headed down to Hendo’s Hideout , White Bay’s newest hotspot, where we secured chairs for the day. For a day of beach lazing, Hendo’s takes the cake for us with a great beach set up that’s perfect for those who are settling in. The beach has its fair share of drinking + dining establishments and each has its own following but the king of must-have drinks is the famous painkiller, which was originated at Soggy Dollar Bar (read up on my ultimate experiences in the BVI for more). For food, Hendo’s Hideout wowed us with what they were putting out for lunch, and their new dinner menu looked like it was ready to draw a serious crowd (though they stopped serving a bit too early for our tastes).

Be prepared with your fair share of sunscreen and you can easily spend a full day soaking up rays, bouncing between the sea and the sand along the beach. Hendo’s offers corn hole, and many spots along the beach have the ring game and other bar activities for added entertainment. For us, intermittent cocktails, conversation, and beach loungers were the perfect combination.

One of my favorite aspects of overnighting on Jost Van Dyke was being able to take in the sunsets. On previous day trips, we only had a few hours on White Bay and always left before the sun began to set. We weren’t in a hurry during our nights on the island, and it was a beautiful thing. We allowed ourselves to watch the sun go down over the beach while boats headed out of the harbor. When we could no longer see the sun, we headed up to our rooms at White Bay Villas, where we nabbed a new vantage point for the final stretches of sunset. In the same way that the early morning brought a sense of peace to the island, the sunset did the same. Fewer people, perfect lighting, and the sound of the sea.

Check out the time lapse below that captures the sunset on White Bay:

Dining + Nighttime Activities

The other missing element when you only visit Jost Van Dyke on a day trip? The nighttime scene on the island! We went in with the intention of dining at Corsair’s our first evening and Hendo’s Hideout our second evening but we loved the vibe at Corsair’s so much that we couldn’t help but go back for round two after our first experience. Hendo’s dinner menu looked great but a 7:30PM reservation was the latest they could accommodate on the day we were there, which was a bit too early for the pace we were moving.

Corsair’s is rated as one of the best – if not  the  best- dining in the BVI and while it’s a bit pricey we decided it was worth a visit on our first night there. The vibe is perfect; casual but put together enough to feel like you’re having a nice meal. Everyone raved about their food, from the conch fritters and lobster ceviche starters, to the standout scallops and Scott’s whole red snapper that had us oohing and ahhing over the presentation (not the best order for those that don’t like food that stares back at them). We loved it enough to go back for our second night, so that’s a pretty solid testament to the perceived value.

The other must after the sun has set on Jost? A visit to world-famous Foxy’s , which is an entirely different and more alive place by night than it is by day. You can dine at Foxy’s if you’re so inclined but the real draw is for post-dinner cocktails and dancing. What the painkiller is to Soggy Dollar Bar, the bushwacker is to Foxy’s. If you have room for the rum-infused milkshake, it’s a must, and the mix of booze + sugar is a surefire way to get you dancing for the night. We found ourselves there until near midnight when the heady mix of daytime sun and rum cocktails caught up with us.

Reflecting on our trip and the time we dedicated to each place, we all collectively found that spending two nights on Jost was the best option for our group. It brought the perfect vibe, a more reasonable price point for accommodations (think $600/night on Jost Van Dyke vs. $2200+ per night in Virgin Gorda), and a fun kickstart for the week ahead. For those looking for accommodations, we stayed at White Bay Villas , a hilltop location that we loved, despite their wi-fi issues. I mean, can you beat this morning view?

Have you stayed on Jost Van Dyke or another one of the British Virgin Islands? Thoughts on land vs. sea for a BVI trip?

More about Shannon Kircher

Shannon Kircher is the founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect. Founded in 2009, she has continued to document her international escapes as an expat in Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, Shannon is the founder of Compass & Vine, a luxury boutique travel design firm, and is the Director of Marketing for the Frangipani Beach Resort. Shannon holds an MSc in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and is a current candidate for WSET Level 3 in Wines & Spirits.

Related Posts

Boating in Santorini with Caldera Yachting

October 26, 2020

Touring the Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados

February 11, 2019

St. John: Island Tour & Snorkeling

July 14, 2014

10 Best Beaches in the British Virgin Islands

T he sailing and yachting crowds know the British Virgin Islands as one of the most spectacular places for island-hopping in all of the Caribbean. At any time here, you'll see their billowing sails and fancy boats dotting the horizon. Where there are islands to hop, of course, there are also beaches to plop down on and enjoy-not to mention beach bars serving frosty drinks.

We've rounded up the best beaches in the British Virgin Islands to visit next time you're moving around this magical archipelago, including a peaceful cove with world-class snorkeling and an uninhabited island surrounded by deep blue seas.

So grab your sunscreen , lay down your towel, and get ready to while the day away on some pristine white sand at one of these beautiful BVI beaches.

White Bay Beach

Jost van dyke.

White Bay Beach is exactly what you imagine when you picture a perfect Caribbean shoreline: a long crescent of bright white sand lapped by waters that turn from turquoise to sapphire. Spend your time here snorkeling along the reef just offshore, or join the crowds who wade in from their catamarans to the Soggy Dollar Bar for some Painkillers-a potent cocktail with dark rum, tropical juices, and coconut cream that was apparently invented right here.

Cane Garden Bay Beach

Most visitors to the British Virgin Islands fly into Tortola before sailing off to somewhere else, but there are spectacular beaches and bars to be enjoyed right here in the capital. One is Cane Garden Bay Beach , located about four miles west of Road Town. Among the most popular anchorages in the BVI for its sheltered setting, the clear-blue bay is fringed by a sweep of beach lined with swaying palms and laid-back bars. Hit Pusser's at Myett's to raise a Carib beer with locals and yachties alike, or settle in for some live music at Quito's Gazebo , where you might even find the dreadlocked owner, Quito Rymer, strumming a song or two.

Brewer's Bay Beach

If Cane Garden Bay feels too crowded for you (it's the most popular beach on Tortola, after all), make sandy tracks for Brewer's Bay Beach , the next cove around the coast to the north. The road to get here makes some hairpin turns and involves more than one hairy switchback, but the reward comes in a quieter beach scene and some of the best snorkeling on the island, with tons of tropical fish just offshore from the palm-lined sand.

Devil's Bay National Park

Virgin gorda.

After you've strolled among the boulders at the Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda, make the easy, 15-minute hike (it's less than a mile) to Devil's Bay National Park on the island's southwestern tip for some less-crowded sunbathing and snorkeling. The beach here is similarly lined with boulders, and you won't have to swim out far to find all the tropical reef fish. If the hike makes you hungry, grab a roti on the way back at Top of the Baths , an open-air bar and villa with panoramic views of the Baths and a mean Painkiller to boot.

Spring Bay National Park

Just northeast along the coast from Devil's Bay and the Baths National Park, Spring Bay National Park has Instagram-worthy granite boulders similar to those at the Baths-with just a fraction of the crowds. Relax on the soft white sand and enjoy the scenery, or snorkel out into the sheltered waters. Fishing isn't allowed here, so marine life abounds.

Cow Wreck Beach

The northernmost island in the hilly BVI chain, Anegada is known for its incredible white-sand beaches and delicious Caribbean spiny lobster. Rent a scooter with Anegada Amazing Rentals to cruise to the expansive Cow Wreck Beach in the island's northwestern corner. Once you've had your fill of sun and sand, head to Cow Wreck Beach Bar , which fronts the turquoise waters and serves refreshing mango daiquiris alongside the requisite platters of lobster and fish, grilled over a barbecue fueled by local wood.

Loblolly Bay Beach

Also on Anegada's sublime shores, Loblolly Bay Beach is an unspoiled sweep of sand that stretches for miles and is consistently named among the most beautiful beaches in the world. The thing to do here-besides basking in the surrounding natural beauty-is to sit with a cold one and another platter of the island's famed lobster at Big Bamboo, an iconic British Virgin Island beach bar overlooking the sand and sea.

Located just east of Jost Van Dyke, the tiny, uninhabited island of Sandy Spit (also called Sandy Cay) makes up for its diminutive size with a postcard-perfect beach. On the remote stretch of sand, a few supermodel palm trees lean ever so elegantly over the beach, while gorgeous views stretch in every direction. The best way to get here is by private charter or a day sail with companies like Kuralu Catamaran Charters and Patouche Charters , which operate out of Tortola.

Savannah Bay

A powdery white coastline awaits at this rarely crowded beach on Virgin Gorda. It's one of the island's largest beaches, so you'll have plenty of room to roam for walks or a swim. Nearby, Spanish Town offers a number of shopping and restaurant options, including Coco Maya , which serves up Asian-inspired bites like tuna tataki and honey sesame cauliflower.

Long Bay Beach

On a day trip to Tortola, consider the two-mile strip of soft sand at Long Bay Beach. It's only accessible by a small dirt road, and visitors can enjoy a day of jogging or snorkeling at the palm-fringed Smuggler's Cove. Dine beachside at Long Bay Beach Resort's 1748 restaurant , which sits on the site of an 18th century rum distillery, or sip on painkillers at the hotel's Johnny's Beach Bar.

This article originally appeared online in 2021; it was most recently updated on Sept 13, 2023, to include current information.

Is transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke ready to lead Wisconsin's offense in 2024?

MADISON – After suffering through stretches of inconsistency at Miami – plus having to work with a different offensive coordinator in each of his last three years – quarterback Tyler Van Dyke concluded it was time to pack his bags.

“I had a lot of ups and downs at Miami,” said Van Dyke, who transferred to Wisconsin last winter . “I think coming here’s a really good fresh start, especially with someone like Coach Longo.”

Can UW offensive coordinator Phil Longo help Van Dyke perform as he did in 2021, when he was the ACC newcomer of the year?

Or will Van Dyke’s struggles last season, exacerbated by hand/leg injuries, carry over to this season?

So far Van Dyke is trending upward. Since being named the starting quarterback at the end of the second week of camp after winning the battle with Braedyn Locke, Van Dyke has settled into the position.

“You have seen a difference in Tyler since that time and I mean that not as ups and downs, not even as emotional, but truly being a little bit more vocal, standing in front of that group a little bit more,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said.

Despite his ups and downs, the starting role is something Van Dyke, who is 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, knows well.

He has started 28 games and played in 32. Locke, 6-1 and 205, has three starts and five games on his UW résumé.

Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo went head-to-head against Tyler Van Dyke in the ACC

Longo faced Van Dyke twice – in 2021 and 2022 – when Longo was the offensive coordinator at North Carolina. One of his duties there was to evaluate the opposing quarterback, so he had plenty of notes on Van Dyke, who passed for 7,469 yards, with 54 touchdowns and 23 interceptions at Miami.

Longo saw that Van Dyke could make any throw on the field, was tall and could see the field well. The experience of playing under three offensive coordinators at Miami meant learning a new offense was nothing new.

Van Dyke’s work behind the scenes helped him win over his teammates.

“The one thing I figured out about Tyler early on is that his give a (expletive), want factor is really high,” junior receiver C.J. Williams said. “He wants to be elite and he wants to be the best quarterback in the nation, the No. 1 guy off the board next year, so he does everything that needs to align with that, learning the offense really quickly, throwing to us on weekends, Saturdays, Sundays, working hard in the weight room, reading stuff, conditioning, just being a natural leader.”

Van Dyke’s best season at Miami came in 2021 under offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. He completed 62.3% of his attempts for 2,931 yards, with 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions (one every 54 attempts).

Lashlee was named head coach at SMU after that season and Josh Gattis took over Miami’s offense. Van Dyke improved his completion rate to 63.2% but passed for only 1,835 yards, with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Van Dyke was hampered by shoulder issues, but Gattis was fired after one season and Shannon Dawson took over the offense.

Van Dyke battled injuries and turnovers last season.

He opened the season as Miami’s starter but lost the job after committing four turnovers – three interceptions and one fumble – in a 20-6 loss to North Carolina State on Nov. 4. Emory Williams got the start the next week against rival Florida State but suffered a season-ending arm injury.

Van Dyke took over for Williams and started the Hurricanes’ final two regular-season games. He completed 23 of 36 attempts for 290 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-20 victory over Boston College and completed 24 of 37 attempts for 327 yards and a touchdown in a 38-31 loss to Louisville.

That left him with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and an average of 245.7 yards per game, but he entered the transfer portal three days after the Louisville loss.

The adversity Van Dyke fought through was one reason Fickell liked him.

“He’d had some really good high moments. He’s had some low moments,” the coach said. “I’d see him respond and come back at the end of the year last year. I felt like those (experiences) were the best things you could possibly have if you can be humble about it, if you can take ownership and find ways to grow. I really feel like he was that (guy) and since he’s been here he’s done nothing but prove that.”

Tyler Van Dyke excited about playing in Phil Longo's offense

“I had a lot of success with coach Lashlee and he (runs) more of that spread, Air Raid offense,” Van Dyke said. “I think it will be a good fit for me (here).

“Having all those voices I think you learn a lot. In the long run, I want to be a coach one day. Learning different experiences – how to handle players and how to teach an offense – helps.

“But in terms of the bad, you don’t get that second year (in) the system with that same guy. But I think I also have the experience of coming to a place like this and learning it super-fast based on the experiences I’ve had.

“I’m excited about that, just getting back to playing like myself and launching the ball downfield.”

From Longo’s perspective, Van Dyke gradually came on during spring ball as he became more comfortable with his teammates and the offense.

Ultimately Van Dyke’s arm strength and running ability combined with his improved command of the playbook helped him win the starting job.

Now Van Dyke must show he made the right choice coming to UW. The first test comes Friday night against Western Michigan in the season opener.

“I’ve been through a lot back in my past experiences,” he said. “You’ve got to keep competing, going through it. You always have got to be motivated even when sometimes you feel comfortable. You can’t ever be complacent. You’ve got to keep going and never stop.”

• My Account My Account
• Cards Cards
• Banking Banking
• Travel Travel
• Rewards & Benefits Rewards & Benefits
• Business Business

Advertisement

Related Content

Community involvement for year-round sales success.

Published: August 21, 2024

Discover how these small businesses thrive by prioritizing deep community engagement and connections.

This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express, or its products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.

When you think about boosting your sales, you might jump straight to the holiday season. But what if your business could thrive year-round? Engaging your community may help contribute to a steady stream of customers and sustained growth.

Dayyan Armstrong, co-founder of Sailing Collective, an experiential travel company, builds deep local connections in New York and worldwide to enhance clients' experiences. Princeton, New Jersey-based Loren Feldman, founder of 21 Hats, an online community for small-business owners, witnesses the profound impact of peer-to-peer learning and support within his network. And Patricia Silva, owner of Rock Rock Hair, finds that year-round connections within New York City's seasonal Rockaway Beach community are key to her salon's success. By weaving their businesses into local, remote, and even international networks, these entrepreneurs prove that businesses can foster customer loyalty and sustain growth through lasting relationships.

Strengthening Business Through Local and Global Connections

Dayyan Armstrong, co-founder of the Sailing Collective, cultivates deep local connections in New York City and globally. Hosting an annual holiday party and maintaining a strong online presence through their website, newsletter, and social media, the company fosters a sense of connection even among those who have yet to embark on a Sailing Collective adventure. "All of this relationship-building helps them to feel part of the community," he says.

In spring 2025, Armstrong and team will launch their upcoming book aboard a historic sailing vessel in NYC – an event likely to draw passionate mariners while also promoting their new offering. Reflecting on their first book, Sailing the Seas , released during the pandemic, Armstrong says, "It was an exciting way for people to still be able to interact with travel, even if just through a book. Seeing and reading about a remote cove sparks imagination for those yet to visit, and nostalgia for those who have."

“Many businesses mistakenly prioritize promoting their own products or services. But that's not what compels someone to join and tell all their friends.”  —Loren Feldman, founder, 21 Hats 

The Sailing Collective crew also engages deeply with people on the islands they explore. "Over the years, we've become friends with local farmers, fishermen, and other residents. During a Croatia voyage, we befriended the lighthouse keeper on the island of Vis," says Armstrong. "He invited the Sailing Collective travelers and crew for a home cooked-meal – inside the lighthouse! On Jost Van Dyke, we connected with a local janitor whose family ran a waterfront breakfast shack. As our friendship grew, they began cooking dinners for our charters, nearly doubling their income during the sailing season." These connections enhance the travel experience and encourage Sailing Collective clients to bond over shared experiences, even if their trips are years apart.

The company also invites other entrepreneurs and creatives to lead retreats on their trips. "Strategic partnerships, like our collaboration with artist-in-residence Windy Chien, can lead to quick sell-outs," Armstrong says of the fiber artist best known for her work The Year of Knots . "While a typical group charter might take months to fill, our voyage with Windy sold out in five days. Launching new residencies focused on wellness, arts, or coaching offers genuine cross-promotion of sales and diversifies our reach."

The Power of Shared Experiences

Feldman's 21 Hats community thrives on shared experiences. The daily newsletter and weekly podcast feature real talk from active entrepreneurs, fostering a continuous sense of belonging and growth. Feldman selects podcast guests willing to be transparent and vulnerable. "I look for people who are open about the tough times, as well as their successes," he says. Drawing on decades of experience covering entrepreneurs for top business publications, Feldman knows they most value peer-to-peer insights, especially from those who faced similar hurdles.

Feldman also cautions against a common pitfall: focusing too heavily on sales and marketing within communities. “Many businesses mistakenly prioritize promoting their own products or services,” he says. “But that's not what compels someone to join and tell all their friends.” 21 Hats' live events prioritize genuine connections, and they’re all about participant interaction, he says. No speakers, just meaningful discussions initiated by the attendees, about their current challenges. Feldman describes 21 Hats' approach to events as unique: "To kick off the event, everyone throws out topics they'd like to discuss with the group. We vote on them and prioritize the most popular. It's a chance to program your own conference."

Feldman's in-person events have provided valuable insights into customer preferences, and this clarity guides his content strategy. While he hasn't directly linked these efforts to increased sales or signups, audience engagement and community-building boost advocacy for the brand, he says. "I'm trying to reach an audience that has no time to waste. The best way for me to break through that is for one entrepreneur to share with another why the 21 Hats newsletter and the podcast are worth the time." 

Building Bonds Through Events and Social Media

Patricia Silva, the Brazilian-born owner of Rock Rock Hair in Rockaway Beach, New York, illustrates the profound impact of community engagement. "Before I came to Rockaway, I never felt true community. It started with surfing here, just being in the water and meeting people," she says. She credits this close-knit community as essential for her personal and professional development.

Silva's commitment to community engagement extends beyond her salon business. She bonded with Monice Small, owner of GoodForm fitness studio – a business in the historic building also housing Silva's salon – after attending Small's workout classes. Soon after, they collaborated to open Vazio, a light-filled event space in the same building where they were already growing their companies.

They created Vazio as a venue for people to gather, especially important during their beach town's quiet off-season. Hosting art shows and diverse events, Vazio attracted local artists and residents, nurturing community bonds and boosting visibility for Silva's salon and Small's studio. Although Vazio has since closed, its impact on the community remains significant.

Silva leverages both offline and online engagement to grow her brand. "My Instagram branding has really helped to create the salon's identity and expand my client base," she says. Her upcoming venture, Little Cuts, which will offer online classes for kids' haircuts by parents, aims to apply these community-building principles on a national scale.

Through their strategies and stories, Feldman, Armstrong, and Silva demonstrate that the heart of community engagement lies in dialogue, shared discovery, and genuine connection. These elements are essential for small-business owners, helping to enable them to sustain growth and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship year-round.

The material made available for you on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.

Trending Content