Travelers heading to the Virgin Islands often pass through St. Thomas, as its airport serves as a key gateway to quieter destinations like St. John and the British Virgin Islands. But because St. Thomas can feel crowded and commercialized, especially when cruise ships are in port, it doesn’t rank as a stand-alone destination. With the right accommodations and a bit of planning, however, a brief stop on the island can still be enjoyable.

Nestled on the island’s eastern coast, the sprawling 180-room Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas gently curves around the scenic Great Bay. Its proximity to the American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook and its Cruz Bay Watersports facility makes it the best available base to explore charming islands in the vicinity. Below are three especially worthwhile destinations.

Jost Van Dyke

Accessible via a 50-minute ferry ride from Red Hook, attractive Jost Van Dyke is one of the British Virgin Islands, though it’s named after a Dutch pirate. It’s just as suitable for lounging on the beach as it is for having drinks and chatting with other travelers at one of the many convivial waterfront bars. The ferry docks at colorful Great Harbour, where visitors clear customs. From there, it’s a quick cab ride to stunning White Bay, fringed by powdery sands and verdant hills. (You can also hike over to White Bay, but the climb is steep.) Most famously, Jost Van Dyke is home to the Soggy Dollar, a bar some people swim to from their yachts, wetting their currency. It claims to have invented the Painkiller, a notoriously potent tropical cocktail. The island exudes a laid-back, carefree vibe until around 4 p.m., when yachters and party boats arrive for happy hour. Get an early start to enjoy one of the Caribbean’s quintessential experiences; by sunset, the atmosphere can turn boisterous.