Jost is a quiet place—most visitors will be ready to move on after a few days. But if you want to get on the fast track to complete relaxation, by all means, plan a longer stay. Just don’t forget to pack some books.

One of the most popular ways to explore Jost is pub-crawl style, starting out at either the east end or White Bay and sailing your way along the coast and into the numerous watering holes along the way. Jost Van Dyke has some of the best beach bars in the Virgin Islands, including the world-famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour.

Day-trippers confined to land or those with less interest in beach bars should stroll through Great Harbour, the island’s main settlement and home to what is probably the most picturesque Main Street in the Virgins—a sandy path fringed by coconut palms and the lapping sea. In Great Harbour you get a peek at island life: schoolchildren dressed in uniforms, small stores selling the basic necessities, and a stately old church.

Just over the hill from Great Harbour is the aptly named White Bay, a ribbon of white sand so beautiful it’s almost unbelievable. You can rent kayaks or other water sports toys to pass the time, but the most popular activity here is just lying back and enjoying the surroundings.

If you stay longer than a day, you will have time to make a day trip to Sandy Cay, where you can snorkel, hike the short loop trail, or relax on the beach. You could also visit the east end, where you can go to Diamond Cay National Park or hike to the Bubbly Pool, a secluded grotto that fills with bubbles when the surf is up.

Jost Van Dyke offers a good mix of nothing and something to do; you can spend a few days exploring on foot or by water, and spend some more relaxing on your boat or the beach. If you are staying a week or more, plan at least one day trip to Virgin Gorda or Tortola for a change of pace.