The all-inclusive Sugar Bay Resort and Spa on St. Thomas is a terrific place to stick around, lounge on the beach or by the pool, and eat, drink and be relaxed. But the excursion desk here can also set you up with an impressive array of more energy consuming adventures, all carrying extra cost. Some are:
Half-day sail: Sail the waters between St. Thomas and very nearby St. John, with snorkeling (gear provided), open bar and light snacks. Cost $70-$85 per person
Full-day sail: Hit St. John or the surrounding cays, stops made for swimming and snorkeling (gear provided), open bar, continental breakfast and lunch included. Cost $115-$125 per person.
Sunset cocktail sail & dinner cruise: End the day with a sail, snacks and great sunsets. Cost $60-$85 per person.
Sail to Jost Van Dyke: Sail to this British Virgin Island site (passport required) and spend the afternoon at White Bay Beach, home to the fabled Soggy Dollar Bar. Cost $120, plus $25 for customs.
Cruise to the BVI: The British Virgin Islands cruise covers 70 miles and a stop at the Baths on Virgin Gorda (passport required). Snorkel gear, snacks and open bar included. Cost $110-$135 per person, plus $25 for customs.
St. Thomas island tour: Best way to get overview of this lovely, hilly island, stops at Mountain Top, Drake’s Seat and St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens. Three-hour tour, lunch not included. Cost $40 per person.
St. John island tour: Ferry to St. John and get a guided tour of island ant national park in open-air safari bus. Tour stops at scenic sites, shopping and visit to Annaberg Plantation, ruins of a 1780 sugar mill. Lunch at Coral Bay and visit to Trunk Bay for swimming and snorkeling (gear included). Cost $95 per person.
Golf at Mahogany Run: Challenging, Fazio-designed 18-hole championship course, the only one on the island. Golf cart and green fees included. Cost $130-$150 per person.
Deep sea fishing: The Virgin Islands are renowned for sport fishing, including mahi mahi, yellow tail tuna, snapper and wahoo. Soft drinks, bee and bait provided. Maximum of six per vessel. Cost $500-$1,400 for half or full day excursions.
Snuba adventure: An air hose attaches to your helmet and you can stay under water for 45 minutes, dives to about 18 feet. The price at Coki Point near the resort includes entrance to the Coral World Marine Park. Cost $68 per person.
Coral World Marine Park: Immediately adjacent to the resort, this five-acre marine park’s main draw is an underwater tower, 20 feet down and offering windows of the open sea. Observatory has predator tank with sharks, stingrays and moray eels. Cost $15 per person
On deck racing: Race identical yachts against one another. Cost $99 per person.
Atlantis submarine: The world’s first sub designed for underwater passenger excursions. Features 20-minute ferry to Buck Island and sub dives to 90 feet, staying underwater for about an hour. Cost $89 per person.
Parasailing: Glide several hundred feet above the water, great views of island and ocean. Cost $75 per person.
Kayaking tours: Virgin Island Ecotours offers guided tour of the island’s marine sanctuary. Two-person kayaks. Cost $65-$75 per person.
Dolphin discovery: Three encounters to choose from, operated on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (passport required). Cost $79-$139 per person.
Paradise Point tramway: Stunning views above Havensight, high above Charlotte Amalie and harbor. Cost $18 per person, $9 for kids.
Sugar Bay Resort and Spa
6500 Estate Smith Bay
St. Thomas
U.S.Virgin Islands
Phone: (888) 582-9104
Website: http://www.sugarbayresortandspa.com/