Enjoy a Resort for a Day: 16 Caribbean Ports With Resort Day Passes
The beach and all the fun that goes with it is yours when you indulge in a resort for a day while your cruise ship is docked on a Caribbean cruise itinerary. Purchasing a resort day pass at one of the many resorts lining those stunning shores might be your best way to fully enjoy your Caribbean port of call.
Resort day passes offer all-day access to amenities like pools, lounge chairs, water sports equipment and activities. Some include meals at onsite restaurants, drinks from the bar and transfers to and from the cruise port or, more rarely, daytime use of resort rooms when available.
And if you want more Caribbean cruising tips, check out our best Caribbean cruise content, itineraries, reviews and more.
How Do You Book a Resort For a Day When on a Cruise?
When you book a beach day excursion through the cruise ship, you may be surprised to discover that they have essentially purchased a resort day pass for you, so that’s the easiest way to book a resort for a day while on a cruise. Booking independently can either be done directly through the resort in some cases, or through third-party day pass or excursion sellers.
Below, we've compiled a list of a few popular resorts that offer day passes in 15 of the Caribbean's most well-known ports.
Editor's note: Prices and amenities listed are subject to change at any time; additional taxes and service charges may apply. Passes do not include use of a room unless otherwise stated.
1. Antigua Resort For a Day Offerings Include Sandals Day Passes
Beaches abound on this coral-reef-encircled island. Look for mainstream cruises that call in St. John’s, Antigua on Celebrity, Princess and Holland America. Luxury and premium lines like Seabourn, Emerald, Viking and Windstar operate itineraries that include Antigua in the winter months.
Sandals Grande Antigua Resort Day Passes
What's Included: Sandals Grande Antigua day passes come in three varieties: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $240; 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $240; and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $210. Prices include access to all on-property entertainment, meals and drinks. Sandals is a couples' resort for those 18 and older, so no children's pricing is available.
How to Get There: The resort is located 20 minutes from the cruise port, so taking a taxi is best.
Carlisle Bay Antigua Resort Day Passes
What's Included: Carlisle Bay Antigua resort in Antigua offers two options for resort day passes. The standard day pass costs $156 per person and includes access to the private beach, all non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, a three-course lunch, and afternoon tea. The luxury pass includes the above along with non-premium beverages by the glass, a massage and a goodie bag for $470 per person.
How to Get There: Carlisle Bay is about a 30-minute taxi ride from the cruise port.
2. Aruba Resort Day Passes Include an Option You Can Walk to From the Port
Cruises to the Southern Caribbean include Aruba, where public beaches are easily accessible. But if you long for a bit more luxury, look for a resort day pass to escape the crowds. Cruise lines serving the region year-round include MSC, Norwegian and Carnival.
Barcelo Aruba Resort Day Passes
What's Included: Daytime passes (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at Barcelo Aruba Resort offer access to amenities including the resort's beach (with use of lounge chairs and towels), breakfast and lunch buffet, snacks and drinks for $94. Kids ages 4 to 11 pay $62, and kids under 4 years old are free.
How to Get There: Barcelo Aruba is a 15-minute taxi ride from the port.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino Day Passes
What's Included: The day passes offered at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino include transportation to the resort's private island, as well as lunch, a drink and dessert. Access to the private island begins at 7 a.m., and the last boat leaves at 6:45 p.m.; beach towels are provided. The day pass costs $140 per adult; kids ages 3 to 12 cost $65 and children under two can visit the island for free. Food and other amenities are extra.
How to Get There: This resort is about a five-minute walk from the cruise port.
3. A Nassau Resort Day Pass Can Make Your Day Exceptional
There’s plenty to do in Nassau, but it’s definitely the kind of place that begs you to break away from the herd and do something different. Bahamas cruises on Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line can be fun for the whole family, especially when the water parks at Atlantis or Margaritaville are part of your stop in Nassau.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort Day Passes
What's Included: The Atlantis Day Pass is available directly from the resort website and should be purchased/reserved. It allows access to the resort from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Prices vary by date and season. The pass also includes admission to the resort's 141-acre water park, including all water slides and the mile-long river rapids.
Depending on the number of people in your group and the time of year, it may be more cost-efficient to book a room for one day while you're in port; that will allow you access to all resort amenities for one price. Plus, you'll have a place to shower and change.
How to Get There: This resort is a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride from the cruise port.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Day Passes
What's Included: Pool and beach access, Fins Up Water park, the rock-climbing wall and surf simulator are all included at Margaritaville Beach Resort. Food and beverages are available for purchase. The cost is $110 for adults and $55 for kids 12 and under.
How to Get There: From the Nassau cruise port, Margaritaville is about a 15-minute walk east of the cruise port on Bay Street.
4. Barbados Is Meant for Chillin’ on the Beach
The vibe of this island is genuinely laid-back Caribbean. Check Explora Journeys, Silversea and Ritz Carlton cruise lines for seasonal itineraries that begin or end in Barbados.
Turtle Beach Resort Day Passes
What's Included: For $152 per adult ($86 for children ages 3 to 12; children 2 and under are free), a day pass includes access to the resort's beach, pool, beach chairs, facilities and non-motorized water sports equipment from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, lunch and afternoon teatime are also included.
How to Get There: The resort is located 20 minutes from port by taxi.
Hilton Barbados Resort Day Passes
What's Included: Hilton Barbados Resort day pass holders receive access to two white-sand beaches (including towels, lounge chairs and umbrellas), non-motorized water sports and use of the facilities, including two pools and a Jacuzzi. The day pass costs $110 for adults (or $80 for kids, ages 5 to 12) with a $30 food and beverage credit included. Children ages 4 and under are free.
How to Get There: The resort is less than a 15-minute ride by taxi from the cruise port.
5. Resort Day Passes Show You A Whole Other Experience on Curacao
Aruba’s next-door neighbor is Curacao. Steeped in culture, the island offers superb snorkeling and scuba diving, sugar-sand beaches and plenty to do. But if what you really want is to escape the hubbub onboard your ship for an idyllic resort day, a resort for a day experience is calling your name.
Besides mainstream cruise lines, look for luxury cruises on Regent Seven Seas and Oceania that stop in Curacao.
Sandals Royal Curacao Resort Day Passes
What's Included: Three types of passes are available at Sandals Royal Curacao: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $340, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $340 and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $650. Rates include all on-property entertainment, meals and drinks. Sandals is a couples' resort only open to 18 and older; no children are permitted.
How to Get There: Sandals Royal Curacao is about a 30-minute drive from the cruise port in Willemstad, so a taxi is needed.
6. Dominican Republic (La Romana/Casa de Campo) Resorts Add a "Wow" Factor to Your Cruise Vacation
You’ve probably met someone who spends their vacation at the popular lush resorts of the Dominican Republic -- and there’s a good reason why so many choose to vacation this way. Using a resort day pass, you can add the experience to your cruise. La Romana is a popular cruise port, not only serviced by Norwegian and Carnival, but by P&O Cruises and Costa.
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas Resort Day Passes
What’s Included: A day pass at the Casa de Campo Resort resort offers beach access; towels; use of chairs, non-motorized water sports and resort facilities; and entrance to Altos de Chavon, a 16th-century replica of a Mediterranean village. Day pass options include golf, spa, tennis and equestrian activities and vary from $99 to $199 per adult. These packages include lunch; all other food and beverages are available for purchase.
How to Get There: The resort is located five minutes from port; take a taxi.
7. A Grand Cayman Resort Day Pass Gets You Past the Crowds
Grand Cayman is known for its beaches. Why settle for a beach break excursion when you can probably save money with a resort day pass? They are hard to come by in the Cayman Islands, but we found one great option. All the major cruise lines offer itineraries that stop in Grand Cayman, but also look for occasional opportunities onboard luxury line Crystal.
Holiday Inn Grand Cayman Resort Day Passes
What’s Included: For just $70 per adult and $45 per child 3-12 years of age, you get access to the Holiday Inn Grand Cayman Resort's seaside pool, pickleball, loungers and an onsite restaurant along with a $35 per adult dining credit.
How to Get There: The resort is located fifteen minutes from the port, so we highly recommend taking a taxi.
8. In Honduras, Choose Between Large and Small Resorts for Day Passes on Roatan
Roatan is the jewel of the Western Caribbean and it feels like they invented the whole resort for a day concept because so many of the resorts offer them here. Even if they aren’t available on the resort’s website, call or email them and you may be surprised to find how many of them are happy to have you spend the day with them. Some may even provide transportation from the pier.
Infinity Bay Resort Day Passes
What's Included: You can book directly with Infinity Bay Resort, with two packages to choose from. Both include beach chairs, pool access, towels and Wi-Fi. The Bronze package includes one drink and no food for $48 per person. The Silver package adds a lunch appetizer and three beverages at a cost of $96 for adults and $78 for kids.
Zipline and sloth park passes are extra.
How to Get There: This resort is a 30-minute ride from the cruise port; round trip transportation is extra with a charge of up to $35 per person depending on the port (there are two: Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay).
Foster's West Bay Resort Day Passes
What's Included: The reef-fronted beach outside of Foster's West Bay Resort is accessible to day-use cruise guests, with transportation and a welcome drink included. For a charge of up to $40 (depending on age and cruise port), cruise passengers can access the resort facilities, including its shaded palapas. Beach chairs and Wi-Fi are included.
How to Get There: It's about a 20-minute taxi ride from the Coxen Hole port, or 40 minutes from Mahogany Bay.
9. Splurge on a Resort for a Day Experience in Jamaica (Montego Bay)
Like the Dominican Republic, resorts rule among the non-cruising tourists to Jamaica. See what all the fuss is about with a resort day pass, specifically in Montego Bay.
Sandals Montego Bay Resort Day Pass
What's Included: Three types of passes are available at Sandals Montego Bay Resort: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $180, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $180 and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $340. Rates include all on-property entertainment, meals and drinks. Sandals is a couples' resort only open to 18 and older; no kids are permitted.
How to Get There: Sandals Montego Bay is a 30-minute taxi ride from the port.
10. Day Passes in Ocho Rios, Jamaica Let You Put Your Toes in the Golden Sand
We hear the same lament from frequent cruisers that they simply stay onboard in Ocho Rios. There’s no reason to do that if you have a resort day pass. These are some of the best beaches in the world and top resorts are offering you a day on their patch of sand.
Beaches Ocho Rios
What's Included: Passes at Beaches Ocho Rios include access to resort pools and beach, entertainment, and both water and land sports from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All meals, snacks and drinks are also included in the price, which is $180 per adult and $55 per child (ages 15 and under). A full-day pass (from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.) is available for $340 per adult and $55 per child if your ship is staying in port past 6:00 p.m.
How to Get There: The ride from the Ocho Rios cruise port to the resort takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
What's Included: Three categories of passes are available at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, providing access from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $180, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $180 and a full-day pass (10 a.m. to 2 a.m.) for $360. No kids' rates are available since Sandals is an adults-only couples’ resort. Rates include access to all on-property entertainment, meals and drinks.
How to Get There: The resort is a 15-minute taxi ride from the cruise port.
11. Live Your Best Beach Life With a Resort for a Day Experience in Cozumel, Mexico
Lounge on the beach, snorkel and sip fresh margaritas to your heart’s content with an easy resort day pass. The best options are just a short taxi ride away from the cruise ports. Look for the obvious favorite cruise lines with itineraries that include Cozumel, including Virgin Voyages. And don’t rule out alternative departure ports to get you there: Galveston and New Orleans are good examples.
El Cid La Ceiba Beach Resort Day Pass
What's Included: For $65 a person, you get everything an overnight resort guest would at El Cid La Ceiba Beach Resort, aside from the room. This includes access to the Cozumel resort's beach and pool facilities, plus umbrellas, towels, hammocks, non-motorized water sports equipment, and unlimited food and beverage for up to six hours. (You may start the pass at any time, though note that beach waiter service concludes at 6 p.m.) For children ages 4 to 15, the pass costs $30, while children 3 and under are free.
How to Get There: El Cid La Ceiba Beach is a mere five minutes from the port by taxi.
12. Enjoy the Sugar Sands of San Juan, Puerto Rico With a Resort Day Pass
Cruises that stop at San Juan include dozens of Eastern Caribbean options from Florida ports like Miami, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Cruises that start in Puerto Rico often include Southern Caribbean itineraries that visit destinations like Bonaire and Barbados.
Royal Sonesta San Juan Resort Day Pass
What's Included: Beach and pool access with food and drinks available for purchase starts at $99 per person at Royal Sonesta San Juan Resort. Wi-Fi is included. Lounge chairs are first-come, and the pass comes with a 15% discount on spa services.
How to Get There: Take a taxi for the 15-minute ride from the port.
13. Enjoy the Premier Resort on St. Kitts With a Resort Day Pass St. Kitts Marriott Resort & the Royal Beach Casino Day Pass
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & the Royal Beach Casino Day Pass
What's Included: Conveniently, the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & the Royal Beach Casino resort in St. Kitts offers with-room and without-room options. The cost of daytime use of accommodations varies based on season and availability; rates start at $195 for up to four people (two adults and two kids). Without a room, pay $59 per person; children under 12 get free access with a paying adult.
Either way, pass holders are entitled to use of the resort's beachfront, three pools, lounge chairs and cabanas. Meals, drinks and spa treatments cost extra, but pass holders get a 15 percent discount at the spa, 10 percent discount at the gift shop and a 10 percent discount at the various resort eateries and its beach bar.
How to Get There: From the St. Kitts port, this resort is just 15 minutes by taxi.
14. St. Lucia Resort Day Pass For Adults Only
St. Lucia reigns as one of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean. You don’t want to miss a minute of enjoying the beauty of this cruise destination. Snorkel, swim or learn a new water sport, all in the shadow of this stunning island.
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort Day Pass
What's Included: Three categories of passes are available at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort, providing access from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $200, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $200 and a full-day pass (10 a.m. to 2 a.m.) for $380. No kids' rates are available since Sandals is an adults-only couples’ resort. Rates include access to all on-property entertainment, meals and drinks.
How to Get There: The resort is about a 30-minute drive from the cruise port in Castries; take a taxi.
15. St. Maarten Beach Day Pass Bargain
St. Maarten is the Dutch side of the island, with the cruise port situated in the town of Philipsburg. In addition to the many cruise lines that port in St. Maarten, look for cruises that begin and end there on Star Clippers and SeaDream Yacht Club.
Holland House Resort Day Pass
What's Included: Holland House offers a package for $25 (it's priced for two guests, or families with small children) that includes four beverages (water, soda or beer) and use of two beach chairs with an umbrella, outdoor showers and Wi-Fi.
How to Get There: It's about a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, or you can take a water taxi to a pier that's about a five-minute stroll away.
16. St. Thomas Has a Perfect Day Pass For Relaxation
St. Thomas has plenty of beach resort day pass options. Getting to the resorts often includes lengthy taxi rides, though, so it’s advisable to watch your time. Look for itineraries that include St. Thomas from all the major cruise lines. A real treat, however, is finding a rare winter sailing on Azamara.
Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas Resort Day Pass
What's Included: Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas offers a package for $150 per adult and $75 per child that includes beach and pool access, first-come lounge chairs, Wi-Fi and poolside service of food and drink for purchase. The resort has a stunning view across the bay of St. John and water sports for an extra fee. Cabanas can be booked as well.
How to Get There: The driving route across the island can be as short as five minutes when traffic is light, or up to an hour if traffic is stalled; take a taxi from the cruise port.