All beaches in the USVI are open to the public by law but resorts which are located on beaches generally do not allow guests to use the pool facilities. Secret Harbour is a beautiful beach and you can rent chairs there, plus there is a very good restaurant right on the beach and a beach bar. Magens Bay has an entry fee and has full services, Sapphire Beach has rental chairs and there is a small sandwich/burger bar on the beach. Both Sapphire and Secret Harbour boast excellent snorkeling and you can rent the equipment there, Magens Bay has very limited snorkeling. Coki Beach has good snorkeling, chair rentals and several vendors. All the above cater to cruise ship visitors and the cruise lines regularly take excursions there. Can't help you where St Maarten is concerned. Cheers!

I have been on many cruises and you can sometimes get day passes from booking an excursion. Like the other poster said, most resorts are private and do not allow guests but if you book an excursion that may include a day pass. Look on the excursion page. Another nice thing about the cruise ship's excursion is that it provides the transportation to and from the resort area. If you are late on an excursion that is booked thru the cruise line they WILL wait for you. If are on your own, you are really on your own., and they do not have to wait for you to get back. There may be " time share people" too that are offering day passes if you tour the facility but make sure you get back on time.

You might check with the Sonesta Maho Bay at St Maarten. They're real close to the beach and have two pools, great views including the planes coming and going from Princess Juliana airport. Sunset Beach Bar is just a short walk from there. I understand they're closed now but shooting for an October reopening. Casino across the street and plenty of shops and restaurants. It may be a little far from the piers for some.