All VI beaches by law are open to the public but that does not mean that you can use the resort facilities such as pools, chairs, etc. This is at the discretion of the resort owner but many do rent beach chairs/lounges to non-guests. Hope that helps!

Yes, thank you, you answered my question as to if access was permitted. I did not think Wyndham would be so generous as to allow me to use their facilities, even if I tell them I'm a Wyndham timeshare owner--unless, maybe, if I take a 3 hour presentation.

All beaches are public up to the water line and publicly accessible by boat, but land access may be private. You can ask at the resort whose beach you want to use what their policy is regarding public access.

dntw8up, beg to differ where resorts are concerned. Quote from CZM:

"The CZM Program, through its permitting process, does not allow commercial building on the Territory’s shorelines without first securing an easement for public access to the shorelines. Beaches cannot be fenced off. The public has the right to be on the beach, enjoy them and use them for recreational purposes.

If you have been denied your right to be on a beach in the US Virgin Islands, please contact the Division of Coastal Zone Management and report the incident. "

Cheers!

Carlbarry:

Yes, you can use the Wyndham Sugar Bay beach.

Drive up to the entrance and tell the guard that you want to use the beach. He will direct you where to park your car (across from the tennis courts).

We stay next door at the Point Pleasant Resort and have never had a problem using the Wyndham beach (or beach chairs....just buy a drink at the bar)........

F.I.

ALL beaches much have a public access. HOWEVER there is an argument made that one could get on a beach by water so that is still technically a public access. All major resorts have business establishments on them. So you can use the beach in these locations. Megan's and Linquest have a fee to get on to them.

billd

It is not required to provide public access to a beach through private property that is not commercial - access by water or shoreline cannot be restricted. There are quite a few beaches on all 4 major Virgin Islands that are contained within private property.

STTRes,

I'm not sure about what you beg to differ, as your CZM citation doesn't negate what I posted. Land access may be private, though water access is always public. And if you ask at the resort whose beach you want to use, they will tell you their policy regarding public access, such as available parking and the cost, if any, for the use of amenities like chairs, which is what the original poster specifically asked.

Sapphire Beach has a big parking lot for you to park in. You can rent chairs and snorkel gear there. You can drive behind the Ritz and find parking and just walk on the beach. The guards there will stare at you but they are friendly....bring your own beach chairs. We were unable to find a legal place for visitors to park at Secret Harbour.