A day pass lets you spend a day on a resort island without staying overnight. It suits people based on a local island who want a resort beach, pool or lunch for a day. Inclusions and timings vary, so confirm the details before committing.
01
What a day pass is
A day pass is an arrangement some resort islands offer to visitors who are not staying there. It gives access to the island for a set period, usually a day, and to certain facilities. The resort sets the terms, and they differ from one island to the next. Not every resort offers passes, and some do so only in quieter periods.
The pass is not a room booking. You arrive in the morning and leave in the afternoon or evening, depending on the schedule. Some resorts include a lunch or a drinks allowance, while others charge for food and drink on top. Ask what is included rather than assuming, because the package can change with the season.
- Facilities: pool, beach, changing rooms and sometimes a restaurant.
- Meals: sometimes a set lunch or a credit, often not.
- Drinks: rarely included beyond water; alcohol is charged.
- Timings: set arrival and departure times, often tied to the boat.
02
Booking and numbers
Passes are usually limited in number, so book ahead. Your guesthouse on the local island often knows which resorts sell passes and can enquire on your behalf. Some resorts take bookings directly by phone or email. In busy periods, passes may be sold out days in advance, and walk-up requests are not reliable.
When you book, confirm the date, the number of people and what the pass covers. Ask whether the transfer is part of the package or separate. If the guesthouse books for you, check who pays the boat and when. A written confirmation, even by message, avoids confusion on the day.
03
Getting there and back
Transfers to resort islands are often by speedboat, and may be arranged as part of the pass. The boat may leave from the local island's harbour or from a nearby jetty. Crossing times vary with distance and sea conditions. In the southwest monsoon, crossings can be choppy, so keep belongings in a bag you can hold.
Confirm the return boat before you commit. The departure time matters more than the arrival time, because a missed return boat can leave you stranded. Ask where the boat leaves from, who the skipper is and what happens if the sea is rough. The resort or guesthouse should give you a contact number.
04
On the resort island
Once on the resort island, alcohol is available, which is not the case on local islands. Dress codes are relaxed compared with a village, but not absent. Swimwear is for the beach and pool, and a cover-up is usual in restaurants and reception. Some resorts ask for smart casual at dinner, though day visitors rarely stay that late.
The pass usually gives access to the pool and beach, and sometimes to non-motorised watersports. Motorised sports, spa treatments and diving are normally charged extra. The resort's rules on reef and wildlife apply as they would to any guest. Do not touch coral or feed fish, and follow the resort's guidance on where to swim.
- Alcohol: served on the resort island, unlike the local island.
- Dress: swimwear on the beach, cover up in restaurants.
- Extras: spa, diving and motorised sports usually cost extra.
- Reef: the resort's reef rules apply to day visitors too.
05
What to check first
Before committing, confirm the timings: what time the boat leaves, what time it returns and how long you have on the island. A pass that sounds generous may leave only a few hours ashore once transfers are counted. Check what is included in the way of food and drink, and whether children pay the same rate.
Ask about cancellation. Weather can cancel a boat, and the resort may or may not refund. Check whether the pass is transferable if the date changes. Finally, confirm the return boat's departure point and time on the day, as schedules can shift. The guesthouse or resort is the right source for all of this.
06
Etiquette and expectations
A day pass does not make you a house guest, and some areas may be reserved for guests staying overnight. Ask where day visitors can go. Restaurants may have set seatings, and the pool may have busy periods. Staff will tell you what is available if you ask at reception on arrival.
Tipping is not compulsory, but is usual for good service. Carry small notes if you plan to tip. Photography is generally fine, but avoid photographing other guests closely, and follow any signs about drones. The resort's rules on drones are likely to be stricter than the local island's.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Do all resort islands offer day passes to visitors staying on a local island?+
No. Some resorts sell day passes and others do not, and availability can change with the season. Your guesthouse usually knows which nearby resorts accept day visitors. It is best to ask before you plan a day around one, because passes are limited and may be sold out.
What is usually included in a resort day pass?+
Inclusions vary by resort. A pass typically covers access to the beach and pool, and sometimes a set lunch or a drinks credit. Alcohol, spa treatments, diving and motorised watersports are usually charged extra. Confirm exactly what is included when you book, as packages change.
Is the speedboat transfer included in the resort day pass?+
Sometimes. Some resorts include the speedboat in the pass, while others quote it separately. The boat may leave from the local island harbour or a nearby jetty. Ask who arranges it and who pays before you commit, and confirm the return time.
Can you drink alcohol on a resort day visit?+
Yes. Alcohol is served on resort islands, which is one difference from a local island. It is not usually included in the pass, so expect to pay for drinks. The resort's rules on alcohol apply as they would to any guest on the island.
What should you wear on a resort day visit from a local island?+
Dress codes are relaxed compared with a village, but not absent. Swimwear is for the beach and pool, and a cover-up is usual in restaurants and reception. Some resorts ask for smart casual at dinner. Bring a light cover-up and check the resort's guidance if you plan to eat in a restaurant.
How far in advance should you book a resort day pass?+
Book as early as you can, because passes are limited in number. In busy periods they may sell out days ahead. Your guesthouse can enquire on your behalf, or you can contact the resort directly. Walk-up requests are not reliable, especially in peak season.
What happens if the sea is rough on the day of a resort day visit?+
The boat operator decides whether to run. Crossings can be choppy in the southwest monsoon, and a cancellation is possible. Ask about the resort's cancellation policy when you book, and confirm the return boat on the morning of the visit. The guesthouse or resort is the right source for updates.
Can you use the resort's watersports and spa on a day pass?+
Usually yes, but at extra cost. The pass typically covers the beach and pool, while diving, spa treatments and motorised watersports are charged separately. Ask at reception on arrival what is available and whether you need to book a time slot.
Is a resort day pass worth it from a local island?+
It depends on what you want. A pass gives a day of resort facilities, alcohol and a different beach, but transfers can take time from your day. Check the timings and inclusions first. If you mainly want a beach and snorkelling, your local island may already provide that.
