Do any of the beaches on GC have beach umbrellas you can rent or that are out there permanently for beach goers? We will staying at the Turtle Nest Inn but plan to visit Rum Point and Seven Mile beach, and we like to have some shade.

I don't know of any public beaches at 7MB that have chairs, etc. The chairs you see belong to the hotels (condos, etc.) and are for use by their guests only.

That is not saying that you cannot access the water from anywhere on the beach. You can go up and down the beach walking, swimming, etc.

The only real public beach area I can think of is at the Cemetary. It does not have chairs, etc.

I read one time that at one of the hotels, people can pay the hotel to use their facilities. I don't know if that is true or which one it is.

Rum Point is (or was) owned and operated by the Hyatt. There are chairs there for anyone to use. Do not remember about whether there are umbrellas but there are plenty of shady areas.

That's good to know about Rum Point; I'm sure the owners at Turtle Nest Inn can help us out with finding a place that'll rent us one if we need it. I'm still trying to get over the sticker shock of $97 ea. for our passports!!

There is a public beach area that has facilities and a little beach bar - just south of the Courtyard Marriott. They rent chairs - not sure about the umbrellas.

Be sure to check your passport real careful to make sure all info is correct. They misspelled my son't name on his. Have to say, they got a corrected one to us VERY quickly.

Thanks to all for your input.

In relation to the quiestion on beach umbrellas, I'm also wondering if anyone can suggest a real good sunscreen while snorkeling? We definitely don't want to come out of the water after our first session with crispy backsides!

There is also a place next to the Hyatt and maybe one by Royal Palms that rents chairs for sure, maybe umbrellas...lots of cruise ship people hang out there during their stay.

Sunscreen - haven't found a big difference in brands. Usually get some at home but can get ones there also. Use a strong one (at least a 15) the first day or two until you see how you do in the sun, then drop down from there. You can burn very easily in the Caribbean sun. Be sure to get covered on every part of your body - the sun will find places you never imagined.

surf shirts are a great investment, especially for kids.
Every member of our family has them including me. It is like wearing sunscreen and you don't have to reapply. We are all fair skinned and this offers great protection.
Otherwise I buy 15 and up to protect us. Most likely would bring a 30+ to the islands. Any brand will do.

Unless you have fairly dark skin I recommend 30+ if you will be in the sun for long. Why risk sunburn on vacation? The sun is intense.

At Rumpoint, you will not need umbrellas because the beach is lined with Austrailian Pines for shade.

Christie