My wife and I visited Passion Island this past January while on the Summit. The Passion Island Tour is similar to others in that the tour operator will meet you at the pier and take you as a group to the bus(es). The bus ride is about 30-45 minutes, but the time is mainly due to the poor road conditions the last few miles. At the end of the road there is a short (10-minute) boat ride to the area where the beach is located. This is a private location (technically, Passion Island in not an island, just a remote location that is only accessible by private boat). Therefore, it is possible to get on "Passion Island" without buying the tour, but it would be difficult, at best.
Last year I tried to find information on Passion Island via the web, maps, and travel books and never found anything. After being there I now know why; it is privately owned, and not a true island so it does not show-up on any maps.
There are no air-conditioned buildings on the island. Food is OK, but nothing "to write home about." Free drinks are readily available. The amount of time at the beach was about 3 hours. Very nice and clean beach with plenty of room to get away from the others if desired. Overall, nice way to spend the day.
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