Yes, its a public area, kinda rocky but there is a small step area to get in and out of the water and some decent snorkeling. The chairs are in a small sandy area if you want to use them there is a small charge, which when we were there they waved if you ordered drinks and snacks from the eatery. ( or you can spread your towels out and lay in the sand )My boys 9 and 11 did a resort coarse at Abanks and Scuba dove to 40 ft ( my husband and I are bot advanced certified divers) I was happy with the service here and it was a heck of alot cheaper than disneys diving. Nice place to hang out.