mmsoko

I'm one of those previous posters who'd just had knee replacements when we went on the Samur.

Think of the "nooks and crannies" as a built in ladder on the Samur.

It works and the staff tells you just where to place hands and feet to get on the boat.

You'll have worried for nothing.

HELP! What's the beach like for that part of the excursion? :confused:

Is it a sandy gently sloping beach free of rocks? Are water shoes needed? Are there chairs on the beach? :confused:

There is a nice sandy beach (yes, gently sloping)....no need for water shoes here. No beach chairs where we landed although there was a rustic, covered area with bench seating. If I had to guess I'd say 14 X 14. Plan to get your towels sandy.

I'm thinking if you do the drift as soon as you hit the island...first zodiac to drift sight..you'll easily have 30-45 minutes on beach. The drift takes about 20 minutes.

Just back from cruise off Emerald and spent on day on Bonaire on the Samur excursion.

Will answer some of my own questions.

The zodiacs are inflatable motor boats that shuttle you on/off the Samur. It's a climb from the dock onto the zodiac and from the zodiac onto the ship. With the crew's help, even myself (3 months out of knee replacement) was able to maneuver these climbs.

The Samur provides snorkeling vests, fins, masks and snorkels. The vests are normal inflatable snorkeling vests.

I agree with huladancer, this was a great tour.

One note: If you want to do the drift snorkel...wait on the beach for the zodiac...don't start snorkeling on your own...you'll miss the ride for the drift.

We were wondering the same thing.....what are snorkeling vests like that are provided?

... After everyone is shuttled from the ship to the beach, those who wish to drift are taken by zodiac to the farther end of the island. Once out of the zodiac you drift along with the current back to the beach. This takes about 20 minutes or so. Great way to do some fantastic snorkeling with almost no effort at all...

Curious about the zodiac...can you explain?

So did you do the Samur Sail Beach and Snorkel? How was it? We are trying to decide on a ship excursion!

We booked for our Feb 24, 2008 cruise. Will be able to give you info after that.

The problem is we're a group of eight and many of the recommended tour operators have a limit of six.

We booked the Samur through Princess for now unless you experienced cruisers have a better idea.

We're considering this tour also and would love to hear from someone with experience.