Minor questions about Explorer

[qb51]

We are doing a cruise in a few weeks to Easter Island and have a couple of easy questions--I hope 😀!

1.  On the excursions where snorkeling is the main event (especially on the uninhabited islands), do we wear our swimsuits under regular clothing to go on the Zodiacs?  Or is there always a place to change on land?  And bathroom facilities?

2.  On the excursions, do we bring our own food or is there a place to buy food?  We usually have energy bars with us but worry that might not be enough.

3.  If we were to need to go back to the ship before the excursion time is done, will there be a Zodiac on hand to do so?

4.  We are not big swimmers, but is it necessary to have /bring a wetsuit? 

5.  If anyone has other ”insider” tips that would be useful, please feel free to offer.

Thanks!

[Fletcher]

I assume you are on the Easter Island to Papeete run?  If so, snorkelling is fabulous (if a little chilly) at Ducie Island.  There wasn't any snorkelling at Henderson.  At Ducie we snorkelled from zodiacs as the reef is some distance from the beach.   A beach walk at Ducie is also recommended - zillions of birds and also small sharks when you reach the inner lagoon.  There are absolutely no facilities or shops or anything on any of these islands.  Did you seriously think there would be?  

 

People usually just wear swimsuits, reef shoes (essential) and some sort of T-shirt for protection against the sun, especially if you are snorkelling.  Landing on both Ducie and Henderson is tricky as they have huge rocky plates with crevices.  Along with Gough Island, Henderson is possibly the world's remotest UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

I always thought this trip was our best cruise ever, and we've been virtually everywhere. 

Edited February 19, 2019 by Fletcher

[RachelG]

We haven't been to Easter Island on Explorer yet, but have been to the South pacific and Galapagos (that was on Silversea Galapagos though).  Expedition cruises on Explorer mostly go to very remote spots.  There aren't usually any stores, resorts, or even people on the islands we have visited.  As far as snorkeling, my husband just wears his swim trunks and a t-shirt, but some people did bring a shortie wet suit.  He is immune to cold water though.

Some excursions are hikes while others are more wanders along the beach.  But there is always a zodiac available to take you back to the ship when you are finished.