Hi Joyce and Welcome to Bonaire Talk. You pose a lot of questions and I will try to address each of them within the body of your post.
quote: Heard the Plaza a good spot. Looking for easy entry - preferable sand. Any suggestions for beginners?
-- The Plaza has a lovely beach; nice landscaping; two swimming pools; outdoor showers ; beach chairs; shade trees, umbrellas [Palapas]; picnic tables; outdoor bar; activity center, etc. On a normal day it can be very relaxing and pleasant.
I have not been to the Plaza on a day when a mega-cruise ship came to port so I am not sure how it is then. When I went there in May there was only one couple in the beach area by the Tipsy Seagull and no-one snorkeling other than me. There were, however, quite-a-few people along the main sections of the beach.
--Yes, It has a very easy entry via the steps off the pier at the Tipsy Seagull. The Tipsy Seagull is located at the South end of the resort. The last few steps are slippery. Sit down; put on your fins, snorkel and mask. Then, bump down the steps and fall forward face-first into the water. I'm taking you at your word that you are a beginner.
Once in the water, snorkel South. You can go as far as the inlet if you want, but there is some really good snorkeling less than 50 yards from your entry point. Snorkel mainly in and about the coral heads [Please, don't touch any -- coral is more fragile than it looks.] You'll also want to spend some time along the ocean side of the reef and along the top of the drop-off just beyond it as well. It is not unusual to see one or more of the ocean going fish make an appearance there -- barracuda, jacks, and maybe even a ray.
--I believe the sand ends at the waters edge. However, it's a long beach and there may be spots where it continues into the water.
quote: We are arriving on the Emerald Princess cruise ship on 11/20/07
--Wow, that is one Mega-ship -- 3000+ passengers? I must say that I am sorry to see them [the Mega-ships] coming to Bonaire. I'm an old foggy, I guess. My wife and I prefer the smaller ships [600 to 800 passengers.] The Renaissance ships were our favorites but they closed up shop. Filed for bankruptcy the day after 9/11. Well, sorry for the digression. Now, back to the Emerald Princess. I see that the ship arrives at 7:00 AM and departs at 2:00 PM. That will give you about 6 hours shore time, which should be more than ample time to enjoy the Plaza.
quote: Doing tours on all other stops - so really looking to just do something easy and close to ship.
--The Plaza offers a variety of activities besides snorkeling. It has one of the nicest white sand beaches on Bonaire, two pools, shaded picnic tables, outdoor showers, etc. I believe that it is rated 3 stars. The reef [Eighteenth Palm] is great for available light UW photography. Portions are very shallow. There is also a deeper section of the reef for diving.
--I'm not sure if you consider 1 mile as close? If so, than it is close. If you dock at the Town Pier the walk to the Plaza is a bit over a mile.. If docked at the South Pier [also called Commercial-Freight Pier] than I think it is just under a mile.
quote: If the Plaza is a good place for us - how do we get there? Can we walk from ship? do we have to pay someone?
-- I think you will enjoy it. IMHO it is VERY nice. However, that being said, if 10% of the passengers on the Emerald Princess should decide to go there, it will be crowded.
The Plaza is certainly within walking distance and the walk is over flat terrain. I suggest you get there early, just in case it gets crowded later in the morning or in case they limit the number of "visitors" per day. Yes, you can easily walk there from where the ship docks. Yes, there is a charge for usage of the facility amenities. IMHO the charge is very reasonable for what you get. Back in May they charged $5.00 per visitor. They explained to me tat that included use of the beach chairs, picnic tables, the two swimming pools, the outdoor shower, etc. The $5.00 charge was clearly posted on a sign by the entrance into the resort from the North parking lot. I felt that $5.00 was a real bargain. You pay at the Activity center just inside the north gate ocean side and will get a receipt. There is a guard there who can/will direct you.
Here is a link to some pictures I took while snorkeling at the Plaza one Sunday morning in this past May.
http://falls4sale.com/Bonaire/Plaza.html <= Plaza Photos
quote: Looking for good practical advise.
OK, here are some other thoughts --
1. The Divi Flamingo Resort:
It is much closer to the ship and you can easily snorkel in to it from Cha-Cha beach. However, due to its proximity to where the ship docks, it may be more than just a bit crowded. I personally would walk the extra distance to the Plaza.
2. Water Taxi to Klein:
This is a drift snorkel along the northeast coast of the small island off the coast of Klein Bonaire. The Water-Taxi stops first at No-Name beach so you can drop off your stuff -- drinking water, towels, suntan lotion, hats, or even beach chairs and coolers. Then they take you to Ebo -- a mile or so away. You are dropped off to drift back to No-Name with the current. The boat will come back and pick you up a couple hours later at No-Name beach. It's a really nice trip. A few cautions. There is no shade available at all, so be prepared for the intense sun -- even in November. You will be dropped in deep water so you need to be comfortable in that situation. There are no ?facilities? of any kind at No-name beach or on the island of Klein.
The Woodwind [Sail and Snorkel: This is a guided snorkel tour off a trimaran. The first portion is similar to that from the water taxi. Dee and Ulf take you first to Klein [the small island] and the boat waits for you while you do the drift. Dee goes with you in the water.
Back on board, Dee serves complimentary drinks and a very nice lunch. It is a great trip! As I mentioned, Dee will accompany you in in the water and point out and explain things. She's is very knowledgeable and very helpful. The drift portion of the trip on the Woodwind covers the same stretch of beach as the water-taxi; However, the Woodwind makes a second stop at one of the top snorkel locations on the mainland. Usually that stop is at Andres 1, Andres II or Pietres Piller. The day I went our second stop was at Something Special. It lived up to its name. Dee and Ulf run a nice and memorable trip. The URL of their website is:
http://www.woodwindbonaire.com/ <= Woodwind Web-site
Following is a link to pictures taken on a Woodwind trip last May. Note: The Woodwind pictures are on two pages so you will need to click on "Next:" at the bottom of the first page in order to go to the second. .
http://falls4sale.com/Bonaire/Woodwind.html <= Woodwind Photos.
Well, Have fun and enjoy the cruise. I visited Bonaire n Holland America's MS Ryndam in March of 2006.
Again Joyce, Welcome to Bonaire Talk!
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By Joyce Zega (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 11:15 am: 
