Narda Barber Well, after reading the many negative comments written on the web, I had decided not to disembark but my husband said after traveling that far he wanted to at least get off and check it out. Yes, it is very primitive and we did pay $10 each to go to the private side...., rafts were provided free, small sailboats and paddle boats were also there for renting. The weather was perfect, the water crystal clear, the beach snow white, the palm trees magnificent, we loved it! We did not go to the free side as we were tired and hot and just wanted to get back, but  friends we met  onboard did. They got some very primitive and wonderful things all handmade and very inexpensive. We were able to get a few shell bracelets, only $1 & $2 each on our side, but $5 on the other side. They did say the flies were terrible, also a few on our side but not many. Interested in becoming a travel agent? Follow this link to find out more. Home Based Travel Agent