Capt.:
There are very nice beach chairs available (early birds get the best locations).
You do not need the floats for the beach. But they do make being in the water just a wee bit more fun.
To all, two suggestions: 1. get chaep floats & don't bother to bring them home. They never fold up as nicely as they are when you buy them. 2. Make sure that they are easy to inflate. We got a foot pump & I'm glad I did.
Karen: I agree. If you have your own snorkle stuff, bring it.
Doug