The buses are safe. You may not save as much as you think, however.If interested in beach chairs, umbrellas, etc., at most beaches you will need to rent those. You can just plop down on your beach towels for free.
I have some pictures of the bus experience on both pages here:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/conquest_07/GC/cb.htm
{Note: there are NO facilities of any kind at Cemetery Beach - you need to bring everything with - but theree are many other beach options}