Woodwind Sailing & Guided Snorkel
Woodwind Sailing & Guided Snorkel
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Kralendijk, Bonaire
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Woodwind Sailing & Guided Snorkel
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,888 reviews
Excellent
1,819
Very good
45
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
8
PalmettoStateMan
Greenville, NC372 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We headed out around 9am, Mrs PSM and I grabbed a spot on the bow netting. Maria was in charge along with three mates, David and two young ladies one of which is a photographer. First of you travel around a bit under full sail which is quite nice, I really enjoy the sailing part as well as the other stuff. The staff served drinks while sailed, would estimate that we sailed for like 45 minutes or so until the buoy they wanted freed up. They split us up into three groups, ours was lead by Maria. Bonaire is a windy place and the winds today according to Maria were about 5 mph higher than usual which gave the sea a little chop and 1to 2 foot swells. We did a drift snorkel for a good 45+ minutes and saw lots healthy corals and marine life including a sea turtle. Maria would dive down to ten or fifteen feet and point out interesting fish or corals. The woodwind team did a good job of leading and looking after the group. It was noted on a previous report that they did not group by experience, I think this is so one leader does not have to look after six inexperienced guests. All in all we had three stops and saw the usual array of fish and corals plus a few turtles and multiple barracuda.
Following the snorkeling stops we had beer and rum punch plus an Asian style lunch that was filling and tasty. My Overall impressions are: 1. this is a really good value, five and a half hours, three stops, drinks, snacks and lunch. 2. The staff are incredibly hard working between guiding the snorkeling, serving us guests and constantly washing dishes they maintained an excellent attitude and demeanor 3. They are very organized and conscious of the health and safety of the guest, offering sun screen, t-shirts and hats to protect against the sun. We very rarely take organized trips, but this was so well done we highly recommend this trip.
PSM
Following the snorkeling stops we had beer and rum punch plus an Asian style lunch that was filling and tasty. My Overall impressions are: 1. this is a really good value, five and a half hours, three stops, drinks, snacks and lunch. 2. The staff are incredibly hard working between guiding the snorkeling, serving us guests and constantly washing dishes they maintained an excellent attitude and demeanor 3. They are very organized and conscious of the health and safety of the guest, offering sun screen, t-shirts and hats to protect against the sun. We very rarely take organized trips, but this was so well done we highly recommend this trip.
PSM
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovetotravel352
Leominster, MA475 contributions
Jan 2020
After reading all the good reviews we booked directly with Woodwind for our cruise stop in Bonaire. I was nervous as we docked late, but it was literally a 3 minute walk (out and to the right) and everyone else was on our ship as well so it wasnt a problem. We all hopped on the boat (plenty of places to sit up front) and while we were making our way to the spot to snorkel we were fitted for masks, fins and wet suit tops. We were divided into groups based on experience and there were about 8 of per group to 1 guide, which was nice to have a guided snorkel. It was a drift snorkel, which meant that you went with the current and the boat picked you up. We were offered noodles (which I liked). I thought the snorkeling was fine - not the best I have ever seen. When we got back on the boat we were given a hot plate of food and drink options (rum punch, beer, soda, water) and headed back to the dock. The photographer came around to show pictures to those who wanted (I think the whole set was ~$40 and emailed to you) All in all a good trip!
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovtorun
Kansas City, MO645 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We have taken this snorkeling tour a number of times over the years. Every single time we learn something new. The guides are very helpful about equipment and don't hesitate to recommend a different mask or nicely correct a user error. They also are the most interactive guides and point out interesting fish, coral and underwater sights. Whether you are a beginner or experienced snorkeler, they accommodate every person in their small groups.
Their equipment is quality and after one trip we went out and bought the same mask my husband used on the boat. There are corrective vision masks, wetsuits, sun protective garments.
The boat is very nice and has shade and sun and two restrooms inside. There are beverages all day, juice, soda, beer, rum punch. Snacks between stops and a nice local plate lunch after snorkeling. Cost for us was $85/pp cash for five hours and three stops. Great value.
Our reservation was made via email. We didn't have a vehicle and were given a ride to and from the dock. This is a family owned business and they go out of their way to make this a great day for their guests. We look forward to it every visit to Bonaire.
Their equipment is quality and after one trip we went out and bought the same mask my husband used on the boat. There are corrective vision masks, wetsuits, sun protective garments.
The boat is very nice and has shade and sun and two restrooms inside. There are beverages all day, juice, soda, beer, rum punch. Snacks between stops and a nice local plate lunch after snorkeling. Cost for us was $85/pp cash for five hours and three stops. Great value.
Our reservation was made via email. We didn't have a vehicle and were given a ride to and from the dock. This is a family owned business and they go out of their way to make this a great day for their guests. We look forward to it every visit to Bonaire.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat C
2 contributions
Mar 2020
Upon reading recommendations from a previous cruise I was on 3 months earlier I decided to book this snorkel excursion in Bonaire with Woodwinds. We we’re a party of 4. This snorkel excursion was superb. The staff were amazing, friendly and very knowledgeable. Loved the attention to detail that they provide too. Something so small, but extremely meaningful....I was sitting at the edge of the boat waiting for the go ahead to jump in, full gear on. One of the instructors came up behind me and said, don’t mind me I just want to fix your mask. She adjusted the back straps. I had them too low. As soon as she adjusted it I could feel how it had a better tight fit, which would prevent water from getting in. My point is...something so small, the attention to detail was superb. The hot meal that was provided, included in the excursion, was very good too. Overall a very reasonably priced excursion was superb. We all enjoyed it. Beautiful coral and lots of colourful fish. My son saw an octopus, spooked him 😂. We saw a sea turtle that came right up to us. Perfect morning!
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bill8111
Brampton, Canada69 contributions
Jan 2020
I have probably snorkeled with Woodwind six times over the last ten years, and every time has been excellent. Snorkeling at Klein Bonaire is quite wonderful, and the crew working for Woodwind are excellent. They do everything to make your experience wonderful. They explain clearly for beginners, group people by competence, snorkel with you, and have excellent food and drink for you when you are finished snorkeling.
The catamaran ride is an additional bonus, where they use both the sail, but also a motor, so you do not get becalmed.
I highly recommend you to snorkel with them. I am a relatively fit 72 year old, but if you are healthy, no limit to what age you can snorkel safely..
ENJOY
The catamaran ride is an additional bonus, where they use both the sail, but also a motor, so you do not get becalmed.
I highly recommend you to snorkel with them. I am a relatively fit 72 year old, but if you are healthy, no limit to what age you can snorkel safely..
ENJOY
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meredith Z
1 contribution
Jul 2022
I can not recommend Woodwind enough. I had emailed ahead of time as I have a daughter who requires a wheelchair for any distance but can transfer in and out of her chair and walk short distances. I wanted to confirm that they had a place to store her chair while we were on the boat which they did. She is a strong swimmer but they made sure she was comfortable and helped her get up the ladder after snorkeling. The staff was great at helping her onto the boat as well as meeting her needs but the bigger surprise occurred with my youngest daughter. She does not know how to swim and I assumed that I would have to help her if she wanted to try but I was mistaken. The staff and crew worked to help her be at ease in the water and never once let go of her. She was so nervous but they made her feel comfortable and confident and let her set her own pace. She was thrilled to see not one but two turtles. She said that her favorite thing from our whole cruise 8. night cruise, was snorkeling on Bonaire with Woodwind. It was great because I was also able to enjoy the experience while knowing that my daughter was safe and enjoying herself. The guides were great at pointing out different fish and ensuring that everyone was able to see what they were talking about. They would dive under to point out the fish and then surface to tell us about them. An added bonus occurred at lunch when they had gluten-free cookies and lunch for my daughters who have gluten allergies. I could go on and on about what an amazing experience this was - one I know my family will never forget.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martha R
Madison, CT3 contributions
Sep 2021
Exceptional experience. The crew was outstanding and the 2 women who did our guided tour in the ocean were above and beyond exceptional in every aspect. They both knew the 3 drop sites for snorkeling like the back of their hand. Each guide would dive and point and tell the group what sea creatures we needed to look at. Honestly, if they had not done this I would never have found these things on my own. We did 2 snorkel trip while on Bonaire. This was farrrrrrrrrr the best. The other one was lousy! The icing on the cake for Woodwind was the catering to each and every guest. They made sure we were are comfortable and offered drinks, water and COFFEE to all of us. I had 5 cups of coffee - my favorite. No one offers this on a boat trip. And a wonderful afternoon meal that I did not expect: delicious noodle dish. I give Woodwind a "10."
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria Lyngby
Kongens Lyngby, Denmark182 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Er have just returned from today’s (Sunday) trip to Klein Bonaire - and we are overwhelmed. This is the best boat trip ever! We were only approximately 20 guests on board and so many crew members that I hadn’t count them ;-) we had three snorkeling stops and everything was so professional and perfect. This trip is for all kind of snorkeleres. There were gusts that felt insecure and the guide swam with this guest holding her hands just so she could have this experience. First, I feared that that would affect our experience as we (to adults and two teens) have snorkeled a lot, but in no way. Actually, my impression was that we were allowed even a longer swim. Anyway, we were so happy. My son (12 years) is really competitive and when the guide acknowledged his ‘skills’ and offered him some free dive fins, he almost burst with pride ;-) so sweet of her. It made his day. Thanks to everyone.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnnie R
Bridgeport, WV86 contributions
Dec 2021
My wife and I were looking for a private sunset cruise and because my wife can get a little queasy if the boat rocks too much we really wanted a catamaran. We found out about the Woodwind through a local diving guide (Yago of 4 Wheel Diving). Yago made some phone calls and helped get our cruise set up on the day of our 14th wedding anniversary. Esa and Capt Sandro were our crew and they were fantastic! One day we hope to live on a catamaran in retirement, so we love sailing on them whenever we get a chance. Capt Sandro and Esa were so fun to talk to and they were very helpful in answering all of my boating/sailing related questions. We took a nice leisurely sail up the west side of Bonaire and then circled around Klein Bonaire as we made our way down to the southern tip of Bonaire. After the sun had set, we made our way back up the coast to the Woodwind's home pier again. During our trip Esa was very attentive and made sure we never lacked for drinks and also prepared a very fabulous local dish for us all to eat as well. Desert was provided too. There's just something calming about water and sailing and Esa and Capt Sandro and the Woodwind were perfect to finish off a special day for us. If you get the chance, take a stroll with the Woodwind and her crew; you won't be disappointed.
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikole
2 contributions
Dec 2019
My husband and I have cruised for 20 years now. We've taken a multitude of snorkeling excursions. The early years we booked with the cruise lines, after that we've always booked our own independent excursions. And we've done some great ones!
But I am SO impressed with how well run and how well organized Woodwind was! From where our Celebrity ship docked, it was a very short walk to their meeting point. The Cat we were on was very well staffed and serviced. There were a ton of drink options both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and they were always replenishing. I had forgotten that the one we booked included lunch - it was DELICIOUS and dessert also delicious.
They are very environmentally conscious which I appreciated. And they break the group into smaller size snorkel groupings with a guide for each. Plus they have a photographer who takes photos of you and the fish and turtles and coral reefs that you can opt to purchase or not. The entire process was so well organized and planned that I was impressed (and that's part of what I do for a living - planning).
Go snorkel with them on the beautiful reefs of Bonaire. You won't be disappointed!
But I am SO impressed with how well run and how well organized Woodwind was! From where our Celebrity ship docked, it was a very short walk to their meeting point. The Cat we were on was very well staffed and serviced. There were a ton of drink options both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and they were always replenishing. I had forgotten that the one we booked included lunch - it was DELICIOUS and dessert also delicious.
They are very environmentally conscious which I appreciated. And they break the group into smaller size snorkel groupings with a guide for each. Plus they have a photographer who takes photos of you and the fish and turtles and coral reefs that you can opt to purchase or not. The entire process was so well organized and planned that I was impressed (and that's part of what I do for a living - planning).
Go snorkel with them on the beautiful reefs of Bonaire. You won't be disappointed!
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are a couple in our early 60’s and would like to know the average age of your customers. It’s been over 15 years since we last snorkeled and will be Celebrity cruise ship passengers in November 2020.
Written November 7, 2019
Snorkelling is like riding a bike. You don't forget. I'll soon be 82 and I can snorkel better than I can walk. You are put into a group and you may not think you're being watched, but you are. When Dee noticed I was starting to get tired she had me hang onto the end of a noodle and led me around, with little effort on my part, pointing out many things I'm sure I would have missed on my own. If you're at all apprehensive go with Woodwind. You'll be glad you did.
Written December 12, 2019
Oi! Vou fazer cruzeiro e no dia 05/11 estarei em Bonaire.
Tem como reservar passeio??
Como funciona?
Written September 23, 2019
You arrive on Monarch? Please send an email and I will reply.
Written September 28, 2019
I have emailing an havent heard back, so am wondering if anyone knows what time their tours run? Thanks!
Written June 24, 2019
do a search for their website again, then
fill in the form online at their website, and put your email address
You will enjoy the trip if they have space
Written October 17, 2019
Hallo,
gibt es an Bord eine Möglichkeit wo man sich umziehen kann? (Toilette o.ä.?)
Written May 15, 2019
Yes, we have 2 separate cabins with toilet.
Written May 15, 2019
We will be on Bonaire on 2 Fridays in April, 4/12 and 4/19 and are interested in taking your sunset snorkel toure (2 adults). I see there is the full moon (pink moon) on 4/19. I wonder if you have noticed that snorkeling, the skies and all that we will see is better or worse around the full moon? I know that the full moon tends to have more jellyfish in some parts of the world. And since we are not familiar with your island, any help with planning the best night to go would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Written March 1, 2019
Sorry, I cannot helpmyou with your answer as I know nothing about jelly fish you might want to contact Woodwind directly as they can probably give you the right answer
Written March 1, 2019
We would like to do a morning snorkel trip. What do you have available on December 27th
Written November 6, 2018
As the others have said you need to go to Woodwinds website and they will give you a link to send an email to them and request the date and time you are looking for. Good Luck!
Written November 6, 2018
Yes. Beer, wine, Rum, Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Water, Cola, Cola light, Sprite, coffee and tea.
Please do not come onboard Woodwind ONLY for the free booze :-)
Written October 9, 2018
What is the meal that is served? Can a person who is not a fan of swimming with the fish enjoy this?
Written September 8, 2018
We have a new boat now with lot's of shade inside and outside. The boat is so new we have not updated our web page - yet, but it's a picture of the new catamaran on our web page, about Woodwind.
Written September 9, 2018
Hola! Debo reservar de forma anticipada? Voy en crucero el 11/09 y quisiera saber precio del paseo por persona y que incluye. Slds
Written June 29, 2018
Mil disculpas, te quise poner que fue útil tu respuesta y apreté cualquier cosa! No me deja arreglarlo. Muchísimas gracias x responder, por el contrario a lo q marqué, me fue súper útil tu comentario. Gracias x tu tiempo y disculpas nuevamente.
Written June 29, 2018
Vieleicht! I glaube das die tour hat Mädchen aus vielen europäische Landes. Und deutsch sind ein grosse spräche hier in Europe.
Warum nicht schreiben ein email zu dem?
Mein deutsch ist nicht so gut, es tut mir leit! :-)
Written April 27, 2018
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