Woodwind Sailing & Guided Snorkel

Woodwind Sailing & Guided Snorkel

Woodwind Sailing & Guided Snorkel
5
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Water Sports
Read more
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

5.0
1,793 reviews
Excellent
1,726
Very good
44
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
7

Lovtorun
Midwest606 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.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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.

Craig J
3 contributions
Feb 2022
This excursion will be hard to top. 5-star service in every aspect. Snorkeling site is fantastic and very easy as it is really just floating with the current's drift along multiple sites all along a protected reef. Crew will be right there with you assisting in every possible way, both on the boat or while in the water. I have a daughter with a disability that I was holding onto while snorkeling. The captain/owner swam up to us and was right there holding on to her, which allowed me to leave her in the captains capable hands and do a little more exploring. Multiple crew members are in the water with you pointing out things that we would have easily missed, making the experience that much more memorable. While on the ship, they served a delicious meal and drinks (all that you wanted). The shop is an easy walk to get there from the cruise ship. Don't skip stopping at the shop after the excursion, the service is just as wonderful there with them going above and beyond. We are now booking another cruise that stops in beautiful Bonaire just to go on this excursion again!
Written December 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

TSW
Pompano Beach, FL55 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This was our 4th time snorkeling the reefs in Bonaire with Woodwind and they again exceeded our expectations. We arrived in Aruba by cruise ship, their office/boat is just a few minutes walk from the port. Our group was split into three groups of about 7 or 8 people and each group had one or two guides depending on experience of snorkelers. We were dropped off on two different reefs where we were able to just float with the current, the reefs were alive with beautiful fish and coral. During the entire trip we were provided with beverages, spice bread and during our ride back to the dock we were provided a delicious homemade chicken lo mein for lunch. Ulf and his family provided another great day full of wonderful memories for us again.
Written February 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Maria Lyngby
Kongens Lyngby, Denmark79 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.

nanb189
Boston, MA32 contributions
Oct 2022
Recently did the snorkel tour with Woodwind. We couldn't have asked for a better experience! They were professional all the way from taking making sure that the less experienced snorkelers (me!) were taken care of to providing masks that were geared toward people who wore glasses. The photographer was great and made sure that she had photos of everyone in the group. The tour ended with a terrific sunset and a delicious meal! I would go again!
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Julie E
Valhalla, NY3 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Taking the Woodwind Sail/Snorkel trip is perfect for everyone from the new snorkeler to the experienced scuba diver. This trip brings you up close and personal with the beauty of Klein Bonaire’s reefs and sea life.

The Woodwind’s crew is in a word, fantastic, and in a few more words, informative and knowledgeable and experienced and happy, and attentive, and, well, completely fantastic!

Their location at the Divi Resort is an easy walk along the water from the cruise ship docks and the center of Kralendijk.

No visit to Bonaire would be complete until you’ve sailed on the Woodwind.
Written January 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

david b
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
what a fantastic, wonderful experience! the crew members were amazing... helpful and attentive in every way! we were inexperienced snorkelist. well, Isa and Kaile made sure we were fully prepared, cleaning our masks, offering other equipment options to ease our intimidation of the waters and staying with us or very nearby to assist us. yes, there were a couple of times we needed their help. and the service onboard was amazing! crew members from the captain (sandro) and (mafer), as well as Isa and Kaile were always attentive to filling our drinks or replenishing our snacks. and lunch was amazing! "home" made prepared onsite using fresh ingredients. a must tour complete with picture options showing you in action complements of Mafer. a must do when in bonaire!
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

PalmettoStateMan
Greenville, NC349 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

Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Johnnie R
Bridgeport, WV30 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.

Showing results 1-10 of 1,488

Woodwind Sailing & Guided Snorkel (Kralendijk) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go