Woodwind or Klein off shore?

[popupman]

Originally Posted by EithneMay

We always entered and exited the water at the beach where there was no coral to be at risk. I am a former competitive swimmer, lifeguard, and water safety instructor. With fins and on a calm day, the swim was a piece of cake for DH and myself. People need to know their own limits and not put themselves at risk, but we do not have to be tied to an over-priced tour where we are tied to a limited location, inflatable vests, and rude tour operators (not saying you are rude, but we have encountered those who were on many islands). If the marine park and local government was concerned, they would eliminate the water taxis all-together.

Yes EithneMay, thanks to people like you, The Marine Park WOULD most likely close off Klein Bonaire in the future. It is already been discussed, at least closing off parts of it. Restrictions for kayaks are already in place thanks to ignorant and incompetent operators and tourists.
You know as well as me EithneMay that a lot of visitors less competent than you will try to swim around Klein Bonaire and “do it” alone with your VERY “easy to do” recommendation.
As a former competitive swimmer, lifeguard, and water safety instructor you should recommend NOT to do what you did. That would have reflected your background and been the right thing to do.

[Quasar1011]

I did the drift snorkel with Woodwind on March 14th. I highly recommend them! It was my first time snorkeling, and I had no major issues. Dee (Deirdre) was a knowledgable guide, and there were 2 other guides, as we split into 3 groups of snorkelers based on experience. Plus, an underwater photographer accompanied the tour and took photos of the fish, turtles and coral that we saw. We even had some good photos of ourselves taken from underwater. That photo CD is an extra $25, but well worth it!

[saturn1]

We did the drift snorkel with Woodwind and found Dee and the crew to be extemely professional, safety conscious and informative. We were divided into 3 groups according to past experience and ability. The snorkeling was fantastic even though it was cloudy and rough that day. Snacks and drinks provided afterwards on the boat also a treat. Would highly recommend Dee and her crew even if not experienced at snorkeling.

[dutchgal46]

Just got back from our cruise, we did Woodwind and it was THE BEST snorkeling I have ever done. My husband who does not swim even went in the water , Dee took care of the non-swimmers and novices. This was his first time.
The marine biologists were great, I will do this tour again.
I was so impressed with every aspect of this tour.

Anneke

[Tralynn]

Originally Posted by J breeze

I am looking forward to our trip to Bonaire in Jan but will only be on the island from 12pm-7pm. I cannot make my mind up to take a 3 hour snorkel trip with Woodwind or take the water taxi to Klein Bonaire by myself. Woodwind is going to be snorkeling around Klein for 1.5 hours and has told me the spots they go are better than offshore at Klein. 1.5 hrs does not sound like enough time. Can anyone compare the two trips for me? I would like to spend more time in the water than Woodwind would be but only if Klein is better snorkeling.

Woodwind was one of the best tours we have ever taken. They are fantastic and you definitely get in some excellent snorkeling. I highly recommend them.

[snorkelgirlca]

We went with woodwind on April 26. Absolutely the best snorkeling of the entire 14 day cruise. Dee and staff are all knowledgable about local fish and plants and trained biologists. Cant praise them enough. They separate the snorklers into three groups based upon experience or fear factor and then take you on guided snorkeling trips for 75 minutes. Probably one of the top three snorkeling spots I have been to in the last 30 years and more than 100 trips world wide.

[cruisefar]

We did this excursion in Bonaire last month. It was by far the best snorkeling I have done in years! We have snorkeled each year for the last 15 years and I do not impress easily. I knew I wanted to drift snorkel again after I did the Samur excursion several years ago. This location was even better than the Samur location. I have not seen this level of coral, fish and turtles since I snorkeled at Buck Island in the early 1980's.


Let me start by saying I read all the hype on cruisecritic so I knew this was the excursion for me. I was however very concerned about missing the ship because the tour ended so close to the time the ship leaves port. I emailed Ulf at Woodwind and he assured me that I would be back onboard the ship on time if he had to carry me himself! His confidence gave me confidence to book this excursion.

I met Ulf at the end of the pier. He gave me instructions to walk down the street to the Divi Famingo Beach Resort and follow the signs once inside the resort. We were a little early so we went inside the casino for a little bit before meeting up with the group. Little casino with free drinks!

The Woodwind is beautiful! You sit along the sides or the front of the catamaran. There are cushions so it is very comfortable. You sail to Klein Bonaire. Yes that's right you actually sail! I can't tell you how many times I have booked a catamaran sail and they motor! The crew are great hosts. They offer a huge selection of beverages. Dee asks each of you questions to get an idea of your experience level and breaks the passengers into 3 groups. Dee takes the inexperienced snorkelers out herself. 2 of my friends were in the beginner group. They were petrified to get in the water but Dee made them so comfortable that they got in the water and snorkeled while she held them on a line. They both loved it and appreciated Dee's special attention!

They issue you equipment. OK I have never seen such nice equipment!! No cheap stuff here! It went on easily and was so comfortable. Each group has a guide that points out special fish, turtles and coral.

They also have a photographer that takes pictures of all the passengers on the boat as well as when you are snorkeling. She got pictures of turtles swimming as well as resting on the bottom. Forget bringing your own camera! It doesn't get any better than a professional photographer with fantastic equipment. You can purchase the DVD of your day for $25. I did and love the shots she got!

In closing I want to thank the crew of the Woodwind for the fantastic memories I will cherish forever!

[snorkelgirlca]

I totally agree with the above poster. I have been to the great barrier reef in australia twice and the excursion I had with woodwin last month was as good as any one I took there. They separate the participants into groups based on experience and then tailor the swim to the group assignments.

[xtianmom]

I agree with the previous posters. BTW, the boat just had a makeover and looks beautiful. Repairs, fresh paint and I bet she is happy to be back in the water. We would sail her again without a doubt!

[tntfox]

We are in port from 12 pm to 7 pm. As the 12:15 excursion w/Woodwinds was booked, we opted for the 3:15 excursion, returning at 6:15. Is that cutting it too close to board the ship before it leaves for its next destination or is it a safe bet that we'll get back to the ship in time?

Thanks so much!

[Lsimon]

Originally Posted by tntfox

We are in port from 12 pm to 7 pm. As the 12:15 excursion w/Woodwinds was booked, we opted for the 3:15 excursion, returning at 6:15. Is that cutting it too close to board the ship before it leaves for its next destination or is it a safe bet that we'll get back to the ship in time?

Thanks so much!

I don't recall the exact time of our return from the excursion back in 2011. You will have a 10-15 minute walk back to the ship as the Woodwinds docks a short distance from the pier. I'd call Woodwinds and talk the schedule over with them - you'll want to make sure they are aware of your timing in any event. They are pretty straight forward and if possible they might adjust their timing slightly to accommodate cruise passengers. I suspect they've already done so as when we were there the two excursions were early morning and late morning which matched our ship's time at port that day so I'm guessing the 12:15 and 3:15 times might be set specifically to match your cruise ship schedule.

[MartinsCruise]

We just got back from our cruise which stopped in Bonaire. Woodwind is outstanding! Out of all the snorkeling excursions we've been on they are the best. We were taken by catamaran to Klein Bonaire where we were divided into three groups depending on our experience. A fellow (mature) cruiser who had never snorkeled before was put with a group of beginners and now loves snorkeling. For those who needed corrective lenses they provided prescription masks. It was nice seeing a healthy reef for a change and the snorkeling was the best we have experienced. I can't begin to say enough about Dee and the crew on the boat. They made sure we had plenty to drink and passed around platters of snack food. One of the guides took underwater photos during our trip which she sold to those who were interested. We purchased a CD and were very glad we did. Along with the sights we had seen that day, she also photoed each one of us.

[Cinder Again]

I can only echo all the above positive comments about Dee and Ulf's Woodwind. This was my second experience with them, just as positive as the first one! We were the first snorkel of the day, with another booked behind ours, and even knowing that, we never felt rushed. We all stayed in the water as long as we cared to stay in. Those needing equipment were provided with high quality equipment, and they try hard to make your experience perfect!
My cousin's wife had only snorkeled one other time, and Dee took perfect care of her, without her feeling like she was hovering. She had the best time!
One other thing about this type of tour. The Woodwind staff really cares about the island and the reef, and they monitored us carefully, to be sure we weren't damaging their reef, or it's animals. I came away respecting their professional attitudes, and the fact that they attempted to educate us on the reef/fish/turtles we saw. I could do this tour with them every day, and never tire of it! It's a very good price as well, you won't regret booking with them, if you can get a spot. I typically don't buy tour DVD's, but her (Sussanna's) underwater pictures of us made the disk so much fun with great memories!

[fredzy]

We just came back from a 14 day southern Caribbean cruise and the highlight was our snorkeling trip with Woodwind, while in Bonaire. We have snorkeled a number of times in the Caribbean, on the west coast of Mexico and a few times in Hawaii and the trip in Bonaire was the best ever. Woodwind takes only 24 people and we were broken down into 3 groups of 8, with each group having a guide. We snorkeled for about 2 hours and it was fantastic - easily the best we have ever experienced. The cost was $50.00 each US and you could pay with cash or credit card after the cruise. I would highly recommend this tour - we would go back just to do this excursion again. Their sailboat is a little older, but the trip is wonderful.
Fredzy

[IAMGPW]

We also did tis tour a few weeks ago. It was truly the highlight of our cruise. De who runs these tours was very patient and accommodating. This was my first time and I can't wait to go back. It's a must do for anyone who will be in Bonaire.

[freddybeachpete]

Woodwind is a FANTASTIC tour operator. Did their 10:15 - 1:15 excursion last week when in Bonaire on Emerald Prrincess. Even with all aboard at 1:30 we were back in plenty of time. Never felt rushed or anxious. Ulf and Dee assure you that they have back up plans and back ups to back ups to ensure nobody will miss their departure. Plus, Klein Bonaire reef is only a short distance from where the cruise ship ties up so always within visual range.

The snorkelling was the best we've ever done - amazing reef, lots of fish, a number of sea turtles, etc. Very knowledgeable guides for small groups of 6-8. First rate equipment. Professional underwater photographer is a great asset. Complimentary beverages (alcoholic and non) and some nice appy's as well.

I would rate this excursion as one of the best dollar-for-dollar values of any excursion we have ever done.

[kccrzr]

Jumping on the bandwagon for Woodwind. Top notch tour all around. It was informative and fun - time in the water was excellent.

[Dawn125408]

I don't see on their website what times they sail. Our ship will be in dock at 7 am and leave at 2 pm. Anyone know the earliest time they go out? Thanks.

[Kat in CA]

We were on Woodwind last week. I must agree with the other posters; this is an excellent snorkeling experience. The difference between Woodwind and the other catamaran excursions we took during our cruise was the instruction and guided groups.
Dee really gave us some great snorkeling tips. The three leveled groups worked so well-- you stay with the group. Your guide points out things to look at that I know I would have missed. If you tire, you can go back to the boat. Their emphasis on safety was always evident. Our morning trip was supposed to be 4 hours, but due to windy conditions and rough seas, they cut out one of the snorkel stops and made it 3 hours, adjusting the rate.
If you are a "just going along for the boat ride" type, it would be okay, but the boat itself is not the attraction--- what is under the water IS.

[jerrib]

Originally Posted by Dawn125408

I don't see on their website what times they sail. Our ship will be in dock at 7 am and leave at 2 pm. Anyone know the earliest time they go out? Thanks.

Hi, We're booked on the Woodwind for next Feb. Our ship is in port for the same time 7-2.
Woodwind is having us meet at the pier at 7:45 for an 8:00-12:00 excursion. It would appear that they do not have hard-and-fast tour times, but work with cruise ship schedules. We booked on-line and got an immediate response. However, others from our ship had already set-up and established the early start time. You could do the same, just inquire re email.
Enjoy!