Does anyone know the current status of the Woodwind and Renee?

thanks.

I believe there was a recent posting that Renee has sold the Woodwind to the nice folks who were running it for her during her recent surgery and that Renee, herself, is conducting shore snorkel tours. I think if you do a search you might be able to turn up more on this. Or, someone will jump in here and save me! LOL. I do think the Woodwind is still offering the same trips, however, and out of the Divi, too. Carole

23 Sept 03 we took a snorkeling trip for 1/2 day on the Woodwind, I don't remember the names of the people who ran the trip though. The captain was Dutch and his wife (the snorkeling/dive guide) was Tahitian I think. Anyway they were great, she really impressed me with her vast knowledge of all the reef inhabitants that we saw, and she really made it enjoyable and a learning experience. You could tell just by listening to her talk that there was a great appreciation and passion of the U/W world. Not to mention the meal (cold cuts & fruit) was pretty good too(I'm easily pleased). I know that they still do the nude cruise from Sorobon on Mondays too, because we were going to go on it, but it was cancelled because we were the only two going, they need a min. of 4. The price was $45.00 per person.

Tod that was probable Ulf and Dee, he's Norwegian, she is from Trinidad. Here's a picture of them.



I'm pretty sure the Woodwind is still running as I see them pretty much every day on the beach cams. Yesterday they did a snorkel at the Small Wall.

Cecil,
Yup thats them. So much for my geography, and thanks for correcting me. They introduced themselves when we boarded but I just can't remember a name for beans. My wife and i were dating for three weeks before I could remember her name!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmmm..What happened to the other guy that was helping Renee?

Where is Renee running her shore snorkels from? Is she still going to be "affiliated" with Divi?

I believe Barney, who was her Captain on the Woodwind, moved his family back to Germany so that the kids could start school there.

Donna

I have just returned home from a beautiful two weeks in Bonaire! I spent a lot of time with Renee with her new business,"RENEE SNORKELTRIPS". As you all know the Woodwind was sold to Ulf and Dee and they have been doing a terrific job! Their sailing and snorkel trips are a great way to spend a morning and have lots of fun with great people.

Renee is now doing guided snorkels for a very reasonable price. It is like having your own personal guide any time you want one to take you wherever you want to go!!! She will only take up to four people at once, so you are never in a crowd. Most of the time it was just her and I at the time I wanted to go!! Where I snorkel alone and have some limitations, it is really nice to have Renee show me the best entries and exits and to tell me what isn't a good idea and what is. She always has something good to show you and her excitement with each find is just enchanting! The highlights this trip were a Frogfish, juvenile Queen Angel, a pair of Highhats and..... an Upsidedown jellyfish! I would have never seen them without her, especially the frogfish and jellyfish!

In addition to her regular guided snorkels,she is also doing Night snorkels, 1 1/2 hour snorkel lessons and half day snorkels with different stops. Her prices are: Guided snorkel with one stop $20,with two stops $25.00, Night snorkel $15.00, 1 1/2 hour snorkel lesson $15.00 and 1/2 day with different stops $30.00

Renee was still in the process of setting up her new web page when I was there. I think it should be up and running pretty soon. I will post it when I find out.

Her new phone number is 785-0771.

I was staying at the Divi and I would just call her when I wanted to go and she would pick me up, so I assume she will pick up at any resort.

Hi Darlene, Renee's web site is all finished.
see: http://www.reneesnorkeltrips.com

We finally got on the Woodwind for the 1st time this last weekend with the kids. Had a great time and believe it or not - saw my first turtle in the waters of Bonaire. We saw 2 even.

Linda, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Wooohooo! And 2 to boot! How did the kids like the trip?

Darlene, sounds like you had another fabulous trip! Renee' sounds like she is keeping very busy and also sounds happy to be back in the water where she belongs. Nice website. Thanks for the update and the tips...we shall check it out. Ayo. Carole


PS What new artwork did you bring home with you this time??? Have you run out of wallspace yet?? LOL. cb

Thanks for posting the link, Linda. During my many trips to Kline on the Woodwind, I have been spoiled. I have seen a turtle on most trips and one time I even saw six!
Carole, I did have another wonderful trip. It was great to see everyone and be in paradise! I will be posting a trip report eventually when I get some time. Renee is doing wonderful and very happy to be back in the water showing off her fish friends once again! I am looking forward to some more snorkels with her in March.
I did buy some more of Jan Huckaby's art work. I got a print of two seahorses that is gorgeous! And yes I have run out of wall space!!! I don't know where I am going to put it, but I had to have it!
On the up side she has started putting her work on mugs and tiles, so I bought a couple of tiles to use as trivits.
I didn't get any of Linda Richter's work this time, but it is simply incredible!!!! I just wish I had more space and money!!

All . . . .
Thanks everyone for the discussions on Renee and the Woodwind. We will be in Bonaire mid May, and will try to snorkel with both of them.

The way I understand it, Renee does trips from the shore, and Woodwind goes out on selected reefs. Is that correct?

How long are Renee's trips, i.e. an hour or hour and half? Is it a good idea to have two trips in the morning, or one in the morning and one in the afternoon?

How do we contact the Woodwind people?

Your help is appreciated. thanks ken burke

The Woodwind goes out of Divi Flamingo and there is a signup board with a schedule near the ChibiChibi restaurant. Rene does snorkels near Divi and she may have a signup there also. Last time I was there Rene was still off island, so I don't know anything else except what has been posted here.

Ken,

We booked the unlimited snorkel with Renee and she took us to three different sites and we snorkeled each one for about an hour. She is very accommodating and would work out an arrangement that would be just what you want.

You can contact the Woodwind at 560-7055 (cell phone) or leave a message at 717-8285.

I have the Woodwind Brochure here and their trips are:

1. Relaxing Snorkel Sail - Sunday and Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sail to two snorkel stops, first to Klein Bonaire with a lot of friendly fish and the second at a spectacular coral reef. Lunch and drinks are included. $45 per person.

2. Special Half Day Cruise - Monday and Friday 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
We take you to Klein Bonaire and then to another of the best snorkel reefs on the island. Includes snorkel lessons, equipment, lunch and drinks. $40 per person.

3. 3 hour Snorkel and Sail
Experienced snorkelers are invited to join us exploring the unsurpassed beauty of one of Bonaires best snorkel reefs. Equipment and soft drinks included. $34 per person.
Monday 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Clothes optional)
Thursday 9:00 a.m. - noon
Friday 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

4. Robinson Crusoe Sail & Barbeque - Wednesday only (sign up the day before)
Escape to Klein Bonaire for a Day. Secluded beach, great food including vegetarian, excellent snorkeling. The most relaxing and enjoyable day of your vacation. $55 per person.

5. Happy Hour Sunset Cruise - Thursday 4:30 p.m. - sunset
Relaxing sightseeing tour from the water. Includes open bar and scrumptious snacks. $30 per person.

Hope this helps.

Belinda

All . . . thanks to Linda, Linnea, and Belinda for information on Renee and woodwind.

We contacted Renee, and plan to see her the third week in May. That will work out great, as we are not experience snorkelers, and can use her help. She seem like a nice lady.

Then we will take several trips with the woodwind, scheduling permitted.

we are really looking forward to the trip.

thanks ken and sue