The Woodwind Family

The owners and operators of Woodwind are:

Dedrie Pedersen: Born in Trinidad. Teacher and professional dancer before discovering sailing, snorkeling and Bonaire marine life. She is a rescue diver, divemaster and free diver. Sailing experience 8 years, crossed the Atlantic ocean once.

Ulf Pedersen: Born in Norway. Teacher, Master cabinet maker, and engineer. Sailing for ten years and built his own boat. Crossed the Atlantic three times on different boats as cook, navigator, and captain.

Knut Kelani Pedersen: Born in Norway (conceived on Bonaire). Swimming and snorkeling at age 3 1/2. Can identify fish better than his father. Likes the turtles and morey eels the best. Going to school from Monday to Friday. Speaks fluent English, Norwegian and Papiamentu.

Ole Nikolai Pedersen: Born in Norway (conceived on Bonaire). Likes to build sandcastles, swims and loves to sail and snorkel.

Nicole Pedersen: Born in Bonaire at home. Started swimming at 9 days, loves the water and charms all the men in the family.

The family Pedersen have been running the Woodwind since May, 2003. It was the perfect job for the family--sailing, snorkeling and meeting interesting people every day. Besides, Bonaire is a paradise in and out of the water.

 

Tell me more about turtles.

On about 99 % of our sail/snorkel trips we see turtles. In the mating season, that rises to about 99.9%. The secret is having good eyes on the guide, who knows where to look, and it helps that there are another dozen eyes looking too.

Are there sharks in Bonaire?

Yes, there are sharks in Bonaire, but only small ones. And, IF you see one, you are lucky, as not many have seen them. They are VERY shy and they do NOT like people.

The most dangerous “things” you can come across in Bonaire is what you come close to and touch, a sea urchin or fire corals, for example. So DO NOT put yourself in a situation that you have to touch something.

Sometimes it is season for certain types of jellyfish that sting. It may hurt like a stinging bee for 5 minutes, but we have the right treatment for that on board. Just do not scratch it or get into a panic. It’s just like a mosquito bite—uncomfortable there and then, but not dangerous.

The tarpon and the barracudas may come close to you, look ugly and threatening with their big teeth, but they are harmless and have never attacked anyone.

The Bonaire Marine Park is PARADISE. Most fish know that you are not dangerous so they can come close. Stay calm, do not touch anything or feed the fish. See and take a lot of pictures and enjoy the “ Bonaire live aquarium.”

What if I cannot snorkel or swim?

We arrange snorkel and swimming lessons for free, just let us know if you would like this service. The youngest person to learn snorkeling on Woodwind was 3 years old, the oldest 82. If you cannot swim we provide life jackets for you so you can not sink whatsoever. We have much experience with wheelchair guests. In most cases, our guests only need a hand to hold for a while. We're happy to provide that hand.

 

What is a drift snorkel at Klein Bonaire?

All of our snorkels are Drift Snorkeling; we usually snorkel at Klein Bonaire. This way, as a snorkeler, you can cover a wider area than swimming from point A to point B, and then back to point A.

How it works: You will be together with a guide(s) when you enter the water at point A. The captain will take Woodwind to point B. From point A you will drift with the current and wind to point B.

Drift snorkeling is fun. You'll see more with less effort. The captain keeps the boat with the snorkelers so you do have option of getting back on the boat any time and your guide will be there to assist you whenever you need help or assistance.

Is this a good activity for children?

We have three children ourselves. They come with us quite often and love it. So yes-– it is sailing and snorkeling for all ages. Klein Bonaire is paradise for you both to enjoy your day, our crew will do their best to accommodate so as to ensure both parents and children have a great time on board. Woodwind has lots of safe deck space, life jackets and many rooms to investigate. The children can take the captain's chair and sail a bit, too, if they like. Inquire about family discounts.

Is this a good activity for handicapped people and/or those in wheelchairs?

We have had all sorts of handicapped guests on board. Everything is possible. Give us a notice and we'll arrange it at no extra cost.

Are food and/or drinks served on board?

A warm, local lunch is served. Drink menu on all our Cruises: Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, a variety of fruit juices, water, tonic and soda, ice cold beer, white and red wine, rum, gin, vodka, whiskey and the famous “Woodwind Rum Punch.”

The menu may vary slightly according to what is available at the market.

What is a guided snorkel?

The guides on Woodwind have to know their fish and corals on Bonaire. For your safety, they have gone through a rescue coarse as well. The guides you will meet are more than just interested in marine life--they live for it. They'll take you to their favorite spots and have knowledge beyond average. The guides take care of you on deck as well, serving drinks and food non-stop.

Usually our guests follow the guide, but if you want to snorkel by yourself, just let your guide know and you will be left alone.

Tell me more about the Sunset Sails.

We have our Snorkel Sunset Sail on Fridays (15:30 until sunset).

We start from Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and sail to Klein Bonaire to our best snorkel site where the turtles are feeding. After snorkeling, we enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sunset and sail until the sun sets. All is included--equipment and snacks and drinks.

This quiet sail ends in seeing the sunset and listening to the waves. Bring your camera.

How do I find the Woodwind?

We have our private mooring outside Divi Flamingo Beach Resort, which is our “base camp.” We do not belong to Divi, but naturally we have close relationship with the resort, and many of our guests are from Divi. But most of our guests come from other inns, resorts or hotels elsewhere on Bonaire. We'll pick you up anywhere with our bus or car and take you back home, at no extra cost. Just give us a call or let the front desk/activity center do it for you.

 

Top of Page