Saturday, December 21Sports. Travel. Events

A guide to diving in Bermuda

Bermuda is a diver’s paradise, offering crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life that will leave any underwater enthusiast in awe. The island is home to more than 300 shipwrecks, each narrating a tale of maritime history and adventure. The Cristóbal Colón, a Spanish luxury liner sunk in 1936, beckons advanced divers with its expansive wreckage and resident barracudas. This site, resting at depths between 15 to 55 feet, allows for an extensive exploration of the vessel’s remains, where schools of fish dart in and out of the twisted metal. Equally captivating is the Hermes, an intentionally sunk US Navy ship that now hosts colourful corals and a variety of fish. This 165-foot-long boat, sitting upright in 80 feet of water, is ideal for both intermediate and advanced divers and is home to angelfish, snapper, and the occasional reef shark.

For beginners, the shallow reefs around Tobacco Bay provide an excellent introduction to Bermuda’s underwater splendour, where vibrant coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional sea turtle. The reefs here are accessible from the shore, making it easy for novice divers and snorkelers to explore the vibrant underwater world. The coral formations at depths of just 10 to 20 feet offer a safe and mesmerising experience for those new to diving.

Local dive shops, such as Blue Water Divers & Watersports and Dive Bermuda at Grotto Bay, offer expert guides and top-notch equipment, ensuring every dive is both safe and unforgettable. Blue Water Divers, located in Somerset Village, provides a range of diving experiences, from wreck dives to night dives, catering to all skill levels. Dive Bermuda at Grotto Bay, situated on the island’s eastern end, is renowned for its comprehensive dive courses and guided tours of some of Bermuda’s most famous underwater sites. Both shops emphasise safety and personalised service, ensuring divers can focus on the breathtaking beauty around them.

Beyond the wrecks and reefs, Bermuda’s underwater world is rich with unique marine species and geological formations. The Cathedral, a beautiful underwater cave adorned with towering coral pillars and swarming with silversides, offers a truly otherworldly dive experience. Additionally, the Blue Hole, a marine sinkhole surrounded by coral walls, is a hidden gem teeming with diverse marine life, from curious groupers to elusive moray eels.

Bermuda’s underwater world, with its blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, promises an exceptional experience for divers of all levels. Whether travellers are a seasoned diver seeking the thrill of exploring historic shipwrecks or a beginner eager to discover the vibrant coral reefs, Bermuda offers a diving adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s wonders.

For more information see gotobermuda.com 

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