With its colorful coral reefs, differentiated marine life, underwater caves and grottos, and hundreds of shipwrecks, Bermuda is the perfect place to dive in the ocean for an unforgettable adventure.
Bermuda is one of divers’ favorite places because of its extraordinary proximity to deep water. Indeed, it is possible to dive in and admire colorful fish within minutes of leaving the shoreline. However, some of the best dive sites require short boat trips, but the ride can be as short as 15 minutes.
1. Shipwreck diving
With more than 300 shipwrecks, Bermuda is one of the best destinations of the Atlantic to admire sunken galleons. This is why it is often known as “the Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic”.
In the past, galleons’ captains often underestimated the danger posed by coral reefs, and many vessels sunk close to Bermuda. Today, divers can explore a wide range of wrecks surrounding the island and spanning three centuries.
You can find shipwrecks basically anywhere in Bermuda. The best-preserved shipwrecks are in the eastern and northern part of Bermuda, and they are in depths of 12 to 25 meters (40 to 80 feet). If you are looking for older ships, check out the western side, where you’ll find galleons in shallow water (9 meters/30 feet).
Fewer than 40 of the 300-plus shipwrecks are named. A dozen of them is renowned for their ease of access, visual appeal, and interesting provenance. Some of the best include:
- Constellation: it is a 58 meters (192-foot) ship that sank during World War II while going to Venezuela. The author Peter Benchley based his novels “The Deep” around this wreck, which sank on the South Shore with a cargo of morphine and whisky.
- Mary Celestia: it is a 68 meters (225-foot) steamer that sank in 1864 off the South Shore. In 2011, intact wine bottles and perfumes were found on board of this ship.
- Cristobal Colon: it is a Spanish luxury liner and the biggest of Bermuda’s wrecks (500 feet long). The ship sank in 1936 close to the north shore reef.
- Iristo: it is a 76 meters (250-foot) Norwegian freighter that sank in 1937 off the north-eastern shore right in proximity of the coral reef. Its propeller and engine are still visible.
- North Carolina: it is a sailing ship built in Liverpool that sank in 1880 on the way to England. The ship sits upright off the West End and it is very photogenic.
- Pelinaion: it is a Greek cargo steamer that crashed on a reef off the East End during World War II.
2. Coral reefs
Bermuda can boast more than 517 km2 (200 square miles) of coral reefs populated by blue angelfish, parrotfish, lobsters and trumpetfish. Most of them are easily accessible from the South Shore. Make sure to bring an underwater case for your smartphone or an underwater camera… It’s really worth a picture!
The most spectacular and breathtaking dive spot is the so-called “Cathedral,” located off the East End near Gurnet Rock. The “Cathedral” is a huge underwater dome that includes tunnels and archways and is punctured by holes that filter sunlight.
If you are looking for an underwater thrilling activity, consider organizing a diving at night, maybe even with a full moon! Switch off your flashlight and watch bioluminescence make the sea glow in the stillness.
In any case and anywhere you dive, remember that snapping off a chunk of coral as a souvenir is prohibited, although the temptation might be high!
