Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A LOOK UNDER BERMUDA'S
waters
The Ocean Discovery Centre
at the Ber-
muda Underwater Exploration Institute,
East Broadway (
&
441/292-7219;
www.
buei.org), hopes to give visitors an
underwater adventure. The highlight of
a visit is a simulated dive 3,600m
(12,000 ft.) to the bottom of the Atlan-
tic. Author Peter Benchley's videotaped
commentary adds to the fun of explor-
ing Bermuda's reefs. You'll learn about
newly discovered ocean animals that
live in the murky depths. Displays
include large murals of sea creatures,
6
artifacts rescued from long-sunken ves-
sels off the coast, and even a scale
model of a ship that wrecked centuries
ago. On-site facilities include gift shops,
a theater showing films, and La Coquille,
a French bistro that specializes, of
course, in seafood. Admission is $13. for
adults, $6 for children 6 to 17, free for
children 5 and under; hours are Monday
through Friday from 9am to 4:15pm,
Saturday and Sunday from 10am to
5pm. Bus: 1, 3, 7, or 8.
Die-hard snorkelers—some of whom visit Bermuda every year—prefer
Church
Bay
above all other snorkeling spots on Bermuda. It lies on the south shore, west of
the Fairmont Southampton Golf Club and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. The little cove,
which seems to be waiting for a movie camera, is carved out of coral cliffs. It's well
protected and filled with snug little nooks. Another advantage is that the reefs are
fairly close to land. But remember, the seas can be rough (as is true anywhere in
Bermuda); use caution.
At the eastern end of the south shore,
John Smith's Bay,
east of Spittal Pond
Nature Reserve and Watch Hill Park, is another top spot, especially if your hotel is
nearby. Even more convenient, especially for snorkelers staying at St. George or at a
hotel near the airport, is
Tobacco Bay,
north of St. George's Golf Club. Another
small but reliable snorkeling spot is
West Whale Bay;
it lies along the south shore
at the west end of Southampton, west of the Port Royal Golf Course.
Although snorkeling is a year-round pursuit, it's best from May to October. Snor-
kelers usually wear wet suits in winter, when the water temperature dips into the 60s.
The waters of the Atlantic, which can be tempestuous at any time of the year, can be
especially rough in winter.
Some of the best snorkeling sites are accessible only by boat. If you want to head
out on your own, and you have a knowledge of Bermuda's waters, we suggest renting
a small boat (see “Sailing,” under “More Fun in the Water,” later in this chapter),
some of which have glass bottoms. If you rent a boat, the rental company will advise
you on where to go and not to go. Countless wrecked boats lie on the many reefs that
surround Bermuda. If you're not familiar with Bermuda's waters, you should stay in
the sounds, harbors, and bays, especially in Castle Harbour and Harrington Sound.
If you want to visit the reefs, it's better and easier to contact one of the diving outfit-
ters recommended below than to captain your own boat. The use of snorkeling equip-
ment is included in the prices listed.
Jessie James Cruises
This outfitter operates some of the best snorkeling trips
on the islands, and novices are welcome (they're accompanied by a crew member in
shallow water). Some of the shipwrecks include the
Constellation
and the
Montana.
The most stunning snorkel trips take you to a spectacular coral reef and sea garden.
