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Diving in BermudaWhat Makes Bermuda the Best Place to go for a Diving Vacation?The ocean waters around Bermuda are known for the multitude of wrecks that have accumulated over the centuries, beginning with the very first known wreck, in 1609, which led to the colonization of Bermuda. There wrecks around Bermuda make it a wreck-diver's dream, with the variety of depths and environments.
The less-known fact about Bermuda's waters is that they are not only full of wrecks, but also full of living coral reef. Seems obvious, right, since ships often seem to wreck themselves on the reef. Not always so, since there are other geologic structures that can make waters around an island treacherous, such as the fact that the island is an old sunken volcano. That would give a ship plenty of structure to wreck itself upon. Also, it's not so obvious that there would be reef around Bermuda, since it's located in a northerly spot, well north of the Caribbean and the Florida Keys, also known for living coral reefs. The shallow water and warm currents combine to provide a very robust coral reef system around Bermuda, which is reason number two why Bermuda is a diver's dream vacation destination. Helmet DivingHelmet Diving is perfect for non-swimmers, those wearing glasses and family safe for divers aged 5 years and older. Participants go out in a boat to the dive site and climb down a ladder on arrival until the water is at shoulder height. At this position a helmet with clear glass plates is placed over their head resting on the diver's shoulders, then they continuing climbing down around 10 feet below the surface, until they are standing on the ocean floor.There are two operations that can take you helmet diving, from April to November. They have showers on the boat and will give wetsuits if the water is at all cooler. They are:
When to Go and How to Sign UpMay to October is the best time to dive because the water will be warmer. Warmer meaning almost bath-water temperature...75°F to 86°F! This is ideal, but you can also dive any other time of the year because the five major dive operations in Bermuda (yes, count'em five) are open year-round, except for a couple of weeks in January or February so call ahead. From November to April the water temperatures will be noticable cooler...65°F to 71°F, at least ten degrees cooler. You'll need to rent or bring your own wet suit, for sure. Some divers prefer the off-season, however, because the visibility will be better, up to 200 feet! The five Dive Centers to check out are:
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