Diving in Bermuda
As soon as man began sailing the sea, ships began to sink. And in
Bermuda, more than 1,000 have sunk during the last five centuries. This Atlantic island outpost has a coral barracade responsible for more wrecks than any other single destination in the Western Hemisphere. There are so many wrecks that in places they’re on top of each other. Even the first people that settled this island did so as a result of a shipwreck. The wrecks have resulted from storms, bad luck, treachery, war, or simply just bad navigation. Each wreck comes with a story, and there are so many of them off Bermuda that the reefs quite often get completely overlooked. An additional element to all these ships sinking off Bermuda is that the cargo the ships carried, also went down with the ship. This includes treasure, coins, gold, and the accoutrements of daily life; almost anything a ship could carry, including, once, an elephant’s tusk. There are many as yet undiscovered, but known, treasure wrecks. So, you also have a real chance of finding gold.
But, even if you don’t find gold, you will be able to explore history. You can dive wrecks from almost every era. The 236-foot paddlewheels steamer, the Montana, was a Civil War-era blockade-runner that sank in 1863 in 35-feet. Almost right next to it the 200-foot Constellation sunk in 1943 with whisky and drugs. Both have left scattered remnants all over the reef, including the dramatic ribs of the paddlewheel. The Pollockshields, and 323-foot cargo steamer, sunk in a storm off Elbow Beach in 1912. The 394-foot Rita Zovetta ran aground in 1924. There are great wrecks to explore off every quadrant of the island. Other favorites include, the Constellation, Marie Celeste, North Carolina, L’Herminie, Cristobal Colon, King Mitch, and the purposely sunk Hermes.
If you can tear yourself away from the diversity of wrecks, a couple of interesting reefs and diving are found at South West Breaker, which features swim-throughs, lots of seafans and schools of fish. Tarpon Hole is another top non-wreck dive, which is known for its healthy corals.
The water visibility and temperature vary widely in Bermuda. The water’s clearest in the winter months and can exceed 200-feet. But in summer, algae blooms can bring visibility down to 30-feet with a greener hue. The water’s warmer in summer, up to 85°F than winter at 68°F. Best time to dive Bermuda are the cusp months, which offer the best combination of clarity and temperature. Read about Bermuda’s dive sites.
Passport and/or Visa Requirements
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: All U.S. citizens are required to present a passport, and do not need to obtain a visa. EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All persons leaving the Bermuda, pay a Government Departure Tax of approximately USD $20 leaving by air.
Immunizations
Vaccinations are not required for entry into Bermuda. Check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at Health CDC Bermuda.
Culture and Customs
The idea of English civility took root and has proliferated on Bermuda. You’ll find tidy, cultivated gardens in almost every yard. High tea is popular and you can find a proper English tea at numerous locations around the island. The culture here is built upon civility, protocol and old-fashioned British customs of etiquette and decorum. There’s also the sailor-derived culture of tavern-life, as well and the Bermuda Rum Punch is the drink of choice. A unique arena of Bermuda culture is the traditional Bermuda cuisine. Fish is the staple ingredient and the island is famed for its fish chowder. Of course, sailing has a long tradition on this island, as well as fishing, both of which Bermudans excel.
Electricity, Telephone and Internet Access
Electricity in Bermuda is 110 volts, 60 cycles, so no adapter will be needed for US visitors.
The country code for Bermuda is 441 and direct dial service is fast and clear. Check with your service provider for long distance/roaming information and costs. Internet service is widely available at the larger hotels and resorts, and at Internet cafes.
Water Quality
Water quality is good throughout most of the island.
Language & Currency
English is the official language. The local currency is the Bermuda Dollar (BMD), which is exchanged 1 to 1 with the U.S. dollar.
History, Art, and Culture
Although discovered by Juan De Bermudez in 1505, no permanent settlers arrived until the Sea Venture was wrecked upon the reefs in 1609. Many of these first settlers, went on to Jamestown, Virginia to form a settlement there. There was not much land to establish agriculture in any significant way, the island being only 21 square miles, so the growth of Bermuda evolved around the maritime and shipbuilding industries. Bermuda also had a thriving salt trade in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The business Bermudians found most profitable was privateering, that is preying upon passing ships and looting them for their cargo. The Bermudian privateers were well known for their sailing prowess, and their equal opportunity plundering. This ended in about 1812, at the end of the American War of 1812, which began the period that Bermuda’s place in the ocean served the needs of the Royal and US Navies, until the tourism sector eventually took over in the 1930s, then really took off with the advent of jet travel. Read about current news and events in Bermuda here.
Check out Bermuda’s current specials.