Explore Bermuda’s Riveting Underwater World on a Wreck Dive

For those who relish the idea of a luxury holiday in top-notch Bermuda accommodation, but want something more from their holiday than just lying around on a beach, the island offers some of the best wreck diving in the world. Whether you want to explore former US Navy ships, paddle steamers, dredgers or a three storey luxury liner, the waters around Bermuda offer a plethora of diving opportunities.

Ironically, the same stunning reefs which make Bermuda a mecca for scuba divers from around the world have been the downfall of the large number of ships floundering off its shores. According to local figures, the Atlantic island actually has more shipwrecks per square kilometre than can be found off the coast of any other country

The National Museum of Bermuda

A great place to start your exploration of the depths around the British Overseas Territory is actually to be found on dry land, in the form of the National Museum of Bermuda. The 75,000 exhibits will give you a fascinating insight into the island’s maritime history, explaining its strategic importance in both local and trans-Atlantic travel.

Once you feel that you’re up to speed with the history of this sun-drenched isle, it’s time to dip below the waves and discover some of its hidden treasures. Here is a just a selection of some of the best wreck dives the area has to offer.

The Hermes

As anyone who has been wreck diving on a reef before will know, former ships transform into a wonderful habitat for the huge number of colourful marine life that live in the warm waters. The Hermes was actually sunk by the Bermudan authorities to create just such a reef environment.

Sunk to 23 metres, this former US Navy ship – built in 1943 – has become the perfect Bermuda accommodation for a range of fish including snapper, black grouper and barracuda. Sitting upright on the ocean floor, this 50-metre long ship can be explored, both inside and out, by curious divers and fish alike.

The Mary Celestia

The wreck of this paddle steamer is steeped in local history – it was a supply ship for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Sunk in 1864, she lies at around 17 metres, nestled in healthy local reefs which are well worth exploring. A short distance from the steamer itself, you’ll find one of the paddles which still survives, making a wonderful habitat for local sea life.

The Cristóbal Colón

Offering a very different diving experience is the vast three-storey cruise liner, the Cristóbal Colón. Sunk on the reefs around the North Shore in 1936, much of the original wreckage from the luxury liner has been salvaged but the vessel itself makes a fascinating site to explore. Spread over a large area of the ocean floor, this has become a habitat for a number of fascinating species.

Luxury Bermuda Accommodation

If you want your luxury wreck diving holiday to be close to the harbour – perfect for early morning starts – then you couldn’t do better than the elegant Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Set on the seafront, close to the shops and restaurants of Bermuda’s charming capital, the hotel offers fine dining and stunning ocean views.

Those looking for something a little more secluded and indulgent should try the Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa. When you’re not diving you can enjoy the very latest treatments in the state-of-the-art spa or relax on one of the resort’s four private beaches.

Author Plate

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury Bermuda accommodation, as well as holidays to Croatia, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.