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Water Sports: For The Wet Set
Water is the lifeblood of Bermuda, hugged on all sides by the Atlantic, and there are plenty of ways to get wet and go wild.
 Diving. More than 300 sunken ships — warships, schooners, frigates and freighters — make Bermuda the wreck-diving capital of the Atlantic. Bermuda also offers nearly 300 square miles of reefs, where divers meet black grouper, tarpon and other exotic locals. Check out Fantasea Bermuda and explore the depths of the Bermuda Triangle on a diving trip. (236-1300)
Helmet Diving provides a truly Bermudian experience. You don’t even have to swim, just breathe normally as you stroll the sandy sea bottom, communing with the friendly fish. Look for Hartley’s Under Sea Adventures. (234-3535)
The best months to dive here are May to October. Expect visibility from 70 to 100 feet, sometimes to 150 feet, and water temperatures up to 85 degrees F (29 C) in summer, below 64 degrees F (18 C) in winter.
Hartley's Under Sea Adventures
Tel: 234-3535 / 1-866-836-3989
E-mail: hartley@ibl.bm
Website: www.hartleybermuda.com
Helmet diving as a tourist attraction was started by Bronson Hartley, who built his first helmet in 1930 at age 10. Now his son, Gregory Hartley, continues the tradition of a family-run, personalised tour involving tame and trained fish with the undersea walk in Somerset. The classic Hartley helmet keeps your head dry, so glasses and contacts are fine, and your body gently pressed to the seabed, so you can walk and enjoy without knowing how to swim. No shoes or dive experience are needed to walk on the ocean floor - only eight to 10 feet deep - just a spirit of adventure. The fish come around, but do not harass visitors, because only Captain Hartley feeds them. See the ad on page 33 or visit the website for more info.
Fantasea Bermuda
5 Albouy's Point, Hamilton Dive & Watersports Centre, Pier 41 Marina, Royal Naval Dockyard
Tel: 236-1300
E-mail: info@fantasea.bm
Website: www.fantasea.bm
Splash into fun with Fantasea, Bermuda's No. 1 provider of recreational tours, diving, watersports and yacht charters. Whether looking for a leisurely experience or a true island adventure, it has the activity for you. Experience the luxury of a private yacht charter, explore the depths of the Bermuda Triangle on a diving or snorkelling trip, or enjoy one of the many scenic eco-tours by land or sea. Don't like schedules? Ease into island life at your own pace with the beachfront watersports centre at the ultra-casual 9 Beaches Resort. With over 20 years of experience, the largest selection of top-of-the-line equipment and the friendliest staff around, Fantasea has the resources to make your Bermuda vacation truly memorable.
Read more about shipwrecks of Bermuda and diving for treasure.
 Snorkelling. Sometimes the best things in life are (practically) free, like wading out from a public beach with nothing but a snorkel, mask and fins to enjoy Bermuda’s living coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Get to know Bermuda’s marine life by gliding through sea gardens and over shipwrecks, spying on frenzied fish and mysterious marine life. When the sun goes down, grab a lamp and catch the ones that only come out at night. Sometimes in some places, natural bioluminescence appears, an extraordinary display of light created by microscopic creatures in the water.
At the far tip of Royal Naval Dockyard, discover the exciting features of Snorkel Park Beach, with amenities, snorkel gear, paddleboats, kayaks, inflatable toys and a giant water slide. Snorkel with a digital camera over stunning coral (234-1200). Or head down to Tobacco Bay in St. George’s. The sheltered bay and nearby waters are a playground of colourful fish and coral. For snorkellers of all abilities. (297-2756)
To reach the outer reefs, look for tour boats departing from Royal Naval Dockyard, Southampton, Hamilton or St. George’s. Sometimes based at major resorts, tour operators may combine snorkelling with glass-bottom-boat tours, catamaran cruises or some deserted-beach time.
Another great spot is at Daniel’s Head Beach. Ease into island life at your own pace with the Beachfront Watersports Centre, located at the 9 Beaches Resort. (234-6989)
 Snorkel Park Beach
Next to the National Museum of Bermuda, Royal Naval Dockyard
Tel: 234-6989 (beach) /234-2100 (watersports)
E-mail: info@snorkelparkbeach.com
Website: www.snorkelparkbeach.com
Dockyard’s Snorkel Park Beach may offer the most watersport excitement and fun beach activities in Bermuda. Rent a Jet Ski for guided island tours. Kayak on turquoise waters or snorkel with a digital camera mask over stunning coral reefs, just feet from a sheltered beach. Kids love the giant water slide, fun floats and paddleboats. Join a game of beach volleyball or just chill, island style, with a bite to eat and cool refreshment as you watch the Bermudaful day go by.
Read more about Snorkel Park.
Tobacco Bay Concession
Tobacco Bay, St. George’s
Tel: 297-2756
No trip to St. George’s would be complete without a stop at the beautiful Tobacco Bay beach, surrounded on all sides by limestone cliffs and rocks carved by the wind and waves. The sheltered bay and nearby waters are a playground of colourful fish and coral for snorkellers of all abilities. On the beach, there are chairs, loungers, umbrellas and snorkel equipment available, as well as an inviting bar with tasty light meals and snacks.
Dolphin Swim. Fun for everybody — singles, couples, parents and children — is to reach out and touch the muscular bodies of Bermuda’s most adorable denizens. Dolphin Quest, part of the National Museum of Bermuda at Royal Naval Dockyard, introduces kids of all ages to its friendly dolphins. Participate in face-to-face encounters, either dockside or in the water, with these powerful yet gentle marine mammals. (234-4464)
Boating. Be your own captain and rent a motorboat, sailboat, Hobbie Cat, Sunfish, pedal boat or kayak. Imagine piloting your own 17-foot centre console to the island of your choosing, with a handful of friends, snorkelling gear, fishing poles, picnic lunch and nobody’s schedule but your own.
 Several agencies offer such adventures. Safety equipment is supplied, and reservations are required. Pay attention to weather reports and plan outings early in your stay; if the weather turns, you can reschedule.
You may also want to leave the driving to someone else. Your concierge can probably recommend a good charter boat, like the MV Venetian, a sumptuous 100-foot Azimut-Benetti yacht that doubles as a gourmet restaurant (295-3503). For breathtaking views of Bermuda’s shoreline while cruising in total luxury, also check out Lady Boats (236-0127, www.ladyboats.com). Invite a couple hundred of your closest friends, or keep it intimate with just you and your special someone. Lady Boats adds that special touch to all your tours.
Splash into fun with Fantasea. Whether you are looking for a leisurely experience on a recreational tour or a true island adventure on a private yacht, Fantasea has the activity for you! Explore the depths of the Triangle on a diving or snorkelling trip, or enjoy one of their many scenic eco-tours. Remember to reserve in advance. (236-1300)
In Bermuda, a “day at the races” means boats, and a uniquely local activity is the racing of fitted dinghies, small boats with large sails that can be difficult to operate but fun to watch. Crowds gather on alternate weekends in summer to cheer contestants. In June of even years, the highly prestigious Newport Bermuda Race — 635 miles of open ocean over several days — crosses the mighty Gulf Stream and a patch of Atlantic known for challenging weather. Not a race for the timid, around 180 yachts launch from Rhode Island in this test of seamanship, stamina and seaworthiness. Three to five days later, weary crews — composed mostly of friends, family members and other dedicated amateurs — finally call at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, in Hamilton, which co-manages the event with the Cruising Club of America. Trophies, including ones for best navigator, top family crew and others, are awarded in an elegant ceremony at Government House.
 Fishing. Major reefs deliver your best day of catching, not just fishing. Lucky for the anglers around here, these islands are surrounded by reefs.
To fish from shore, good spots are Spring Benny’s Bay, West Whale Bay and St. George’s Harbour. The farther out you go, the bigger the fish you catch, and blue-water anglers here go all out for blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish and dolphin (Coryphaena, not Flipper), especially in the summer.
Half-day group charters usually include bait, light tackle and a couple hours of line time over calm, productive spots. Many boats leave from Royal Naval Dockyard, Hamilton or St. George’s. Fishing is good all year and best from May to November.
The Bermuda Anglers Club, organised in 1938, has hosted an International Light Tackle Tournament each summer since 1961. The 45th annual was on June 6–13, 2010. For four days, teams angle for blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and blackfin tuna — no sharks (www.bermudaanglersclub.com). The tournament qualifies winners for the International Game Fish Association’s Offshore World Championship.
The biggest local fishing series is the Triple Crown, including three events in July — the Bermuda Billfish Blast, Bermuda Big Game Classic and Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament. They qualify participants for the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship. (www.bermudatriplecrown.com)
 Waterskiing. Bermuda’s protected harbours are great for waterskiing. Popular spots include Hamilton Harbour, Great Sound, Castle Harbour, Mangrove Bay, Spanish Point, Ferry Reach, Ely’s Harbour, Riddell’s Bay and Harrington Sound.
Jet Skiing. Take to the waves and experience an adventure of a lifetime while you splash and dash throughout Bermuda’s aqua-blue waters. Perfect for families and the solo rider who seeks fun and excitement in their vacation. Check out K.S. Watersports, located in Dockyard and St. George’s (238-4155 or 297-4155) and Snorkel Park Beach in Dockyard (234-1200).
Parasailing. If high-flying thrills and panoramic views are your thing, get on a parasail and let your troubles float away. As one of the most exciting ways to view Bermuda’s exquisite pink shorelines, parasailing offers a natural high for the thrillseeker in you. Call K.S. Watersports (Jet Ski & Parasailing Adventures, 238-4155 or 297-4155).
K.S. Watersports (Jet Ski & Parasailing Adventures)
6 Dockyard Terrace (in front of Bone Fish Bar & Grill),
Royal Naval Dockyard
Tel: 238-4155
8 King’s Square (at White Horse Pub),
St. George’s
Tel: 297-4155
E-mail: info@watersportsbermuda.com
Website: www.kswatersports.com
 Get ready to have the time of your life with K.S. Watersports, Bermuda’s No.1 watersports company for fun and excitement, offering Jet Ski rentals and parasailing out of Royal Naval Dockyard and St. George’s. Experience an adventure of a lifetime on one of the ultimate Jet Ski tours, where you splash and dash through Bermuda’s aqua-blue waters, passing many reefs, shipwrecks, forts and beautiful landmarks located around the eastern and western ends of the islands. Regular tours are 75 minutes long and perfect for families and solo riders who seek fun and excitement in their vacations. All ages are welcome, but you must be 16 or older to operate a Jet Ski. Instructions are provided for beginners.
Fancy something a little more daring and exciting? Then experience the high-flying thrill, panoramic views and pure excitement of parasailing in Bermuda, the best way to see the islands and all the beauty they have to offer. Soar over crystal-clear waters onboard the Thrill Seeker. The powerful winch boat allows you to take off and land without getting wet, unless of course, you request a dip. The professional crew assures you a safe and memorable experience. All ages are welcome, and no experience is required.
Whale Watching. Migrating humpback whales pass by Bermuda from November through April. Tour boats offer visitors a chance to spot these marine leviathans.
Read more about whale watching in Bermuda.
DID YOU KNOW? Bermuda's waters seem to be much bluer than other places because of the low levels of phytoplankton.
DID YOU KNOW? Bermuda waters are warm most of the year, but islanders have designated May 24 as the traditional "first swim of the year."
DID YOU KNOW? There are very few sharks in Bermuda's waters, so they are not something you are ever likely to encounter here. In other words, it is safe to go back in the water—as long as that water is off the coast of Bermuda!
Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!
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Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today!
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Relax, enjoy, save and see Bermuda by bus. A blue or pink pole indicates bus stops. If the pole is topped with blue, the bus travels from Hamilton; if the pole is topped pink, the route is toward Hamilton.
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 Dolphin Quest
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Touch, Swim and Play with Dolphins!
Dolphin Quest Bermuda at the Bermuda Maritime Museum offers year-round interactive encounters with magnificent bottlenose more... |
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Fantasea Bermuda Ltd.
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Splash into Fun!
Over 20 Years Experience and Top of the Line Equipment
For quality entertainment in, on, or under the water, look to Fantasea. Seasoned professionals offer a variety more... |
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Hartley's Under Sea Adventures
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If you like snorkelling, you'll love Hartleys Under Sea Adventures. If you can't swim you will love it even more!
Treat yourself to a truly unique Bermudian marine adventure. more... |
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Horseshoe Bay Beach and Park - Video
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Learn more about Bermuda's spectacular beaches, here. |
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Jobson's Cove Beach - Video
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Jobson's Cove. Another great photo opportunity! Next to Warwick Long Bay, the sheltered beach is good for snorkelling. You can spot fish in the clear water here, even without snorkel gear.
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John Smith's Beach - Video
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John Smith's Bay, close to Flatts Village and the Spittal Pond. This beach is pretty in pink. The bay was named for Captain John Smith, who never visited Bermuda but nonetheless drew a map of the more... |
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K.S. Watersports & Jet Ski Tours
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See our site
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Get ready to have the time of your life!
Experience an adventure of a lifetime on one of our ultimate parasail or jet ski adventures. Perfect for families and the solo ride who seeks fun more... |
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Snorkel Park Beach
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Snorkel Park Beach... The most fun on the beach in Bermuda!
All the exciting watersports and activities you want, in one fantastic beach front location! Rent Jet Ski's for more... |
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The West End
Royal Naval Dockyard
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A Royal Outing
Built by Royal decree to defend British superiority on the seas, the Royal Naval Dockyard is today a resplendent place of discovery.
Within the walls of this more... |
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Tobacco Bay
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Tobacco Bay... Bermuda's Friendliest Beach Facility
One of the region’s most popular and a favorite spot for snorkeling, this beach invites guests to explore offshore rocks that harbor more... |
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