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Bermuda Snorkeling
Which are the top places?
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Bermuda snorkeling is just uniquely perfect. Why? You get crystal clear waters of the Atlantic, stunningly beautiful coral reefs, numerous shipwrecks in shallow waters, submerged caves and breathtakingly beautiful marine life. You can't ask for more.
Snorkeling in Bermuda can be done year-round. During November to March, the water temperature can dip close to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. So you may want to wear a wet suit if you're going to be snorkeling in Bermuda waters for a long time.
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During our many vacations in Bermuda, we have explored practically every beach and water areas around this 21 square mile island to figure out the top Bermuda snorkeling spots.
So what can you see there? Some of the common fish include the blue parrotfish, four-eyed butterfly fish, the wrasse, sergeant majors and many others that glide around the beautiful corals and sea fans. If you are lucky, you can also spot moray eels, octopus, sea puddings, urchins and more. Check out Bermuda's Fish to know about the different kinds of fish that you can see in Bermuda waters.
If you take a snorkeling cruise and go offshore deeper into the water, you will see far wider range of marine life, Coral Reefs and even amazing shipwrecks.
Note that reef corals get badly damaged (bleached) as they come in contact with UV sunscreen lotions that are used to protect skin from sun burns. This has been observed through a study by European Commission. Snorkelers are therefore encouraged not to use sunscreen lotions.
OK, let's first look at the top beachside Bermuda snorkeling areas.
Here are our favorite Bermuda snorkeling beaches:
Tobacco Bay Beach is a great snorkeling beach in Bermuda. It's tucked in a cove near historic St. Catherine's fort. Tobacco Bay offers wonderful snorkeling, public facilities, and equipment rentals, and there's a snack bar near the shore. This site is the most popular snorkeling area in St. George.
Church Bay has always been one of our most favorite snorkeling beaches in Bermuda. It’s a small little cove formed by coral cliffs in Southampton, at the western end of the south-shore beaches.
Warwick Long Bay This half a mile long stretch of pink sandy beach in Warwick parish is usually secluded and quiet, and marked by two huge boulders offshore at the western tip of the beach.
John Smith's Bay is a wide stretch of pale pink sand with crystal clear water just off South road in Smith’s parish. This has remained as one of our very favorites since the beginning.
Snorkel Park is at the Royal Naval Dockyard in the western end of Bermuda. This is an excellent snorkeling area for both kids and adults.
Our favorite Offshore Bermuda Snorkeling areas
So, those were our top experience with Bermuda snorkeling from the beachside. But just hold on! The best is still to come. While beachside snorkeling in Bermuda can be a great experience, offshore Bermuda snorkeling will simply blow your mind off. Some of the best snorkeling spots in Bermuda can only be reached by boat.
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If you get a chance to snorkel in a place like Western Blue cut, it will take your breath away. There are three shipwrecks within swimming distance of each other.
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The water visibility is almost like air so you feel like you are flying! However, to get to these spots you need to take a snorkeling boat tour.
You can rent your own boat if you are comfortable with your sailing skills. But navigating the Bermuda waters so full of reefs, is not easy. You may be aware of so many ships and boats that have been wrecked off the reefs around Bermuda.
If you must sail on your own, I haven’t tried this though, it is better to stay near protected areas such as the Great Sound, bays, and harbors, or just let someone else captain your boat. I would suggest that you get an ocean-navigation chart from the boat operator. These charts point out shallow waters, rocks, and hidden reefs.
If you are looking for complete privacy and freedom of movement while exploring various offshore snorkeling areas, you also have the option to charter a boat along with an experienced captain. But the cost can be considerable. It can be to the tune of $650 a day for a party of 15. If this is what you are looking for, check out my section on Bermuda Boat Charters to know about our favorite charter cruises and the ones that are best for offshore snorkeling.
By comparison, half a day of snorkeling on a regular Bermuda snorkeling cruise that carry up to 40 passengers generally costs $45 to $65 per person, including snorkeling equipment and instruction. Guides on such tours often narrate interesting historical and ecological information about the island.
You can cruise on smaller boats, which carry only about 10 to 16 passengers, for a more intimate experience on the water. These smaller boat operators offer trips that are more focused on the Bermuda snorkeling sites and activities.
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Some of the best Coral Reefs and shallow water wrecks can be seen to the west. But the final destination of the boat really depends on the day’s tide, weather, and water conditions.
On the way the captain usually shares a lot of knowledge. For example, the Angel fish apparently behave like angels as they sometimes mate for life. Or, the 4-eyed butterfly fish actually has two eyes, and some Jelly fishes can sting.
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Here are our favorite Bermuda snorkeling cruise operators
This boat tour is really meant for sheer snorkeling
enjoyment. You will pass by some lovely coastline on the way.
With instructions on Bermuda's marine life and guided
snorkeling trip, plus fresh cookies on board, it's hard to resist
this excellent outfitter.
After a while, you will find yourself moored in a magical deep blue
oasis, bordered by fringe reef on nearly all sides.
Operates a snorkeling boat with a Looking Glass from Grotto Bay
Reef Explorer is one of the largest boats in Bermuda that offers snorkel, glass bottom and night time tours with a capacity of 150 passengers.
Bermuda Snorkeling Equipment and Gear Rentals
There are a number of places where you can get the gears and equipment for snorkeling in Bermuda. If you are availing a snorkeling cruise, the operator itself is likely to provide the snorkeling equipment on rent or the gears might be part of the cruise package itself.
If you want to rent the snorkeling gears on your own, here are all the best options for snorkel equipment rentals in Bermuda: Bermuda Snorkeling Equipment
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Visitors' Reviews & Comments
Snorkeling beaches in Bermuda for novices: After reading through this website, Geri was excited to try snorkeling in Bermuda. But he is not a confident swimmer and wanted to know the best Bermuda beaches for novice snorkelers.
Clark Howell recollects his family's great experience of a sailing and snorkeling tour by one of the best catamarans in Bermuda.
Here is a visitor's experience of a snorkel tour in Bermuda by Fantasea Boat Tours.
An experience and review of Jessie James snorkeling tour in Bermuda, by a visitor.
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