Just wondering. Thinking about a cruise to Burmuda in May or June; never been there before but heard positive things from friends. We love to snorkel and have done all of it in the Caribbean. How does it compare? How are the reefs? Is there free/ public acess anywhere? Also, how is the weather and ocean temps in general in May and June? Thanks for your help.
The best snorkeling in Bermuda will be out over 'n around the offshore barrier reef system. To get out the these areas you'll need to sign on with one of the local snorkeling excursion/tour operators.
FANTASEA--
http://www.fantasea.bm/snorkeling/
JESSE JAMES--
SNORKEL BERMUDA--
http://www.snorkelbermuda.com/
OR...to reach some of the near barrier reef areas off of Bermuda's western shore, rent a small (13'-17') outboard powered (30-35 hp) self-drive skiff--
H2O SPORTS BERMUDA--
http://www.h2osportsbermuda.com/
SOMERSET BRIDGE WATERSPORTS--
http://www.bdawatersports.com/
For the best snorkeling-from-the-beach, you can take a 'regular' #7--Dockyard-Via South Shore Beaches-Hamilton (NOT a '..Special') from the landward end of your king's/Heritage Wharf cruise ship pier, approx. 28-30 mins. to CHURCH BAY.
As an alternative, you could take an ORANGE--Dockyard-Saint George's route public ferry, from the ferry dock at the end of the pier to SAINT GEORGE'S...then either walk or take a taxi the 1/2 mile to TOBACCO BAY.
There are concessionaires at both CHURCH BAY and TOBACCO BAY that rent basic snorkeling gear.
Edited: 2:11 am, February 11, 2013Monthly CLIMATE DATA / OCEAN WATER TEMPS--
Thanks KDKSAIL for all the websites. FANTASEA- looks good with all it's options. We have our own snorkel gear including vests and I see Tobacco Bay got a lot of good reviews. Any other sights/ activities you'd recommend?
>>>...I see Tobacco Bay got a lot of good reviews...<<<
TOBACCO BAY is '..good..'--well sheltered, flat, calm water...very little to no swell and a great spot for those who've never snorkelled to learn and novices....CHURCH BAY is much better...but more 'open' with a some swell, depending on tide and sea state.
You'll only have three days in Bermuda so given that Bermuda's very best '..attraction..' is her magnificent south shore beaches....the choice should be a no-brainer.
Edited: 11:47 pm, February 11, 2013you can do it your self for less..great snorkeling there ..church bay reef'sare in close..great stuff
To tripbucky...I was born and raised in beautiful Bermuda and literally grew up on Church Bay beach as it was within walking distance of our house. As far as easy access (without having to go on a tour) Church Bay is probably your best bet. The reefs as so close to shore.. an easy swim for anyone. A lot of the beach has suffered from erosion in the past 15 years but if it is snorkeling that you are after, this is your best bet. My advise...take a few slices of bread with you in a zip lock bag. Once you swim out to the reef then dig a bit of bread out a little at a time and you will think you died and went to fish heaven. Take a camera and go on a sunny day when the seas are calm. If there is any swell or waves be careful around the reef.
If you have time, rent an ocean kayak in somerset and make your way to Morgan's Island. this is a government owned island that has a pretty little beach, an island to explore and lots of fish all around to see when snorkeling.
Good luck and enjoy!
>>>....http://www.bdawatersports.com/...<<<
MORGAN'S ISLAND (NOT to be confused with Morgan's Point) is part of the seaward boundary of ELY'S HARBOUR in Somerset (Somerset Bridge). You can rent kayaks as well as small, self-drive, outboard powered skiffs from--
SOMERSET BRIDGE WATERSPORTS--
http://www.bdawatersports.com/
Morgan's island will be a short paddle (approx. 3/4 mi.) across Ely's Harbour
Alternatively, you could rent glass-bottomed or all-glass kayaks from the Watersports Centre at POMPANO BEACH CLUB, located along Bermuda's south-western shore and paddle and snorkel along this stretch. This section of the south shore tends to be well-protected by the broad, offshore barrier reef system that 'curls around Bermuda from the west--
Watersports Centre-Pompano Beach Club--
www.pompanobeachclub.com/watersports.html
Pompano Beach Club also usually has a swim float or two anchored out from shore, closer to the reef.
