Hartley’s Underwater Wonderland, 441-234-2861, at Flatts Village opposite the Aquarium, is your Bermuda Helmet Diving rescource; it's also Bermuda's most unusual adventures. Reminiscent of the undersea walk depicted in the movie 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, the Bermuda Helmet Diving three-hour cruise is sure to be one of the highlights of any vacation.
You’ll
leave Flatts Village aboard the Carioca, a
50-foot diesel-powered vessel complete
with hot shower, Captain Bronson
Hartley and a crew of two, and head out
to the reef. There, you’ll don your helmet
– yes, you can keep your glasses on and
you won’t even get your head wet – and
descend a ladder to the ocean floor, a
depth of 10 to 15 feet. You'll walk the
sandy bottom for 30 minutes or so and
see the colorful coral formations and hundreds of multicolored
fish waiting for handouts. No matter what your age,
from five to 85, if you can negotiate the ladder, you can enjoy
the wonders of the undersea world, and you don’t even have
to be able to swim. The entire experience is like a walk in a
garden.
Is it safe? You bet. Bronson Hartley is highly experienced. As a young man, he dove with Charles Beebe (see pages 112). Hartley’s Reef Safari, 441-234-2861, www.hartleybermuda.com, at Watford Bridge in Somerset, offers a similar experience and is operated by Bronson’s son, Greg Hartley. The cost of a dive at either location is $40; just bring your swimsuit and a towel. Hot chocolate is provided when the water temperature is below 80°. Wetsuits are available during the winter months.
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