Diving in Main Island

The diving from Main Island is second to none for wreck diving in the Atlantic. Most site are within close proximity to the shore, meaning travel time is short and the shallow, calm and clear water means your dive time is long. What more could you ask for on your perfect diving holiday.

You'll find a good few dive centres scattered around Main Island, in Hamilton, Bailey's Bay and Castle Harbour for example, but with them being on opposite sides to the site you might want to visit, it's best to be sure the centre visits that site before agreeing to book with them. Drop us a line about which sites interest you and we will find the correct dive centre for you.

There's all sorts of sea life to find on the wrecks and reefs of Main Island. The area is known for its shallow diving, lots of reef fish, healthy corals and big schools of fish such as snapper and barracuda. Search in and around coral heads, pinnacles and small walls for crabs, lobster, flatworms and octopi, or out in the blue for groupers, margates, turtles, rays and other pelagic fish.

So if it's wrecks you want, it's wrecks you'll get. There are dozens off the coast of main island, some even so shallow that you can snorkel them. The largest of all the wrecks is the Cristobal Colan, a huge luxury liner that you can dive a few times to really get the most out of it. The Marie Celeste is a paddlewheel steamer with a great story behind it. You can still see the paddlewheel frames, anchor and boilers.

The North Carolina is great for seal life and getting a photograph of the 'dead eyes' is a must. The Pelinaion is a huge cargo ship, at 117m/385 foot long, she's very impressive and a great wreck dive. The Blanche King is a 4 masted sailing ship or you can search for artefacts in the sand around the Constellation. The most popular of the wrecks is The Hermes, which is only 50m/165ft long but it's in the best condition.

The reefs are also worth a look. The Cathedral is great for searching through the canyons for the massive tarpon that like to get right up close to you. The Southwest Breaker is great for photographers and macro life, The Aquarium is full of fish and colourful corals and the Three Sisters is another site worth checking out.

So there you have the best diving that Main Island has to offer. How many wrecks will you see on your diving adventures? We'd love to see your best wreck diving photos or comments about any diving you've done here.

(By Kelly Luckman)

Travel to Main Island

Main Island is funnily enough the main island of Bermuda and where most of the activity happens. There is only one city on the island, Hamilton, other than that you'll have to be happy with secluded bays, stunning pink sandy beaches and relaxed little beachside towns. It's a tough life on Bermuda!

The airport is actually on St David's Island but getting to Main Island is fairly easy. There are daily flights from many US cities and also from Canada, or you can fly from London Gatwick as well. You will need to catch a taxi from the airport as there is no car hire available on the island. This can cost a lot though so try to organise your transfer with your hotel. The public transport system is excellent for getting around, or hire a moped or motorised bicycle for something different. Hamilton is a popular port for cruise ships and yachts.

There is a mixture of accommodation available on Main Island, from beachfront villas, luxury spa resorts and hotels to the smaller guesthouses for a cheaper option. You might prefer a private home or apartment if you're staying a week or two, or all inclusive holidays are a favourite too.

For such a small area, the activities are abundant! Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Bermuda or just chill out on the beach and relax your holiday away. In the capital you can do the more 'city-like' activities such as museums and galleries, markets, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, the aquarium, Barr's Bay and Par-la-Ville Parks, City Hall and various cathedrals such as the Anglican Cathedral of The Most Holy Trinity and Cathedral of St. Theresa.

Or go further out and discover the real gems of Main Island such as Baily's Bay where you can visit the Crystal Caves, named so because of their spectacular stalagmites and stalactites, they were discovered 100 years ago by two 12 year old boys searching for a lost cricket ball. Blue Hole Park is full of caves, ponds and calabash trees, or take a stroll along the Railway Trail, from Baily's Bay to Coney Island for some fabulous ocean views.

Horseshoe Bay is another popular spot but can be rather touristy. Photographers will be in their element here and adventurers can explore the tunnels and sea caves. A lot of the beaches have pink sand and it's a lovely site, especially at sunset. Be sure to chill at a beach bar and sip on a local cocktail such as a Rum Swizzle or Dark n' Stormy.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo in Flatts Village is a great day out, or visit the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton, which is one of the oldest cast iron structures still standing on the planet. The views from the top are amazing, although the 180 stairs up can be a challenge. As you can see, Main Island is full of fun and adventure just waiting for you.

(By Kelly Luckman)