www.diveinbermuda.com WrECk of THE Montana
AS SEEN IN SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
a guide to your
bermuda dive adventures
k
flamingo tongue
of the storm-stalled settlers took one look at the soft, pink-sand beaches, crystalclear blue water, idyllic bays and perfect
Known in its early days as the “Island of
climate, and decided that this was the place
Devils” because of its treacherous reefs,
for them. The island nation’s famous culture
Bermuda has been both an island haven
of genteel British civility took root at that
and, for sailors, a place of danger since
moment.
man first began exploring this corner
port hole on the cristobal colon
B E R M U D A FA C T S
AS SEEN IN SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
of the globe. In 1503, Spaniard Juan de
Bermúdez stopped by this uninhabited
wreck Mecca that lures divers — and it’s
But it’s Bermuda’s reputation as a ship-
21-square-mile island outpost, left his
a big lure that grows each year. Located
name and continued onward. It wasn’t until
only 650 miles off Cape Hattaras, North
1609 — when a group of English settlers
Carolina, Bermuda has more than 300
aboard a ship called the Sea Venture were
shipwrecks strewn like a fairy ring around
heading to the New World when, quite
the island. These wrecks represent more
appropriately, they were shipwrecked on
than 400 years of man’s history at sea and
Bermuda’s reefs by a hurricane — that any-
the importance of this seafaring island
one decided to stay permanently. A few
nation that sits at a crossroads in the
www.diveinbermuda.com
unfinished church in historic st. george
the cavern entrance in Tom moore's jungle UNDERWATER VISIBILITY
WATER TEMPERATURE AND COLOR 0˚C 10˚C
20˚C
30˚C
40˚F 50˚F 60˚F 70˚F 80˚F
0
50ft
100ft
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
150ft 200ft
school of jacks
mystery — the wonderful tales that add human drama to each and every dive.
Dive operators of Bermuda have also
developed the world’s only shipwreck cer-
spiny lobster
warm waters of the Gulf Stream. You’ll find
tificate program that includes 22 of the
everything from paddle-wheel steamers,
most popular wrecks, such as the 60-gun
blockade busters and ferryboats to ships
French frigate L'Herminie, sunk in 1838; the
from the U.S. Civil War, World War I and
230-foot paddle-wheel steamer and Civil
World War II, as well as modern ships, and
War blockade runner the Montana, sunk
more famously, treasure ships. In fact, it
in 1863; the ghostly 235-foot iron-hulled
has been said that to truly experience
English barque the North Carolina, sunk
Bermuda’s entire human history, all you
in 1880; and the 385-foot cargo steamer
need to do is look to the ships that have
the Pelinaion, sunk in 1940 after striking
wrecked on its natural defensive coral
the reef, her captain unaware that the St.
perimeter. You’ll find stories of treach-
David’s Lighthouse had been extinguished
ery, heroism, treason, Spanish gold and
because of WWII. After you dive the wreck,
✠ Our island is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. ✠ Our time zone is Greenwich Mean Time minus 4 hours, or one hour ahead of New York City. photo credits – cover & left page: Alan marquardt; this page clockwise from top: ty sawyer (2), alan marquardt (2)
getting there Direct flights to Bermuda take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours from most gateway cities on the North American eastern seaboard, and less than 7 hours when flying from London.
you get to take home a parchment certifi-
He has personally discovered and docu-
cate with all the pertinent information on
mented more than 100 shipwrecks off
the wreck, complete with your Bermuda
Bermuda, and many of the artifacts he’s dis-
divemaster’s signature. And as if Bermuda
covered are on display at the Bermuda
doesn’t have enough great natural ship-
underwater Exploration Institute and
wrecks, the island’s marine operators are
the Bermuda Maritime Museum, includ-
sinking more wrecks as artificial reefs,
ing the mysterious gold and emerald
including the Sea Venture, a decom-
“Tucker Cross” he found in 1955 in the
missioned island ferry, which was sunk
treasure ship San Pedro. It has been said
in 2007.
that the reefs and sand off Bermuda still
Because the wrecks can be found off
hide plenty of treasure. So keep an eye out
all quadrants of the island, to experience
for a glint of lost gold while you’re explor-
the full spectrum, it’s best to dive with
ing the shipwrecks.
several dive operators, as each of them
Bermuda is more than just shipwrecks
specialize in the unique wrecks closest to
which have been running into the protec-
their shop.
tive reef barrier that surrounds this island
of course, one of the most famous
nation. Despite the ships that have wrecked
wreck divers and treasure hunters in the
on this sharp spine of the reef, marine
world, Teddy Tucker, resides in Bermuda.
environmental study groups have recently
shipwreck certificates Dive our best wrecks and you’ll earn our Bermuda Shipwreck Certificates — mementos of your diving experiences. Select Ber muda dive operators, in cooperation with the Bermuda Department of Tourism, are offering – absolutely free – a set of 22 artistically designed certificates printed on parchment paper, suitable for framing. Each certifi cate documents your dive and provides a brief history of the wreck.
B e r m u d a
S h i p w r e c k
c e r t i f i c a t e
This official Bermuda document certifies that on the date of _______________________ Bermuda visitor _________________________ successfully dived and explored
Sea Venture
The Sea Venture is an extremely popular wreck dive because this government ferry is fully intact and easily reached even on windy or choppy days. Named after the ship that brought the first colonists to Bermuda, she was put into service in 1985, carrying passengers across the Great Sound. In 2007, Sea Venture was placed on a 60-foot sandy bottom near the inshore reef in Eastern Blue Cut by the Bermuda Intact Wreck Initiative—a coalition of divers and dive operators committed to keeping Bermuda the shipwreck-diving capital of the world. The ship is 75 feet long with a 21-foot beam, once drew six feet of water and now rises to within 30 feet of the surface. An exceptionally picturesque dive, she is four levels tall with lots of stairs, cabins and several dives’ worth of interesting places to explore—more than any other wreck in Bermudian waters.
Sea Venture
@
Somerset
St. George Hamilton
Bermuda Dive Operator
Bermuda Dive Master
DISCovErINg THE HErMES
B E R M U D A FA C T S
AS SEEN IN SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
www.diveinbermuda.com named Bermuda’s reefs as one of the most pristine reef systems in the region. This is due largely to the foresight of Bermuda’s early leaders to establish the reef system as a protected marine park.They’ve been designated as an ecosystem that could help replenish other reefs in the region. If you can tear yourself away from the mysterious and intriguing drama of the islands’ famous shipwrecks, you’ll find reefs, caverns and swim-throughs of singular and unique beauty. You’ll see miniwalls thick with sea fans and sea rods and seemingly a big grouper under each and every ledge. And if you’re in to cave diving, you’ll find
whale watching Springtime brings flowers, warm breezes and during the months of March and April, humpback whales. These incredible marine mammals pass through Bermuda’s waters on their way north to their Arctic feeding grounds. Seeing these massive creatures breach is an awe-inspiring sight. And, of course, watching their tales lift slowly from the water as they sound is a must have see humpback whales in march and april photo. Even better, there are glass bottom boat excursions to view the whales in their natural environment.
some amazing caverns on the island too.
grouper spawning
One of the best aspects of Bermuda’s diving, both wrecks and reef, is that most are found in less than 60 feet of water, allowing for long, leisurely explorations.
And, when you’re between dives
Bermuda’s culture and diversity will overwhelm you. This highly manicured island has some incredible gardens and 13 forts to explore, including the Royal Naval Dockyard and the historic town of St. George, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, no visit to Bermuda would be complete without a day spent on the sand at one of the famed pink-
Once Black Grouper (locally called Black Rockfish) filled the waters off Bermuda, and now thanks to forward-minded conservation programs (the Bermuda Biodiversity Project) and pro-active local involvement at the dive shop level, they’re coming back. And in a big way. Between May and October hundreds of black grouper fill the water column in, around and above the reefs and fill the water with more and more love each year.
amorous black grouper
sand beaches, followed by traditional afternoon tea, and then good conversation, a Rum Swizzle and fish chowder at a local tavern. At the end of the day, you’ll
secret spots
be able to settle in at a wide variety of
For beaches, the most picturesque pink sand beach (of the many for which Bermuda is famous) is at John Smith’s Bay. It’s a great spot for a quiet, romantic seaside escape. Also, check out the glass beach at Alexander Battery. Underwater, each and every dive center has it’s own, carefully guarded, list of coordinates. So, swear yourself to secrecy and enjoy even more of Bermuda’s extraordinary diving.
accommodations, from local B&Bs and cottage colonies to guest houses and resort hotels. With so much history, natural and cultural heritage, a lifetime’s worth of undersea discovery, as well as the close proximity to the East Coast, Bermuda is the perfect dive and travel escape.
find your own private cove
✠ All U.S. citizens returning to the United States will need a valid U.S. Passport when traveling from Bermuda. ✠ All of Bermuda fits in a cosy 20.7 square miles with 75 miles of dramatic coastline. photo credits – left page: Alan marquardt; this page from top: andrew stevenson, alan marquardt, ty sawyer
Bermuda Shipwrecks Blanche King
The Kate
Mary Celestia
Pollockshields
Caraquet
A 200-foot Brigantine rigged, English-built iron steamer, she was en route to Le Havre, France when she struck a reef in 1878. Today she sits in 45 feet of water, with her boilers, engine, propeller shaft and deck winches still visible.
Built in England, this 225-foot side-paddlewheel steamer served as a Confederate blockade runner during America’s Civil War. It hit the reef and sank in 1864 and now rests in 55 feet of water with one of its coral-encrusted paddlewheels standing upright.
This 323-foot British supply ship was carrying ammunition from Wales to Bermuda to support the garrison when it ran into the reef in 1915. Its wreckage sits in 15-30 feet and includes two boilers, an enormous engine and large propeller.
A 192-foot classic American wooden schooner launched in 1887 and ran into the reef in 1920. Wreck includes bronze spikes, anchor winch, mast rigging and deadeyes.
A 350-foot British mail-and-passenger steamer hit the reef in 1923 and now sits in 30 feet of water. Wreckage includes the ship’s anchor attached to the colossal anchor winch, massive boilers, a steam engine and steel masts.
Constellation This four-masted-wooden-hulled, 192-foot American schooner served as a cargo vessel in World War II. It fell victim to the reef in 1943 and sank in 30 feet of water with cement sacks, 700 cases of Scotch whisky and thousands of glass ampules.
Cristobal Colon At 499 feet, this Spanish trans-Atlantic luxury liner, Bermuda’s largest shipwreck, went down in 1936. Resting in 20-55 feet of water, hundreds of relics remain including boilers, steam turbines and propellers.
Darlington This 286-foot steel-hulled freighter made a navigational error and sank in 1881 en route from New Orleans to Bremen. It lies in 20-35 feet of water. Steam boilers, propeller shaft and deck winches highlight the dive.
Hermes
King George (The Dredger) 171-foot, 338-ton dredger built in 1910 in Glasgow, and arrived in Bermuda in 1911. Worked as a dredger in Bermuda until replaced by newer technology in 1930 and then scuttled 5 miles inside North Rock, resting in 60 feet of water.
Montana
A 236-foot side-paddlewheel steamer, this Civil War blockade runner sank in 1863. It is encrusted with soft and hard corals and lies in 30 feet with its boilers and paddlewheel intact.
L’Herminie
North Carolina
This French 60-gun three-masted wooden-hulled warship was returning home after battle in Mexico and crashed into the reef in 1838. Dozens of giant 9-foot-long cannons remain scattered on the ocean floor in 25-30 feet of water.
This 205-foot English iron-hulled barque struck the reef in 1880 on New Year’s Day. It sits upright in 2540 feet of water with its bowsprit, sail rigging and deadeyes in place.
Madiana
When it sank in 1940, this 385-foot steel-hulled freighter was travelling from West Africa to Baltimore carrying iron ore. In 55 feet of water, its giant boiler and engine stand upright and come within 10 feet of the surface.
This 345-foot steel hulled passenger ship operating under the Canadian flag ran aground in 1903 while making a planned stop in Bermuda. She lies in 25-30 feet of water southwest of North Rock.
Pelinaion
Rita Zovetta A 1924 hurricane brought this 360foot Italian cargo ship to rest in 2070 feet of water. This huge ship is semipenetrable.
Sea Venture Named after the ship that brought the first colonists to Bermuda, this passenger ship was placed on a 60-foot sandy bottom near the inshore reef in Eastern Blue Cut in 2007. She is 75-feet long with a 21-foot beam, four levels tall, and rises to within 30 feet of the surface.
Taunton This 228-foot Danish steamer was en route from Norfolk, Virginia, with her cargo of coal and ran into the reef and sank in 1920. In 1040 feet of water are its bow, tripleexpansion engine and boilers.
Xing Da The U.S. Coast Guard seized this 221-foot Cantonese freighter in 1996 while attempting to smuggle 83 Chinese nationals into the U.S. It was sunk in 1997 as an artificial reef. The wreck is home to larger species of marine life.
Cristobal Colon Madiana Caraquet Xing Da Sea Venture
N E
W
This 250-foot Norwegian freighter followed the Cristobol Colon onto the reef in 1937. It now sits in 50 feet of water with its stearn 20 feet below the surface.
This 300-foot steel-hulled English freighter was on its maiden voyage from Portugal to New York with a cargo of wine, dried fruit and cork when it sank in 1873. Resting in 3570 feet of water, its remains include the ship’s propeller, steam boilers and wheelhouse.
Lartington
A 245-foot steel freighter travelling from Savannah, Georgia to Russia with a cargo of cotton sank in a storm in 1879. It rests in 15-35 feet of water with boilers, bow and stern and propeller still visible.
Built in 1943, this former U.S. Navy buoy tender was sunk as an artificial reef in 1984. Fully intact, it sits upright in the sand at 80 feet with its mast, wheelhouse, cargo hold and deck winch available for exploration.
Iristo (Aristo)
Minnie Breslauer
Montana
S
L’Herminie
King George (The Dredger) Lartington Constellation
L. F. Wade International Airport
Flatts Royal Naval Village Dockyard City of Somerset Hamilton Village
Darlington
Taunton Iristo
Town of St. George Rita Zovetta Pelinaion
The Kate
Pollockshields
Blanche King
Hermes
North Carolina Mary Celestia
Minnie Breslauer
AS SEEN IN SPORT DIVER MAGAZINE
N E
W S
www.diveinbermuda.com Triangle Diving at Grotto Bay Beach Resort
Caradonna Dive Adventures Dive the Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic. Collect all 22 Shipwreck Certificates. Explore historical villages and museums. Discover the coastlines of pink sand beaches. Luxuriate and dine in stunning resorts
Just 90 minutes from New York, Triangle Diving in Bermuda offers world-class diving. It is the only 5-Star Gold Palm PADI dive shop on the eastern side of the island. Easy access to the largest shipwrecks including the King George, the largest fully intact shipwreck in Bermuda. Triangle Diving caters to all your diving needs from retail sales to all levels of higher education up to assistant instructor. Triangle Diving has built a reputation for diverse dive sites and friendly service. We are located at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. Come down and dive into the fun.
5 nights from just $859! Includes accommodation, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives, roundtrip airport transfers and taxes Packages are subject to availability. CSOT # 2063948-40 & Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST36173.
441-293-7319 info@trianglediving.com www.trianglediving.com 800-582-3190 lsimons@grottobay.com www.grottobay.com
800-328-2288 sales@caradonna.com www.caradonna.com
For more information on Bermuda diving and a complete listing of dive operators please visit www.diveinbermuda.com
what to do
calendar highlights
November 2009 World Rugby Classic Gosling's Invitational Golf (for Men)
May 2010 Bermuda End to End (charity walk) Bermuda Day holiday
December 2009 Goodwill Golf Tournament Christmas Boat Parade St. George's New Year's Eve Celebrations
June 2010 Newport Bermuda (ocean yacht race) Bermuda Fly Fishing Invitational Queen's Birthday Parade
January 2010 Bermuda International Race Weekend (road races) Bermuda Regional Bridge
JuLY 2010 Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship Cup Match Cricket Festival
February 2010 Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts Bermuda International Love Festival
August 2010 Bermuda International Sand Sculpture Competition Glow Worm Cruises
March 2010 Bermuda International Film Festival Evening of Jazz Concert
September 2010 King of the Rock Lacrosse Marine Science Open House
April 2010 Bermuda International Race Week (sailing) Peppercorn Ceremony
October 2010 Argo Gold Cup (yacht match racing) PGA Grand Slam of Golf
www.diveinbermuda.com
Bermuda Bermuda Department of Tourism Global House, 43 Church Street Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda Tel: 441 292 0023
North America Tel: 1 212 818 9800 or 1 800 223 6106 (US/CDA) E-mail: travel@bermudatourism.com
Europe Tel: (0) 800 883 0857 E-mail: ukEurope@bermudatourism.com
For more information, additional brochures or to book a Bermuda vacation you are welcome to visit or call: www.bermudatourism.com 1.800.bermuda (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST)
SD/10.09/AP 10M/1022 Printed in the U.S.A.
This material is distributed by the Bermuda Department of Tourism on behalf of the Bermuda Government. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.