Despite Bermuda's pricey, elegant hotels and British manners, it's simply not a tropical dive destination, even for beginners. Reefs are thin and there's sparse fish life, although wreck divers can find dives to get excited about here.... From January to March, the average high is 68 degrees, the low around 58. Summers are balmy, waters chilly. Bermuda's in the hurricane zone, around the same latitude as Charleston, South Carolina....

Nautilus/Hamilton Princess, August 1997, John Foster, Waterford, CT. For anyone whose sense of history exceeds their need for exciting dives, Bermuda's wrecks are a must. No dive resorts per se in Bermuda, but luxury hotel are more than adequate compensation-and far more expensive. Dive sites require long boat rides and occasionally a bus/taxi ride to another part of the island to meet the dive boat. . . . Nautilus has its headquarters at the Southampton Princess, a small facility showing the lack of priority given to diving there. Rental equipment was old and worn but shorty suits were provided. Vis: 50-60 ft. Water: 83-84 degrees. Hermes was good penetration wreck for practicing rigging skills. Nancy W. was an efficient and patient teacher. (Ph: 011-441-295-9485, Fax: 011-441-234-5180)

Scuba Look, October 1997, Fred D., Quincy, MA. Dive staff tired but it was obvious they were new at it. Several minor glitches, but nothing that would ruin a dive. Dive boat roomy, designed for 20 divers, only had 10 on most dives. Boat had camera facilities but no water in the rinse tank. Reef diving fair, lots of small reef fish, a couple of morays. Water: 74-76 degrees. Vis: 50-100 ft. Diving the wrecks was a unique experience and worth the trip. . . . Scuba Look boat at Grotto Bay is in the best location to reach several wrecks. Rental equipment was available, night diving canceled all 3 nights due to lack of interest. However, a divemaster said he would give me a tank to do a shore night dive if I wanted. Saw moray and small octopus off hotel dock.

Scuba Look/Brotto Bay Hotel, June 1998, Dr. Michael Lennon, Groton, MA. Heard that Bermuda diving was poor but was pleasantly surprised. Dove two wreck. Visibility 50-60 ft and the reef and marine life was abundant. Boat was large, comfortable, and not crowded. Water: 72-78 degrees. . . . Entire staff was pleasant and helpful and we were only one day divers off a cruise ship. Divemaster was my son's age but knowledgeable and helpful leading the dives but allowed you to do your own thing.

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