Scuba diving holidays in Hamilton, Bermuda

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, the beautiful Bermuda archipelago comprises around 140 different islands surrounded by over 200 miles of coral reefs. If this wasn't enough to tempt you to book a scuba diving holiday in Bermuda, this small country is world renowned as the wreck-diving capital of the Atlantic. Over 300 wrecks lie scattered around the islands, offering plenty of underwater exploration for both new and experienced scuba divers.

Hamilton Parish, situated on the eastern side of the island chain, is a good base from which to explore some of Bermuda's best dive sites. The parish wraps around the scenic Harrington Sound, Bermuda's largest inland body of water, and is fringed by dramatic, sheer cliffs. This calm, saltwater bay is connected to the sea by a narrow inlet at Flatts village, and the water reaches depths of 80 feet in some places. There some excellent opportunities for divers here, who can explore a variety of underwater caves such as Green Bay Cave and Shark Hole Cave. There is also an abundance of fish and other marine life to be seen here.

There are a handful of PADI certified dive centres in Bermuda, and because the island chain is so small, the best dive sites are easily accessible. Canyons, swim-throughs, wreck dives and night dives are just some of the options available, depending on your level of experience. Beginners courses are available for novices, so you will be in the water as soon as the basics are covered. Advanced training and certification is also available for more experienced divers who want to improve their skills and explore more challenging diving areas.

One of the best scuba dive spots around Hamilton Parish is the Cathedral, aptly named because of its huge underwater dome, which is flooded with light from several "windows". Devil's Hole is another interesting dive site, as you will see many marine species often not found in the outer reefs because they prefer calm, sheltered conditions. This shallow site lies at depths of 10 feet and the surrounding area features numerous openings into the scenic underwater caves and caverns.

One of the most popular dive sites off the eastern end of the island is Flatts Bridge, which is suitable for all diving levels. This calm, shallow area features a beautiful reef structure adorned with corals and sea urchins, and is inhabited by an abundance of marine life.

As for wreck diving, some of the best in the area include The Kate, which sunk in 1878 after hitting a reef 22 miles northwest of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Today the vessel sits in 45 feet of water on a reef near Tucker's Town Beach. The boilers, engine, deck winches and propeller are still visible so there's plenty for divers to explore here.

The Cristobal Colon, Bermuda's largest shipwreck, is a diving site you should not miss it offers hours of exploration as the wreck of this Spanish trans-Atlantic luxury liner is scattered over 100,000 square feet. The vessel sunk after crashing into a coral reef in 1936, and today it is a haven for reef fish and groupers.