Scuba diving holidays in Southampton, Bermuda

Wherever you stay in Bermuda, you won't be too far away from a host of world-class dive sites. Comprising around 140 different islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, this paradise archipelago is surrounded by over 200 miles of coral reefs, which are inhabited by a plethora of sea life, but one of the main attractions of diving in Bermuda is the fact that it is the wreck diving capital of the Atlantic.

Over 300 wrecks spanning four centuries lie scattered in these warm, clear waters, offering an exhilarating underwater playground for divers of all levels.

Southampton Parish, located in the south west of Bermuda, is an excellent base for a scuba diving holiday because a wide range of exciting dive sites are located close to the shores. There are numerous wrecks in the area, including the Marie Celeste, a confederate Gun Runner which hit reefs off Bermuda's south shore in 1864 before sinking. Ranging from depths of 15ft to 55ft, the reef has many swim-throughs, tunnels and caverns to explore, and the paddle, wheels and boilers are still intact.

Other wrecks to explore include North Carolina, a 205ft English iron barque which sank on New Year's Day in 1880 after hitting a reef, and now offers fantastic photographic opportunities, as well Minnie Breslauer, a 300ft English steamer which also sank New Year's Day, in 1873, after hitting a submerged reef close to the island's South Shore. The ship wreck is covered with dome corals, sea whips and sponges, and the propeller is decorated with black coral.

If you are looking for memorable reef dives, don't miss South West Breaker, the southern-most breaker reef in Bermuda. This famous site was one of the main locations for Peter Benchley's novel "The Deep", which was later made into a film. With an average depth of just 28feet, this site provides an excellent shallow dive for both novices and experienced scuba divers. All sorts of marine life reside here, but glassy eye sweepers, large snappers, groupers and barracuda are abundant.

Tarpon Hole, which hosts large congregation of Tarpons and features numerous caves, tunnels and overhangs formed by a series of large reefs, is also well worth exploring. Hangover Hole, named so because of the large number of overhangs and holes along the reef structure, also comprises a maze of tunnels, arches and swim-throughs, which is great fun for divers.

PADI certified dive centres in Bermuda can introduce you to sites suitable for your level, of which are easily accessible. Courses for beginners are available for novices, so you can enter the water once the basics are covered, whilst advanced training and certification is available for more experienced divers who want to improve their diving skills and take on new challenges. Whatever your level of experience, a scuba diving holiday in Bermuda will certainly be unforgettable.