With average water temperatures of 73°F and visibility over 80 feet, Bermuda is a prime snorkeling destination year-round. The island is speckled with snorkeling locations, ranging from easy shallow waters to shipwrecks.
As local guides, the team at Bermudaful Island Tours know all about where to go snorkeling in Bermuda. Thanks to the diversity of snorkeling spots here, it’s ideal for seasoned divers and young families alike.
Keep reading to learn more about the best snorkeling spots in Bermuda, or feel free to get in touch with us regarding our Bermuda Island tours.
Snorkeling in Church Bay
Church Bay is one of the most renowned areas for snorkeling in Bermuda. Located in Southampton Parish, this bay is brimming with parrotfish, angelfish, and wrasse. You can easily step from the shore and find reefs nearby, making this an easily accessible location. On a calm day, you can swim to the boiler reefs for some stunning sights.
You don’t have to go far to find snorkeling equipment here either, as there is a rental stand nearby.
Snorkel Park Beach
Located next to the Keep Fort, Snorkel Park Beach offers one of the most unique snorkeling sites in Bermuda. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, where you can encounter sea turtles, coral reefs, and even underwater cannons!
This well-equipped beach club, with lounge chairs and umbrellas, allows you to rent a mask and snorkel for 2 hours. After working up an appetite, you can indulge in a meal and drinks at the beachfront restaurant.
Tobacco Bay Beach snorkeling
If you’re looking to see marine life, Tobacco Bay Beach is the place to go. Surrounded by rock formations, you’ll experience calm snorkeling conditions and encounter a diversity of fish in the shallows and around the rocks. Blue tangs, sergeant majors, and angelfish will swim right by you, creating a kaleidoscopic scene.
Tobacco Bay is located near to St. George’s and is a popular spot for beachgoers. You can rent your snorkel equipment at the beach, as well as kayaks and paddleboards. There is also a beach bar on the shore, where you can grab some delectable wahoo nuggets and cocktails.
Snorkel John Smith’s Bay
To get away from the crowds, the secluded John Smith’s Bay is ideal for some tranquil snorkeling. From the shore, you can dip into turquoise waters and discover the nearby reefs. Lifeguards are on duty from May until September. This little bay is also a fan favorite for the grilled steak and cheese sandwiches offered at the beach bar.
Fun fact: The bay is named after the explorer John Smith, who not only created the first map of Bermuda but is famed for his encounter with Pocahontas.
Horseshoe Bay Beach snorkeling
Horseshoe Bay Beach has earned a reputation for being one of the world’s best beaches, and it’s easy to see why. With its pink sands and crystal-clear waters, Horseshoe Bay is famed for its exceptional beauty. The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling and there are lifeguards on duty.
While Horseshoe Bay Beach may be a hotspot for tourists, it’s still worth a visit if you want to experience its picture-perfect scenery. The pink sands are caused by red organisms eaten by parrot fish, which you will no doubt see in the waters.
Snorkeling in North Rock
Regarded as one of the top snorkeling and diving destinations in Bermuda, North Rock abounds with corals and fish. You’ll have to take a boat tour to reach this isolated spot 10 miles off the coast. For a unique excursion, join the Bermuda Zoological Society on a North Rock adventure.
You’ll swim close to coral heads and sea fans, as parrot fish, barracudas, and snappers swish past. Since few visitors come to this reef, it’s one of the most pristine in Bermuda.
Bermuda shipwreck snorkeling
The Bermuda Islands were once known as the “Isle of Devils” for the number of ships its reefs have sunk. Today, you can find over 300 shipwrecks in its waters, giving rise to its reputation as the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic. Diving and snorkeling among these wrecks is undoubtedly one of the most unique things to do in Bermuda.
Most shipwrecks in Bermuda are only accessible by boat. You can have a look at Captain Kirk’s Coral Reef Adventures and K.S. Watersports for snorkeling boat tours. These will take you to the top shipwreck sites, which include:
Western Blue Cut
The Western Blue Cut is one of the best places to snorkel among wrecks since it is the location of both the Constellation and Montana ships. Submerged only 20 feet below the surface, you can easily float above these maritime ruins and admire scores of fish.
HMS Vixen
With its bow peeking out from the water, the HMS Vixen proffers up one of the best wrecks to snorkel around. This ship split in half after it was deliberately sunk and its close proximity to the surface makes it easily accessible to snorkelers. It’s also located on a coral reef, meaning you’ll have plenty of fish to spot amid the debris.
These are just some of the countless snorkeling sites in Bermuda. Our island is blessed with diverse beaches, remarkable marine life, and shipwrecks to boot. Wherever you find yourself near the shore, you’re almost guaranteed to spot dazzling fish and corals.
If you want to find out more about Bermuda’s beautiful landscapes and history, contact us regarding our full Bermuda island tours and half Bermuda island tours. We are also happy to arrange a custom private tour of Bermuda, ensuring you have the experience of your dreams!
