Diving Directory: Shipwreck Sites in Bermuda
Bermuda, a picturesque island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is renowned not only for its pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters but also for its intriguing underwater world that attracts divers from around the world. The water around Bermuda holds more shipwrecks per mile than anywhere else in the world.
The island offers a variety of dive sites, including spectacular shipwrecks that have become an integral part of Bermuda's maritime history. Let’s discover some shipwrecks to visit from private boat slip rentals.
The Hermes
Photo: Flickr/Curtis and Renee/CC by SA 2.0
One of Bermuda's most famous shipwrecks, The Hermes is a 165-foot former Navy cable layer. It was intentionally sunk in 1984 to create an artificial reef. Now lying in about 80 feet of water south of Warwick Long Bay Beach, The Hermes is filled with marine life, including colorful coral formations, schools of fish and occasional visits from larger pelagic species. The wreck is suitable for divers of various experience levels.
The North Carolina
Photo: TripAdvisor
The North Carolina, a 200-foot luxury yacht, sank in 1880 and now rests in approximately 40 feet of water south of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. It’s famous for its intact structure and diverse marine life. Divers can explore the decks, cabins and cargo holds while encountering marine species like groupers, angelfish and parrotfish. It’s a beautiful site to visit from private boat lifts for rent.
The Cristobal Colon
Photo: Wikimedia/Public Domain
Often referred to as the "King of the Bermuda Wrecks," the Cristobal Colon was a Spanish luxury liner that sank in 1936 after colliding with a coral reef. The wreck lies in water that ranges from 15 to 60 feet deep. The site is known for its rectangular portholes, impressive size and the chance to encounter large marine life like barracudas and sharks.
The Constellation
Photo: Dive Bermuda (Facebook)
Once a United States Coast Guard Cutter, The Constellation was intentionally sunk in 1995 to create an artificial reef. Resting in about 40 feet of water, to the northwest of the island, the wreck is now home to a diverse array of marine life. Snorkel among colorful sponges, coral formations and schools of tropical fish. The relatively shallow depth makes it accessible to divers and snorkelers of various skill levels.
The Lartington
Photo: Dive Bermuda (Facebook)
This British steamer ship Lartington sank in 1879. Its wreckage lies in approximately 55 feet of water. The Lartington is known for its historical significance and the variety of marine life that has taken residence on and around the wreck. Divers and snorkelers can explore the remnants of the ship and observe the marine ecosystem that has developed over the years.
The Lartington is located near the Constellation and the Montana. The three make up a Shipwreck Triangle (a Bermuda Triangle of sorts), perfect for divers exploring from private boat slips for rent.
Pollockshields
Photo: Dive Bermuda (Facebook)
Pollockshieds was a 323-foot cargo steamer. Built in 1890, it was caught in a storm in 1915 and sank off the coast of Bermuda. It’s located about 1,300 feet from the shore at Elbow Beach and can be accessed by swimming or kayaking. Along with the colorful fish hanging about, you’ll be able to check out a propeller, engine parts and a boiler.
The Mary Celestia
Photo: TripAdvisor
One of the island's oldest wrecks, the Mary Celestia is a Civil War-era paddle steamer. It hit a reef in 1884. Take a dive to check out the boilers, anchor, stern and bow as well as a few other parts like the wheelhouse and the paddlewheels. It sits off the south shore of the island.
The next time you’re in Bermuda, head to some of these sites from private boat dock rentals, resorts or marinas. Snap a few shots and let us know your favorites. Happy diving!
