Expert: Michael - 6/30/2006

Question
What is the best place to snorkel in Bermuda from the beach?  Could you recommend lodging in the vicinity of that beach?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Connie,

Thanks for writing with your inquiries.  The more I get my mind focused on Bermuda the more I look forward to vacation.

Undrerstand Connie that Bermuda is not a snorkeling paradise.  Of course tour operators can bring you out to the reeks for a snorkeling trip and for me one morning would be enough.

I have found a few places to snorkel from shore.  But also know that these are not so impressive that where I stay would be based on the snorkeling availability.  I can bus or moped to any location I like.

Two noteworthy locations:
Archillies Bay to Tobacco Bay.  This is located in the town of St. George.  You'd could wade in Archillies Bay and snorkle along the rocky shoreline, not towards Fort Catherine but towards Tobacco Bay.  Yuor choice would be to walk back to Archillies or snorkle back if you like.  Each beach offers a nice view. Beneath the ocean you will see many reef structures with sea growth, a few hog fish and sargent major along with golf balls from the St. George links.

From Tobacco Bay you would snorkle straight out to the opening of the bay.  It is relatively shallow untill you reacht eh opening and this is where you would be more apt to see colorful fish and sea growth ... fans etc.

If you were to select a place in St. Georgwe I could recommed Aunt Nea'a. It is a small quiet guest house located in the labarynth of the town which in itself is quite spectacular if you take a liking to history, culture and just old things.  St. George is of World Heritage acclaim.  Linda and I simply love it.  We have rested our heads at Aunt Nea's way back when it was The Hillcreast.  We have pleasant memories of it.  No pool or amenities. Back then you could use the kitchen if you like.  I don't know if that changed (see their website).  Even so, it is a room in a grand old Bermuda home, but close enough to restaurants, the bus stop and having a scooter would get you anywhere. The son currently owns and operates it.

On the famed southshore much spoken of for snorkeling is Church Bay.  I personally have not snorkeled. I attepted once but it is directly open to the sea and that day it was rough.

The closest hotels are The Reefs and Wyndam, the old Sonesta.  Both are large hotels and will offer all the amenities you would want.  The cost would be much more.

OK Connie. I haven't determined your primary reason for considering Bermuda.  If it is snorkeling do reconsider and think the Caymans.  You'll be real glad you did.  It is another world under the sea surrounding the Caymans.   

If your design is for a beautiful over-the-top vacation of a lifetime do continue to pursue Bermuda. Bermuda is so much more than the aqua marine colored ocean.  Lovely achitechture, beautiful scenery, the most beautiful beaches in the world which are pink and all easily assessible, good food, it is clean with a relative degree of personal safety.  Their culture is interesting and the people are friendly, shopping is good.  Bermuda is under the queens influence making it proper.  Ferry trips across the Great Sound, horseback riding, walking the trails of old railway beds some of which you can bike or moped on, pubs galore, harbors, fragrances of oleander may permeate your surrounds if not the lush growth will certainly fill your senses. There is an aquarium, many historical homes, a few museums of revolutionary and maritime interest, a botanical garden, many parks and more golf and tennis that that you could do in a week or two.

Two noteworthy conciderations for moderate priced accomodations are The Rosedon and Grotto Bay.  Both have great amenities.

Happy planning!
Michael