Blue Water Divers — Tour Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"So, can you give us some background on this activity? Bermuda is known as the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic, and for good reason. Some estimates put the number of wrecks along the reef surrounding the island at around 300; new ships are continually being discovered—and are continually being scuttled, expanding the underwater geography off the island’s coast. To navigate the vast scope of shipwrecks in Bermuda, there’s no better outfit than Blue Water Divers, the longest-running PADI dive center on the island. One of the few shops open year-round—water temperatures and tourist traffic drop in winter—BWD, under the guidance of divemaster Chris Gauntlett, offers two-tank morning dives year-round and one-tank afternoon dives when there’s demand for it. Due to its location on the west end of the island, its dive boat can easily access a pretty wide variety of wreck and non-wreck sites . BWD also offers snorkeling—or, for the non-mariner in your travel party, simply a seat on the dive boat. So what's the dive crowd like? Though BWD gets its fair share of tourists, it’s also a regular destination for a crew of experienced locals; the dive shop offers a seasonal membership to their club, which comes with unlimited dives during the calendar year. Tell us a little about the guides. Chris, who acquired BWD from its previous owner in 2012, has been diving (and working at dive shops) since 1990; he’s also the chairman of the Bermuda Wreck Authority. So you’re in good hands aboard the Modern Sinbad. Each dive begins with a traditional dive briefing—what to expect, what to look out for, depths, and dive times—and, if you’re lucky, ends with some homemade cake served (elegantly) out of a plastic tupperware container (in non-pandemic times, anyway). What are some of the most memorable sights from the dives (or snorkels)? The squad of 18th-century wrecks, including the triumvirate of the Lartington, the Montana, and the Constellation, all carry with them the allure of a good backstory. It’s been suspected, for example, that the Marie Celeste, which sank in 1864, may have been sabotaged. BWD also has a few go-to non-wreck sites, like the areas they’ve nicknamed “Peter Pan”—other boats “never, never” go there—and its accompanying “Wendy.” Got it. So when you get down to it, why would you recommend a dive with Blue Water Divers? There’s no way around it: For first-timers, scuba diving is daunting. But the combination of stunning underwater vistas and the experienced team at BWD helps alleviate some of the stress. If you’re taken with it, the shop also offers PADI certification courses." - Katherine Cusumano