Helmet diving is one of Bermuda's most unusual experiences. Instead of a mask and tank, you wear a weighted helmet that is supplied with air from the surface, and you simply walk along a prepared patch of the seabed, a few metres down, while fish swim around and past you. The Hartley operator runs the experience, and the trip carries a 4.8 rating from more than five hundred travellers, one of the strongest scores of any activity here. The appeal is that it needs no swimming ability, no certification and no experience: a crew member briefs you on the equipment, gets you into the helmet and goes down with you. Because the helmet keeps your head and face dry, many people who would never snorkel try it, including those who wear glasses or are nervous about putting their face in water. Underwater you walk slowly along the bottom, watching parrotfish, angelfish and other reef species, and often feeding them from the crew's supplies. It is as much a story to tell as a swim, and it suits families with older children, couples and anyone who wants to see the reef without swimming.
How it works
The day starts with a briefing on the dock or boat, where the crew explain the helmet, the pressure change in the ears and the hand signals you will use. You then climb down a ladder in the helmet, which is heavy on land but nearly weightless in water, and walk on the bottom for a short period before coming back up.
Most of your time is spent boarding, being briefed and travelling to the site, with the actual seabed walk lasting a fraction of the whole experience, so ask the operator about timings and meeting point when you book. Participants are usually asked to meet minimum age, height and health requirements, and some medical conditions may prevent taking part, so read the conditions carefully before you pay.
What to bring and what to expect: wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, a warm layer and a change of clothes, because you will get wet climbing in and out and the boat ride can be breezy. You may be asked to leave glasses on, since the helmet is large enough to wear them, but check with the operator. Photographs and video are usually available through the crew, and waterproof cameras can be used where allowed.
The experience depends on weather and sea conditions, so book early in your stay in case a day is cancelled, and expect cooler water and fewer departures out of season. Do not take part if you are unwell with a cold or sinus problems, because the pressure can be uncomfortable.
Who it suits and what to pair it with: this is one of the best choices for confident non-swimmers, for families with older children and for couples looking for something memorable. It is less suitable for very small children or those with claustrophobia or mobility problems, and a glass-bottom boat cruise is gentler for mixed groups.
Pair the experience with the National Museum of Bermuda to hear the shipwreck stories, or with a catamaran cruise on another day for a more social time on the water. Check the exact meeting point and times when you book, since they can differ between departures.
What to expect
The experience
A guided seabed walk in an air-fed helmet, with a safety briefing, a short boat or dock transfer and a crew member beside you underwater.
Best time
A calm, sunny morning, when the water is clearest and the sea is flat.
How long
About two hours in total, of which the walk on the seabed is only part; confirm times when you book.
Tips
No swimming ability needed, but age, height and health requirements apply. Bring a swimsuit, towel and warm layer, and avoid it if you have a cold or sinus trouble.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Non-swimmers, nervous snorkellers and anyone who wants to walk among reef fish with a dry head.
- Families
- A good fit for older children who meet the minimum age and height, but not for toddlers; check requirements first.
- Couples
- A memorable shared experience, followed by a seafood lunch.
- Pair with
- The National Museum of Bermuda, a glass-bottom cruise and a south shore beach on another day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Do I need to swim?+
No. The helmet is supplied with air from the surface and you walk on the bottom, so swimming ability is not required.
Will my hair and face get wet?+
The helmet keeps your head and face dry, though the rest of you will get wet climbing in and out, so bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Is there a minimum age?+
Minimum age, height and health requirements apply. Check the operator's conditions when you book.
Can I wear glasses?+
The helmet is large enough for many people to keep glasses on, but confirm with the operator.
Can I cancel?+
Check the cancellation terms when you book. Trips depend on weather and sea conditions, so book early in your stay in case a day is cancelled.
