Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkeling in Bermuda: See the Shipwreck of the 'Vixen

See the reef through the boat's glass bottom, then snorkel the shallows yourself.

A glass bottom boat and snorkeling combo in Bermuda takes you to the Sea Gardens and the Shipwreck of the 'Vixen' with informative commentary, then anchors in shallow protected water where you can snorkel with provided gear, wade ashore, or relax on the sand. The boat pauses at sea grass beds where transient turtles are often spotted. A live English-speaking crew guides the three-hour cruise, which includes snorkel gear and floatation devices; a cash bar serves drinks on the return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glass bottom boat and snorkeling tour

• Depart on glass bottom boat
• View Sea Gardens and shipwreck
• Spot turtles at sea grass beds
• Anchor and snorkel or relax ashore
• Return cruise with island tunes

The Experience

The boat departs for the Sea Gardens and the Shipwreck of the 'Vixen', where you watch the reef and its history unfold through the glass bottom while the crew explains the island's culture and marine life. The viewing happens while you stay dry and seated, so there's no swimming skill required for this part. On the way back out, the boat slows at the sea grass beds — a common feeding ground where you might see turtles passing through.

Once anchored in shallow water near the Western islands, you choose what the afternoon holds. Borrow snorkel gear from the boat and explore the shoreline, or wade ashore to the sand and stay dry. The water is protected and shallow enough to stand in, so you're not fighting depth or current. If snorkeling appeals, you'll need to be a competent swimmer — the water is deep enough that you can't touch bottom — but the floatation devices are there if you want them.

The return cruise plays island tunes while you unwind. A cash bar sells Rum Swizzles and other drinks for the ride back. Bring a moderate level of fitness for walking on and off the boat via a swim ladder, and know that all tours depend on weather and a minimum number of participants to run.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and floatation devices.
• live English-speaking crew with informative commentary.
• glass bottom boat viewing of the Sea Gardens and Shipwreck of the 'Vixen'.
• access to shallow protected water for snorkeling or wading.
• island music on the return cruise.
• cash bar for drinks.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Island Tour Centre

Is this one for you?Departing from Bermuda's shoreline with public transit nearby, this tour works well if you're staying without a car and want both the glass bottom reef view and the option to snorkel — you get the marine life two ways, and the shallow anchorage means you can choose how deep you go.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Snorkeling participants must be competent swimmers able to swim in water too deep to stand, but floatation devices are included with the gear. If you're not confident in deep water, you can stay on the boat during the glass bottom viewing and skip the snorkel portion, or wade in the shallows without going out.

What's included with the snorkel gear?

The boat provides snorkel gear and floatation devices at no extra cost. Towels are not included, so bring your own or plan to air-dry. A cash bar on board sells drinks, but food is not provided.

Where does the boat pick up, and how do I get there?

The tour departs from Bermuda's shoreline; public transportation options are available nearby to reach the departure point. If you're staying without a car, check local transit routes to the boat's dock before booking.

What are the sea grass beds, and will I definitely see turtles there?

The sea grass beds are shallow feeding grounds near the Western islands where transient turtles often appear. The boat pauses there during the cruise, but sightings depend on the season and the day — turtles are common but not guaranteed.

How long is the whole tour?

The tour runs three hours total, including the glass bottom viewing at the Sea Gardens and Shipwreck of the 'Vixen', the pause at the sea grass beds, the snorkel and beach time in the shallow bay, and the return cruise with island music.

What's the weight limit, and are there other physical requirements?

Participants must weigh no more than 300 pounds and have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll need to walk on and off the boat using a swim ladder with limited assistance, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.