Bermuda: Hartley Helmet Diving Tour & Undersea Walk with Photos

Summary

Bermuda helmet diving tour walking underwater with local guide greg

You’ll step straight from Bermuda’s Dockyard into another world — breathing easily inside your Hartley helmet as you walk among coral and “celebrity” fish with Greg guiding every step. Hold an angelfish, laugh at your own bubble-muffled voice, and warm up with hot chocolate if it’s chilly. It’s strangely peaceful down there; you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was how weirdly normal it felt to breathe underwater in Bermuda — like my brain kept waiting for panic but all I could smell was faint salt and rubber from the Hartley helmet. Greg, our guide, had this easy way about him, cracking jokes as we shuffled down the ladder by Dockyard’s Moongate. My glasses stayed on (which I didn’t expect), and suddenly there was just blue light everywhere and a kind of muffled quiet. You know that feeling when you’re not sure if you should laugh or just stare?

We walked along the sandy bottom — it’s only 11 or 12 feet deep but it feels like a whole other planet down there. Greg pointed out Diana the angelfish (she really does come when he calls) and then handed me this friendly hogfish named Charles. The fish are used to people, apparently. At one point I tried to say something through the helmet but it came out as a bunch of bubbles and Greg just grinned. There’s this grab-bar you hold onto so you don’t drift off, which is good because I got distracted by these tiny blue stripes on another fish — George? Or maybe Herb. I still think about that flash of color sometimes.

I was worried about being cold but they had thick wetsuits ready since the water was just under 80°F that day (plus hot chocolate back on board). Someone else brought their own GoPro but honestly, I just let Greg take photos — less to fumble with. The tour itself lasted around three hours including boat time, but the actual undersea walk was about half an hour. It went fast, in that way things do when your heart’s beating a little quicker than usual.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hartley Helmet Diving Experience

• Arrive at Dockyard by the Moongate
• Walk down 9-foot ladder to water
• Wear warm wetsuit if water is cold
• Put on Hartley diving helmet
• Walk on sandy bottom near coral reefs
• Meet and interact with Celebrity Fish
• Listen to Greg Hartley's biology lesson
• Hold and pet trained fish
• Complete 30-40 minute undersea walk
• Optional purchase of photos and video

Top questions

How deep is the Hartley helmet diving tour in Bermuda?

The dive takes place at 11-14 feet deep near Bermuda's coral reefs.

Can I wear glasses or contacts during the helmet dive?

Yes, your head stays dry inside the helmet so glasses and contacts are fine.

Where does the tour start in Bermuda?

The boat docks at Dockyard by the Moongate where cruise ships are located.

How long does the undersea walk last?

The underwater walk lasts approximately 30-40 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this Bermuda helmet diving tour?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; you meet at Dockyard.

Are wetsuits provided if it's cold?

Yes, full-length wetsuits are available if water temperature is below 80°F.

Is this activity suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 5 years old for participants.

Can people with mobility issues join?

Walking underwater is often easier than on land; collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated—contact them to confirm details.

Are underwater photos included?

Photos and a short video are available for an extra charge (about $25 per person).

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary diving equipment (even for glasses wearers), use of wetsuits when needed, granola bars and bottled Bermuda water on board, plus access to bathrooms and changing rooms on the boat. You’ll have storage space for your things and can bring your own GoPro or opt for professional underwater photos and video for an extra fee before heading back ashore.