BERMUDA

HISTORY - Bermuda is a hook-shaped chain of little islands (22 miles long, 2 miles across at widest point) that is part of the lip of a huge volcano, now long dormant.  The part of Bermuda that is above the surface of the sea is surrounded by a wide platform of underwater coral reefs that protect it from severe weather. This shallow platform provides still waters and some of the most beautiful colours you will ever see – stunning blues and greens that lap at the pink sandy beaches, there are not many place in the world like it.

The island was well known to the earliest navigators due to its treacherous waters if they ventured too close.  the wreckage of many ships lie in shallow waters around the island (making for some fabulous diving).  Due to this early seamen called Bermuda "Isle of the devils", this was thought to also be attributed to the shrieking trees, which were noises made by the native bird the Cahow.  The island gets its name from a Spaniard Juan De Bermudez who paid a call in 1503.  The island remained uninhabited until a century later when a British ship (The Sea Venture) was wrecked on the reefs in 1609, this is when the island was eventually colonized and still remains a British territory today.

 

RELATED RESOURCES

Bermuda Underwater Institute www.bmei.bm

Bermuda Maritime Museum www.bmm.bm

Pompano fish swimming at horseshoe beach.

MAP OF BERMUDA