Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on Hamilton harbour covers the deep sea and the island's relationship with it: the bathysphere descents William Beebe and Otis Barton made off Bermuda in the 1930s, which took humans deeper than anyone had gone, the reefs and the wrecks they caused, and the Teddy Tucker collection of artefacts and gold recovered from Bermudian wrecks over decades of diving. A simulated dive descent is the centrepiece for children. Beebe worked from Nonsuch Island for years and the descents were made a few miles offshore, which is why the story belongs here rather than anywhere else.

What to look for

• The bathysphere story - the 1930s Beebe and Barton descents made off Bermuda.
• The Tucker collection - artefacts and gold recovered from Bermudian wrecks.
• The shipwreck displays - the reefs and the vessels they took.
• The simulated descent - the dive experience built for younger visitors.

When to go

Year round; it is indoors and air conditioned. It closes on some days and hours vary. Cruise season is busiest.

Good to know

Much of it is aimed at children. It is small for the entry price. Opening days have varied and should be checked.

Nearby

Hamilton centre is west, and the Botanical Gardens are south.