Bermuda Reef Explorer
Bermuda Reef Explorer
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About
Bermuda's largest and most spacious custom built glass bottom boat offering 2 hour Glass Bottom and 3 hour Glass Bottom and Snorkel trips. Morning and Afternoon trips depart Hamilton Monday through Saturday.
Hamilton, Bermuda
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Bermuda Reef Explorer
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
292 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
17
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
4
emmafaye2000
Crawley, UK11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We booked a glass bottom boat and snorkelling trip on Saturday 19th August with Reef Explorer Bermuda. It was really easy as we were picked up in Hamilton, by the Ferry dock. The trip was for myself, my mum and 11 year old daughter.
Michael was the captain and his crew consisted of his brother and two younger crew members. They were all very friendly and helpful and made such an effort to tell us all about Bermuda and the sights we passed on the boat. It was really interesting!
We went over a wreck called the Vixen and stopped at a beautiful spot to snorkel! We had about an hour in the water and were given freshly sanitised masks/snorkels.. My daughter chose a life jacket and there were other floating aids. There were also paddle boards for those who wanted to use them. My mum is 74 and it was the first time she had snorkelled! The crew really helped to make her feel relaxed and she thoroughly enjoyed it! We all had the best time and I would highly recommend Reef Explorer!
They sold drinks and snacks on board and prices were very reasonable, not the usual Bermuda prices!
Would definitely re-book when we visit Bermuda again. Thank you Reef Explorer!
Michael was the captain and his crew consisted of his brother and two younger crew members. They were all very friendly and helpful and made such an effort to tell us all about Bermuda and the sights we passed on the boat. It was really interesting!
We went over a wreck called the Vixen and stopped at a beautiful spot to snorkel! We had about an hour in the water and were given freshly sanitised masks/snorkels.. My daughter chose a life jacket and there were other floating aids. There were also paddle boards for those who wanted to use them. My mum is 74 and it was the first time she had snorkelled! The crew really helped to make her feel relaxed and she thoroughly enjoyed it! We all had the best time and I would highly recommend Reef Explorer!
They sold drinks and snacks on board and prices were very reasonable, not the usual Bermuda prices!
Would definitely re-book when we visit Bermuda again. Thank you Reef Explorer!
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gord L
Huntsville, Canada10 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Captain Michael and his first mate and brother Eric made the trip not only educational but threw in a lot of humor to make the adventure fun. High five to both and to the ships hand as well. My 20 something kids and my wife and I have had the time of our lives snorkeling with numerous fish and coral species as well as seeing a shipwreck for the first time. Amazing adventure for young and older, I would recommend putting this in your must see list as part of your stay or as a local, on your weekend itinerary,you won't be disappointed
Written 22 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine T
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
First time ever in beautiful Bermuda and with so many different charters and tours to select from, we turned to a local friend for recommendations. He suggested this glass bottom tour and snorkel and we were so happy he did! We took off from Hamilton right on time and with only 20 people on board due to Covid restrictions. Speaking of Covid, the boat was clean, had hand sanitizer available as soon as you got on, the whole crew wore their masks, except the Captain while he was talking and giving us interesting facts and information about the island. You were encouraged to wear your mask if you felt the need or not. What made this trip fascinating was when you get to the sunken ship and you see the glass bottom and the crew let’s you know exactly what you’re looking at from the brain corals two different aspects of the reef. They dropped us off in a perfect area to snorkel, paddle board ( provided), Or just grab a drink and a noodle and relax in the beautiful water.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling dad w kids
Boston, MA1 contribution
Aug 2022
Beware of attempting to book this activity over the phone via Island Tour Center. We booked over the phone via Island Tour Center (same day booking), and were told over the phone we were being booked on the August 18 Bermuda Reef Explorer which departed from Hamilton. We never received an email confirmation but proceeded based on that verbal guidance of the agent. Our credit card was charged and we showed up on time at the designated location (where there was no boat)... after emailing and calling Island Tour Center we learned that the Island Tour Center had actually booked us for Bermuda Shipwreck Snorkel which departed from a different location than they had cited over the phone (Royal Naval Dockyard). Because we didn't have the correct location we didn't make the tour, which they claim counts as a "no show" which makes us ineligible for refund.
To date they have refused to issue a refund, as they refuse to acknowledge they provided incorrect verbal information over the phone and never provided an email confirmation (resulting in us missing the tour which we were charged for).
I'm sure the tour itself is great but the Island Tour Center intermediaries led us to rate this terrible, as a warning to future vacationing families.
To date they have refused to issue a refund, as they refuse to acknowledge they provided incorrect verbal information over the phone and never provided an email confirmation (resulting in us missing the tour which we were charged for).
I'm sure the tour itself is great but the Island Tour Center intermediaries led us to rate this terrible, as a warning to future vacationing families.
Written 22 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar55859334287
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Excellent cruise. Michael, the captain, and his brother, the co-captain, were excellent hosts and provided a slew of information. The snorkeling was excellent and we could even use paddle boards. The boat (including the glass bottom) and all accoutrements were clean and in top top shape. I highly recommend for anyone visiting Bermuda.
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mindy L
5 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This is a must-book experience for young and less-young alike!!! We booked the glass bottom tour primarily for our kids, but ended up loving the experience as adults. My only regret is that I didn’t do the full snorkeling experience, but will definitely be back to do that again! Captain Mike made this trip an informative and beautiful cruise, covering not only the incredible coral reefs and wildlife of Bermuda, but was an amazing storyteller who engaged our entire group with anecdotes about the history of Bermuda from its discovery and founding to pointing out where John Lennon stayed while writing his last album. When we descended to the glass bottom, I still can’t get over how close of a view we had of the reefs!!! We were told how long it takes for brain coral to reach the size of a soccer ball (won’t spoil that for you) and how what looked like 2 different types of coral are actually the same exact one in different states! Soooo many fish and sea cucumbers! I think I loved it as much as the kids, honestly. I strongly recommend this experience and the price is beyond reasonable! Don’t forget to get a nice Rum Swizzle for the journey back:)
Written 29 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret S
2 contributions
Jul 2022
This was awesome!!! We saw beautiful reefs & the Vixen (a ship wreck) & Mike, the captain, was super entertaining and informative. He was easy going and fun and an expert driver. We were having a family reunion in Bermuda & he rented us the whole boat for a 2 hour tour. SO much fun having the boat to ourselves & considering how many of us there were, almost the same cost as going on a regular tour. This was particularly nice as it was a national holiday - so should have been his day off. Only tiny downside is that we fed the fish when we got to the reef & as a purist I might have skipped feeding them, then again, we saw *lots* of fish. I would say this is both a fantastic boat tour & a GREAT value. Thanks Capt. Mike!
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigator25451819519
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
We were passengers on the reef explorer with Captain Michael and his brother Ed. Captain Michael was thoroughly entertaining all the way out to the reef and he is a very skilled Captain. He is so engaging and has a wonderful way of imparting information. Ed serves as bartender and his real purpose and talent is describing and explaining the marine life on and around the reef as well as history of Bermuda. I highly recommend this particular glass bottom boat excursion. I believe it offers the best value and experience. Perfect trip for a family.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn B
3 contributions
May 2022
I booked this trip based on the reviews here and I am so glad I did. First off, it was super convenient that it left from Hamilton and not St George's Dock. Michael had been very responsive and efficient during the whole booking system (I booked directly with him via email). I was travelling by myself so was a little nervous as to how the day would go but they were so very kind, and went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. The boat trip was lovely .... and seeing the fish through the bottom of the boat was amazing. I had never snorkelled before and again, both Michael and Eddie were incredibly kind.. setting me up to snorkel, giving me direction and just generally helped to make me feel comfortable. It was a great trip and one I will definitely do again next time I come to Bermuda. I also thought it was excellent value for money ! All in all highly recommended.
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Desiree M
Horsham, PA1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
This is a must do experience!!!! Captain Mike was the nicest man in creation- knowledgeable, funny, great with kids, attentive and informative. I cannot say enough good about the experience we had on the Reef Explorer. It is located right next the ferry so was very convenient to reach from the Dockyard. Saw so many fish out at the shipwreck site and got an amazing tour both ways with Captain Mike. Ed did an amazing job showing us all the fish and sea life and was a great partner for Captain Mike. These brothers clearly enjoy what they get to do each day and we could see the difference with them compared to other more commercial tours we have done in the past. If looking for something fun to do while in Bermuda, then I highly recommend an excursion in the Reef Explorer - you will not be disappointed!!!!!
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where do you bring your group to snorkel? How deep is the water?
Written 15 August 2019
We take our guests to a sheltered cove area with waist high water and a sandy bottom. Guests may swim out to deeper water for snorkeling and those that choose not to snorkel can float around in the shallows on our flotation noodles. We also have paddle boards for guest use.
Written 15 August 2019
Hello,
At what time do the glass bottom boat tours start? Is it necessary to book in advance for end of May?
Written 18 May 2019
Thank you for asking. Our 2 hour Glass Bottom Adventures depart Monday through Friday at 10:00am our 3 hour Glass Bottom Swim and Snorkel Adventures depart at 1:30pm Monday through Saturday. Once you have a date in mind send us and email and I will check on availability.
Written 19 May 2019
Lesley G
Austin, Texas
Is there a tour that lets you snorkel with sea turtles? Trying to plan a trip for later this year. Around September October, maybe November.
Also is Corona beer easy to find?
Written 5 April 2017
We take you to the sea grass meadows during the glass bottom portion of the tour, where you will probably be able to watch the sea turtles surface for air. During the snorkeling portion of the tour it is possible to see the turtles although it is not guaranteed as they tend to be quite shy. Corona beer is quite easy to find on the island and most bars will have it available.
Written 5 April 2017
We are looking for a boat ride on October 31, especially interested in watching the America's Cup practice races. Do you offer anything like that? Saw one of your reviews where the passengers were able to view the practice. We are arriving on Oceania's Sirena about noon on October 30 departing at 5pm on the 31st. Two adults. Also do you have pick up at the cruise pier?
Written 7 October 2016
Thank you for contacting us. We have 2 Turtle Cove Glass Bottom Adventures booked for the Sirena departing on both days that you are in port at 10:00am from Hamilton, a short walk from where your ship will be docked. Although there is no guarantee, should the America's Cup teams be practicing on either of those mornings, we would be travelling through the practice area on the way to the Coral Reef and Sea Gardens and you should be able to see them.
Written 8 October 2016
We will be arriving at Royal Navy Dockyard the week of 10/10. Please advise how to take public transportation to reach the caves.
Written 2 October 2016
Sorry, We take scooters everywhere. I've never ridden the bus.
Written 1 November 2016
We will be at the Royal Naval Dockyard how far from there the tour starts. We are a party of 8 (2 seniors, 4 adults, 2 kids (9 and 14). We are arriving on the Breakaway on June1-3. What snorkeling tours you can offer us.
Written 28 January 2016
I am aa past visitor to the port. All of the tours have booths set up at the marina. You will also find the local transportation day tickets there. To me that was the pleasure of this port!
Have a wonderful stay! I hope to get back next year.
Bon Voyage~
Written 30 January 2016
We will be in Bermuda on Oct. 28th at 1 pm thru Oct. 29th at 1pm with a Carnival Cruise. Do you have any available openings and what is the charge?
Thank you,
Yvette
Written 18 October 2015
Hello Yvette,
Thank you for contacting us. We have several trips departing from Dockyard scheduled with your ship, as we have been contracted with Carnival, I am not sure of availability and I am unable to offer you our tour independently from the ship.
Written 19 October 2015
Our boat tours do not include a visit to the caves, which would be a land based tour. We offer Glass Bottom Adventures to the coral reef. You may like to contact Hamilton Visitor Information Center and they should be able to assist you with more information on Bermuda's Caves.
Written 11 September 2015
We're signed up to go on your tour this Friday at 10 am and my wife gets quite seasick. Is it relatively calm where you sail or do you go out into the ocean where it's rougher? Thanks.
Written 5 August 2015
Thank you for your question. The sea's should be relatively calm as Bermuda's reef system protects us from ocean swells unless the weather is particularly blustery.
Written 6 August 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.