Hartley's Undersea Walk
Greg Hartley runs 2 helmet diving trips daily (10:00 and 13:30) from his base at the Watford Bridge Wharf in Sandys Parish. His 40 ft. dive boat, the Rainbow Runner, has a spacious cabin, bathroom, changing room and shower. It also has a glass-bottomed hull so divers can get an enticing preview of the marine life they will see.
The whole trip typically lasts 3½ hours with 30 minutes spent underwater. It may come as a bit of a surprise to most, but Greg has actually made friends with much of the marine life that divers will see. Whilst underwater, divers have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being introduced formerly to a fish such as Oliver the Grey Snapper or Charles the Hogfish.
Reasonably priced snacks are available onboard and complimentary fruit drinks are provided. If the water temperature drops below 80 F, wetsuits and free hot chocolate are given to the divers. Undersea portraits are also available.
Divers must be aged 5 years and older and should bring a towel and bathing suit. Reservations are required.
The Somerset Country Squire is conveniently close by for a pre or post-dive meal.
Reviews / Comments / Additional Information
We are returning Oct 2008 and if I can only do one thing it will be this again. Fantastic. Nothing compares to it, trying to describe it to friends back home afterwards didn't do it justice. Please please this is fantastic, just do it! (and no I'm not affiliated with any of the helmet dive companies!)
The crew were very patient, very understanding and gave my wife the confidence to go under water. She thoroughly enjoyed it and came up with a huge smile on her face. Mind you, she did get a marriage proposal whilst underwater so that helped as well. Go on this trip and ignore the ridiculous comment by Mary Smith.