Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
The name is a real mouthful so from now on we’ll just call it the BUEI. Opened in 1997, the BUEI’s purpose is to enhance our understanding of the mysteries of the ocean. Set in an impressively constructed modern building, it accomplishes this through a series of exhibits, many of them interactive.
The Teddy Tucker Shipwreck Gallery showcases many of the items discovered by its namesake, a renowned Bermudian diver, archaeologist, and honorary chairman of the BUEI. Among its many exhibits are ampoules of opium from the Constellation which sank off Bermuda in 1943. The wreck inspired Jaws author, Peter Benchley, to write his novel The Deep. The subsequent movie, starring Jacqueline Bissett and Nick Nolte, was shot largely on location in Bermuda. Other displays include glassware from the wrecks of the Lord Amberst (1778) and L'Herminie (1838) which demonstrate the development of bottle-making over a 60 year period. With over 300 recorded wrecks off Bermuda there’s a great deal more on show.
A diving exhibit traces the development of diving from its humble beginnings to the present day. One of the highlights is a full size replica of the Bathysphere. It was in this steel spherical device that Charles Beebe submerged to a depth of 3,028 feet off the coast of Bermuda in 1934. The dive smashed the previous record depth for a human dive (525 feet) and stood for 15 years. Also on show is an Exosuit. Similar to an astronaut’s suit, but constructed from titanium, it allows divers wearing it to reach depths of 600 feet and can be used for rescuing the crew of sunken submarines.
Other attractions at the BUEI include thousands of shells collected by local Jack Lightbourne; including many discovered by and named after the man himself. A life-size replica of a 500 pound, 27 foot long squid hangs in the entrance hall and reminds you that it’s not just pretty fish that live in the ocean.
If you need to eat, there’s a fine restaurant, La Coquille, at the BUEI with magnificent views of Hamilton harbour. The BUEI also has a gift shop and is fully wheelchair accessible. It’s located on East Broadway (the eastern continuation of Front Street) and is a 5 -10 minute walk from the centre of Hamilton.
The exhibits are very interesting and well worth the (mile long?) walk from the main tourist area on Front Street.