Daniel’s Island Sea Gardens (Robinson’s Marina, Somerset Bridge)

Privately Arranged Excursion While the Ship Was Docked In Hamilton

Ship: Zenith (Celebrity Cruises)

Sailing Date: July 24, 2004

Date of Boating/Snorkel: July 26, 2004

Equipment Availability: we have our own which we take with us, but the extended family that operates the Marina (the Robinsons) has a supply of snorkels, masks, fins and vests available for rental.

Water Access: Ladder off the Side of Our Boston Whaler.  NOT recommended for any people of large girth (like us).

This was a real first for us.  After many months of deliberating whether or not to purchase our own boat (a decision that will still be under consideration for at least another 5 years—or more), we decided that we should give boating a try just to see what it is like.  Since Bermuda is littered with calm waters on which the uninitiated can learn and practice, with plenty of great spots for both boating and snorkeling, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to see what it is all about.  We searched the internet and selected Robinson’s Marina primarily based on their rates (a fully equipped Boston Whaler for 4 hours plus the cost of fuel was only $129), their location near Somerset, and the fact that (in a pinch) they would accept a credit card for payment—all others insisted on cash only. We called and made a reservation for July 26, six weeks prior to our sailing on the Zenith.

Ferry Service from Hamilton to Somerset Bridge was easy ($8 each round trip), and our walk up the road to Somerset Bridge from the Ferry stop was mercifully short, especially since we were bringing our heavily laden snorkeling bag.  We arrived over an hour before our appointment, and Mr. Robinson kindly drove us into the village of Somerset so that we could have some lunch (Somerset Country Squire Restaurant and Pub—excellent shrimp appetizers and burgers with a gorgeous view of Mangrove Bay). We called for a cab back to the Marina.  There is no other local facility for a meal.

Our Boston Whaler was indeed completely equipped and we were given an hour’s worth of indoctrination, both to the operation of the boat and the navigation of the local waters.  Plastic laminated maps on board—already marked for good snorkeling spots in the Sea Gardens—helped enormously, and we were off! 

The boating was fantastic—even Peg got used to driving the Whaler!  For anyone who wants to try his/her hand at driving a boat, THIS is the way to learn and have great fun at the same time! We anchored off Daniel’s Island and Derek went snorkeling—for 20 minutes during which time he saw a grand total of three fish (one Gillenborg, one Queen Angelfish and one immature Sergeant Major).  Visibility was terrible, especially given the amount of boats that use this area to view the sunken wreck of the Vixen.  Peg decided not to snorkel, especially once she saw what a terrible time Derek had getting back into the boat, even with the assistance of the ladder!  So, we boated for the rest of our allotted time and had a blast surveying the area around Somerset, out to King’s Point, under the Watford Bridge (where the waters became very choppy with late afternoon winds) and back again, re-tracing our path to the Marina.

Boating Grade: A+

Snorkeling Grade: F