Eastern Blue Cut is one of the biggest natural breaks in Bermuda's northern reef line, a channel through which ocean water flows onto the reef platform. At its outer end, where the shallow reef meets the open Atlantic, is the Blue Hole: a large, roughly circular patch of sand ringed by reef that looks deep blue from above.
The area is closed to all fishing within a 600 m radius, and its reef is regarded as some of the most pristine in Bermuda. Several shipwrecks lie in this part of the reef, including the Sea Venture of 1609.
A classic multilevel reef dive: the reef tops come to within inches of the surface (some break at low tide) while the sandy floor reaches about 55 ft. A cave full of fry marks the entrance to the hole, with groupers and trumpetfish hunting among them, and there are overhangs, swim-throughs, large sea fans and isolated reef heads on the sand. Eagle rays feed over the sand, spiny lobsters are often abundant (especially after rough weather) and tarpon visit in winter.
Visibility is usually excellent and the shallows are superb for photography and snorkelling. The layout can be disorienting, so diving with a guide is recommended; the boat may moor in the hole or on the sand to the south depending on conditions.
Approximate position, for interest only - never use for navigation.