Eastern Blue Cut is one of the largest natural breaks, or 'cuts', in the barrier reef that rings Bermuda's north-west edge. Tidal water pours through the gap, carrying nutrients that feed an unusually rich reef community, and the area has been a no-fishing zone for years, with one of the largest protected radii (600 m) on the Government list.
The surrounding reefs have claimed several ships, and the area is closely associated with the Sea Venture, the 1609 flagship whose wreck led to the settlement of Bermuda, which lies on the reefs nearby. In 2007 a retired local ferry, also named Sea Venture, was placed on a 60 ft sand bottom near the inshore reef at the cut as an artificial reef.
Regarded as one of Bermuda's finest snorkelling sites as well as a dive site: big coral heads rise to near the surface around a deeper sandy channel. Because fishing is banned, the fish are larger and far less wary than elsewhere. Suitable for snorkellers and divers of all levels in calm weather; the exposed north-west location means it is a fair-weather site, and currents can run through the cut on a changing tide.
Approximate position, for interest only - never use for navigation.