Diving companies will offer special rates in April as part of a Bermuda Tourism Authority programme to highlight the island’s waters.

The BTA today announced the return of Dive Month, building on the success of the campaign’s first run last year.

A spokesman said: “As becoming a greener destination is a key focus identified in the National Tourism Plan, promoting the island’s clean and healthy ocean environment, through initiatives such as Dive Month, is another opportunity to support the growth of eco-tourism and inspire travel to the island.”

Events will include a community day at Spanish Point Boat Club on April 16, when guests can meet and learn from divers and industry professionals.

Tashae Thompson, the BTA’s vice-president of experiences, said: “For April, we are encouraging visitors and our local community to walk beyond our pink sands and plunge into our crystal-blue waters to experience our island from a new vantage point.

“Our island houses over 350 shipwrecks, home to thousands of ecosystems.

“With Bermuda being one of the few destinations to have rare 175 feet of underwater visibility during April, we are a prime location for curious and experienced divers to visit for picturesque ocean exploration.”

Throughout April, people can learn more about the island’s reefs and underwater life and take advantage of discount programmes for dive certification.

The BTA partnered with three diving businesses to offer a special rate of $99 for experiences.

Freediving Bermuda will provide a four-hour introduction to free-diving, when customers will visit two dive sites while learning the basics of strong breath hold.

SeaVenture Diving will offer 40 per cent off the SDI Scuba Discovery Course — for people considering a PADI certification but first looking to test the waters.

Participants can expect to learn skills such as equalising their ears, buddy checks, essential buoyancy control and underwater communication.

EcoDive Bermuda will offer a three to four-hour dive experience tailored to beginner divers, which will include an introduction to scuba equipment and an underwater tour.

The company will also offer a sidemount diving experience for a special price of $199, for experienced divers only. An open-water diving certification is needed.

To book or for more information, use the relevant e-mail address for each organisation: freedivingbermuda@gmail.com; info@seaventurediving.com; or info@ecodivebda.com.

For more information about Dive Month and a list of all associated events, visit GoToBermuda.com.