A Letter from The Captain

January 30^th, 2008.

To All Our Valued Customers:

Over the last year, while not operating the “Undersea Walk”, we had the opportunity to dedicate our time to my elderly father, Bronson Hartley, who passed away last month.

At 87 years old, his spirit for life was an inspiration to his family and everyone who loved and cared for him.

Our local newspaper printed a wonderful article in his remembrance called “Days Gone By”.  Click here to see complete article.

The marine environment has been part of the Hartley lives for 60 years, with Bermuda being the first location to open in 1948 and in Nassau 1958.

Even though, not active in the helmet diving in Nassau, at this time, we will continue to support the company that was formed “Save Athol Island Ltd.” to protect the existing fragile marine environment from the bay being land filled and the construction of a golf course.    

Athol Island is located minutes from Nassau where the helmet dive took place and where many tourists enjoy snorkeling with other tour operators.   We will continue to encourage our government to make Athol Island’s marine environment a protected zone.

We do plan to continue helmet diving for marine research, film making and have been in discussions to use Biorock technology.

Biorock structures use electrical technology to enhance coral growth and help them resist the devastating environmental effects of our modern times.

In the not too distant future, check our website for a book on The History of the Hartley Helmets and the undersea walk featuring a large collection of old and new photographs.  A documentary may follow.

It is not beyond the realm of possibility that we might resume operation in tourism, but until then we highly recommend Captain Nemo also known as Aqua man, but better known as Christopher’s brother Greg, up in Bermuda.

Gregory Hartley operates Hartley’s Undersea Adventures Limited between the months of April and November.  It is truly an experience of a lifetime!

Click here to check out his website:  www.hartleybermuda.com

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our helmet divers throughout the years and the tour organizations who promoted our excursion.  Our best wishes to everyone for good health and new adventures.

Christopher Hartley