
Harrington Sound is a large body of water in Bermuda, surrounded by the main island and the parishes of Smith's, Hamilton, and St. George's. It is believed to have formed around 15,000 years ago due to erosion caused by rainfall and the development of caves, cracks, and fissures. The depth of Harrington Sound varies, with a mean depth of approximately 14.5 meters and a maximum depth of around 25 to 28 meters in the southwest region, specifically in Devil's Hole. The sound features a small channel, Flatts Inlet, connecting it to the Atlantic Ocean, and is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil waters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Northeast of the main island of Bermuda |
| Surroundings | Surrounded by the main island, Smith's Parish, Hamilton Parish, and St. George's Parish |
| Connection to the ocean | Connected to the Atlantic Ocean via a small channel called Flatt's Inlet in the southwest |
| Water source | Water flows to and from the ocean via cavern systems, including Crystal Cave and Leamington Cave |
| Size | Approximately 5 km2 |
| Depth | Mean depth of 14.5 m below sea level, with a maximum depth of approximately 25 m to 28 m in Devil's Hole |
| Water activities | Swimming, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing |
| Islands | Trunk Island, Rabbit Island, and several smaller outcrops |
| History | Named after Lucy Harington, Countess of Bedford, an original investor in Bermuda during the colonial period |
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What You'll Learn
- The depth of Harrington Sound varies from 10 to 28 metres
- The deepest part of the sound is Devil's Hole
- It is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking
- The sound is surrounded by the parishes of Smith's, Hamilton and St. George's
- It is connected to the ocean via a small channel called Flatt's Inlet

The depth of Harrington Sound varies from 10 to 28 metres
The depth of Harrington Sound, a large inland body of water in Bermuda, varies from 10 to 28 metres. The sound is surrounded by the main island on all sides and is connected to the ocean via a small channel called Flatt's Inlet in the southwest. The water in this lake mostly flows in through underwater caves and subterranean passages.
Harrington Sound is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, sailing, snorkelling, and kayaking. It is known for its crystal clear water and the magnificent homes that line its shores. The sound is also home to several small islands, including Trunk Island and Rabbit Island.
The depth of the sound varies from shallow areas with a depth of less than 10 metres to deeper areas with a depth of up to 28 metres in Devil's Hole. The mean depth of the sound is approximately 14.5 metres below sea level, with a maximum depth of around 25 metres in the southwest, as reported by Parsons et al. in 2015.
The depth contours of Harrington Sound exhibit zonation with distinct ecological characteristics. The shallowest zone, ranging from 0 to 10 metres, is characterised by sandy bottoms and seagrass beds. This zone is followed by the Oculina coral zone, which extends from 10 to 19 metres in depth. Below this, from 19 to 26 metres, lies the subthermocline zone, which is subject to seasonal hypoxia and occasional anoxia in the deepest part of Devil's Hole.
The variation in depth within Harrington Sound creates a diverse and complex underwater landscape that supports a range of marine life and ecological processes. The sound's connection to the ocean through underwater caves and subterranean passages further contributes to its ecological significance.
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The deepest part of the sound is Devil's Hole
Harrington Sound in Bermuda is a large inland body of water in the northeast of the main island. It is surrounded by the parishes of Smith's, Hamilton, and St. George's. The sound is connected to the ocean via a small channel called Flatt's Inlet in the southwest, through which water flows in and out of the sound via underwater caves and subterranean passages. Harrington Sound is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil waters, making it a popular spot for activities such as fishing, swimming, sailing, and kayaking.
The water depth in Harrington Sound varies, with a mean depth of approximately 14.5 meters below sea level. The sound can be divided into distinct zones based on depth and ecological characteristics. The shallowest zone, ranging from 0 to 10 meters, is characterized by sandy substrates and the presence of seagrass and macroalgae. This zone is followed by the Oculina coral zone, which extends from 10 to 19 meters in depth. Below this, from 19 to 26 meters, lies the subthermocline zone, which is subject to seasonal hypoxia and occasional anoxia, particularly in the deepest part of Devil's Hole.
Devil's Hole and the surrounding area have been studied by scientists who have discovered elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide and methane in the sediments. These compounds are present within the suboxic layer of the water column, and the area experiences seasonal hypoxia and temperature inversion events that impact the local biological communities. The unique geological and ecological characteristics of Harrington Sound, including Devil's Hole, make it an interesting and significant site for further exploration and research.
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It is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking
Harrington Sound is a large body of water in Bermuda, surrounded by the main island and only open to the ocean through a small channel called Flatt's Inlet. It is well-known for a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking.
The Sound is a great spot for swimming as it is well sheltered and tranquil. The water is also sufficiently deep, offering a sense of security for swimmers. The depth of the water, combined with the protection provided by the surrounding hills, makes it an ideal natural basin for swimming and other water sports.
For those interested in snorkelling and exploring the underwater world, Harrington Sound presents a unique opportunity. The Sound is known for its extensive cavern systems, with water flowing to and from the ocean through caves such as Crystal Cave and Leamington Cave. Snorkellers can explore these underwater caves and discover the diverse marine life that inhabits them. The Sound's small islands, such as Trunk Island, also provide interesting snorkelling spots, offering a chance to explore the shallow waters and discover the local flora and fauna.
Sailing enthusiasts will also find Harrington Sound ideal. The protected waters provide a calm and peaceful sailing experience. The surrounding hills shelter the area from strong winds, creating a smooth sailing course. The depth of the water, as mentioned by Susette Harriet Lloyd, a missionary who visited Bermuda, allows for the safe passage of boats of various sizes.
Kayaking is another popular activity on Harrington Sound. Kayakers can explore the extensive coastline and discover the many coves and inlets that dot the shore. The calm waters and sheltered conditions make it suitable for kayakers of all skill levels, providing a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the variety of scenery, from the surrounding hills to the small islands, provides a visually appealing and interesting kayaking route.
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The sound is surrounded by the parishes of Smith's, Hamilton and St. George's
The beautiful Harrington Sound in Bermuda is surrounded by the parishes of Smiths, Hamilton, and St. Georges. These parishes are located in the northeast of the main island, with the sound itself forming a large lagoon.
Smith's Parish is named after English aristocrat Sir Thomas Smith or Smythe (1558-1625). It covers an area of just over 2.3 square miles (about 6.0 km² or 1500 acres) and had a population of 5,984 in 2016. Natural features in Smith's Parish include Spittal Pond, John Smith's Beach, Devil's Hole, Gibbet Island, and Portuguese Rock. Smith's Parish is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Hamilton Parish, originally known as Bedford Parish, is located in the northwest of the island chain. It is named after Scottish aristocrat James Hamilton, the 2nd Marquess of Hamilton (1589-1625). Hamilton Parish is split into two by Harrington Sound, with the islands within the sound also forming part of the parish. The parish covers a similar area to Smith's, at about 6.0 km², and had a population of 5,584 in 2016. Notable locations in Hamilton Parish include the Bermuda Aquarium and Museum, Flatt's Village, Bailey's Bay, Crystal Cave, and the Causeway.
St. George's Parish is located on the northern side of St. George's Harbour. It is the oldest permanent English and later British settlement on the islands of Bermuda, settled in 1612. St. George's was the capital of Bermuda until 1815 and is known for its historical significance. Notable landmarks in St. George's include the Unfinished Church, St. Peter's Church, the Tucker House, and the Bermuda National Trust Museum.
Together, these three parishes surround the picturesque and biologically unique Harrington Sound, offering a wealth of natural beauty and historical charm.
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It is connected to the ocean via a small channel called Flatt's Inlet
Harrington Sound is a large inland body of water in Bermuda. It is surrounded by the main island on all sides, with the parishes of Smith's, Hamilton, and St. George's forming its perimeter. It is a place of great scenic beauty, described by Susette Harriet Lloyd, a missionary who stayed in Bermuda from 1829 to 1831, as:
> "Encircled by a chain of lofty hills, which form a tranquil inland lake with many laughing islands rising on its surface; so still, that the slightest bark may glide along in security, and yet sufficiently deep to shelter a fleet. It is in fact a great natural basin, above which seven miles in circumference, with upwards of 15 fathom of water."
Harrington Sound is unique in that it is only connected to the ocean via a small channel called Flatts Inlet in the southwest. This inlet is less than 20 metres wide and permits only smaller boats. The water in the lake flows in through underwater caves and subterranean passages, notably Crystal Cave and Leamington Cave, and the sound has been named after Lucy Harington, a lady from the Elizabethan days who was an original investor in Bermuda during the initial colonial period.
The sound has a mean depth of 14.5 metres below sea level, with a maximum depth of approximately 25 metres in the southwest, making it very deep in the centre. Devil's Hole, a former sinkhole, is the deepest part of the sound with a depth of around 25 to 28 metres below the surface, depending on the tide. The seawater residence time in the mixed layer of Harrington Sound is estimated to be around 30 days due to the tidal exchange of seawater through Flatts Inlet, but effective tidal mixing can take up to four months.
Harrington Sound is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, sailing, snorkelling, and kayaking. It is well-protected from the wind, making it a safe location for novice sailing and children.
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Frequently asked questions
Harrington Sound has a mean depth of 14.5 metres and a maximum depth of around 25 to 28 metres in Devil's Hole.
Harrington Sound is a large inland body of water in Bermuda. It is surrounded by the main island and connected to the ocean via a small channel called Flatt's Inlet. The water in the lake flows in through underwater caves and subterranean passages.
The sound is known for fishing, swimming, sailing, snorkelling, and kayaking.
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