Helmet diving enjoys great popularity in Bermuda. Underwater walkers -- clad in helmets equipped with air hoses connected to the surface -- stroll along the sandy sea floor in water to depths of 3m to 4m (10 ft.-12 ft.).

Anybody can take part in this adventure, which has been featured in LIFE magazine. Undersea walks among the coral reefs are safe for anyone from age 8 to 85, even nonswimmers. You can walk underwater wearing your contact lenses or glasses, and you won't even get your hair wet. A guide places a helmet on your shoulders as you climb down the ladder of the boat to begin your walk. An experienced guide conducts the tours, and it's as simple as walking through a garden. On your helmet dive, you can feed dozens of rainbow-hued fish, which take food right from your hands. You can also see sponges breathing and coral feeding.

You can arrange your walk with Bermuda's original helmet-diving company by contacting Bermuda Bell Diving, 5 North Shore Rd. (P.O. Box FL 281), Flatts FL BX, Bermuda (tel. 441/292-4434). A 12m (40-ft.) boat, Cameron, leaves Flatts Village daily at 10am and 2pm. The underwater wonderland walk costs $60 per person (adults and children). Children under 8 aren't allowed. Take bus no. 10 or 11. For more information visit www.belldive.bm.