Coral Sea , a new glass bottom boat, owned and operated by partners, Mr. Beau Evans and Mr. Stephen McKey, embarked on its maiden voyage in June this year.

Built from scratch, the new 58-foot craft caters mostly to tourists off the cruise ship. "Having the cruise ship contract is a great way to start out,'' said Mr. Evans, who together with Mr. McKey designed and built the boat. "We secured the contract before we built the boat, and anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of our business comes from the cruise ships.'' But starting in October, the business will depend on private charters, hotel guests and locals, he said. The Coral Sea offers a classic two-hour glass bottom boat cruise and an eco-cruise, which is a glass bottom boat expedition as well as a half-hour nature walk. "We've modified the classic glass bottom boat cruise by adding a nature walk. If we're operating out of St. George's, the walk takes place on Paget Island. And if we're going out of Hamilton, the walk takes place on Long Island,'' he said. The boat makes one classic voyage and one eco-cruise daily, noted Mr. McKey. As well, people are invited to book the Coral Sea for private charters. "We can cater to office parties and private parties -- whatever people want,'' he said. Mr. Evans added: "Passengers can't get a better tour anywhere. No matter who's driving -- whether it be me or Stephen, there is never need for concern. We both know we never have to worry about the other (doing a good job). And as partners, we know each other is extremely capable. "A good partnership makes all the difference in the world,'' he said. "Also you have to love this work to do good business -- the performance of the captain is so important. And we both love what we do.'' Indeed both partners' fondness for their work is made manifest in the quality of the cruise. They give a friendly commentary, not only on the marine environment as it relates to the coral reefs, but on Bermuda as a whole.

Speaking with enthusiasm, both Mr. Evans and Mr. McKey do their best to make passengers feel at home. And they discuss everything from Bermuda's white roofs to its economic situation. In addition to the captain, one crew member also works on-board, doing everything from welcoming the guests, serving them drinks and addressing them on the coral reefs. Describing the reef and reef life in layman's terms for easy comprehension, Ms Chloe McKey, who also serves as first mate and deckhand, is clearly well versed in marine life.

Educational, even humorous, Coral Sea Cruises provides both tourists and locals alike with a fun and unique trip aboard the newest in glass bottom boat entertainment, the Coral Sea . PHOTO CORAL SEA -- Bermuda's newest glass bottom boat started operating in June this year. Designed and built by partners, Mr. Stephen McKey and Mr. Beau Evans, the 58-foot motor yacht, which is outfitted with General Motor 671 diesel engines, is very seaworthy and draws only two-and-a-half feet of water.