Bermuda Attractions
Bermuda, an archipelago on the north-Atlantic, is known to be one of the prettiest island destinations in the world. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the island annually by cruise and air.
Over 80% visitors arrive from the US, while the rest mainly come from the UK, Canada and other parts of Europe.
The island is dotted with
gorgeous pink sandy beaches and is known for its warm subtropical weather, turquoise water ideal for swimming & snorkeling, and great dive sites with numerous reefs and shipwrecks teeming with colorful marine life.
Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda
Photo: Captain-tucker, CC by SA 4.0
You can experience magnificent landscapes, beautiful architecture with pastel houses, a deep colonial history and a rich culture that has evolved through British, African, Caribbean and Portuguese influences.
Bermuda is home to some of the best
scenic golf courses in the world with elevated tees and sweeping ocean views, and also offers a host of other activities including water sports, island and sailing tours, fishing and even horseback riding.
Hamilton City is the capital of Bermuda and is also the main commercial hub of the island... this is where most companies have their offices. Front Street which runs alongside Hamilton Harbor, is the main street here.
It is lined with shops of all kinds as well as restaurants and bars. Hamilton is also a port city where smaller cruise ships dock. The cruise piers are located on Front Street.
Hamilton City, Front Street
Photo: Darryl Brooks, Shutterstock
St. George's town, located at the eastern end, was the former capital of Bermuda. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history. This is where the first human settlement took place in Bermuda in early 1600s.
There are many historical buildings, forts and churches here. The narrow cobblestone lanes and alleyways continue to bear the names of the popular personalities of the period, and the quaint architecture takes you back in time to the colonial past of the island.
St. George also has a cruise port where smaller cruise ships can dock. The only airport of Bermuda (LF Wade International Airport) is located in St. George's parish.
St. George, Bermuda
Photo: Charles Lewis, Shutterstock
Bermuda also has several natural caves with stunning formations, a scenic 18-mile Railway Trail, forest with Blue Holes, as well as urban attractions such as great museums, galleries, aquarium and more.
Bermuda is located quite close to the US East Coast. It takes under 2 hours of direct flight from New York to get to Bermuda... there are frequent as well as low cost airlines that operate between Bermuda and several airports in the US.
Many visitors also fly in from the UK, Canada and other parts of Europe. Many cruise lines also operate to Bermuda from various ports on the US East Coast.
Bermuda is not a single island. It is a cluster of 181 islands and islets located on the North Atlantic. Many of these are so tiny that they are suitable only for birds' nests.
Only a few larger ones are joined together by bridges forming the mainland which looks like a fish hook, and this is where you arrive. You can see several of the other islands by taking a
sightseeing boat tour or alternatively by
renting a boat to explore on your own.
The total area of Bermuda is only about 21 square miles. It is an autonomous country and a British Overseas Territory. Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean islands.
Boats on anchorage, Bermuda countryside
Although vast majority of tourists come to Bermuda by cruise, unlike several popular Caribbean islands, Bermuda is far more than just a cruise destination.
Royal Naval Dockyard which is the main port area in Bermuda, is a self contained commercial tourist hub offering many activities, attractions, shopping opportunities and even wining and dining experiences.
However, Bermuda also promotes the places and attractions beyond the port area. And therefore you can find tourists all across the island.
Just go a few files out of the port area and you will find quaint eateries that are locals' favorite, where you can not only enjoy authentic local food but also be able to chat with friendly Bermudians.
You will find many beautiful stores where artisans make authentic Bermudian products. You can experience the pristine beautiful beaches and coves that are free of tourists, walk nature's trails like the
Railway Trail and enjoy the wonderful landscapes and scenery.
Bailey's Bay Footbridge (part of railway trail)
Codfish based food that originated from the early inhabitants of the island remains popular and there are several restaurants that proudly serve codfish breakfast, codfish cakes etc.
Island cocktails such as Rum Swizzle and Dark n' Stormy are overwhelmingly popular among tourists and locals alike.
The tradition of elaborate
English afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, scones and sweets is followed island-wide and there are several restaurants that offer such experience to visitors.
Although tee time in Bermuda is expensive, do not miss out playing a round of golf at
Port Royal Golf Course which has been a PGA Grand Slam venue.
Many celebrities and world renowned players have graced this picturesque course which offers lovely greens and sweeping views of the ocean.
Unfinished Church in St. George
Photo: Malcolm Manners/ flickr
Geting around the island is easy using air-conditioned and comfortable public buses and ferries. Privately operated taxis and minibuses are also popular transports in the island.
Ample scooters, bicycles and even recently introduced battery operated mini-cars are available on rent to get around the island. However, there is no
Conventional motor car rental in Bermuda in order to control pollution.
Being a sub-tropical island, the
weather in Bermuda is pleasantly warm for most time of the year and people are even warmer. Bermuda never looks crowded.
There are no billboards or neon signs, and relatively few cars to spoil the wonderful countryside. The houses with gabled limestone roofs and pastel colors fit beautifully into the landscape.
There are land tour operators who use
vans or minibuses offering group as well as private tours to show you around the island and visit several attractions.
Even the taxis can also be hired by the hour and the taxi driver doubles up as your tour guide to take you around... a great tour option too.
Read: Tours in Bermuda to know all options of touring Bermuda on land and water.
Nightlife in Bermuda is far from being sedate. There are numerous bars and pubs (mostly concentrated in Hamilton and also in Dockyard and St. George) that serve amazing cocktails and some of them stay awake until the wee hours.
When it comes to pubs and bars,
Swizzle Inn located in Hamilton Parish (island's oldest pub), Hog Penny in Hamilton City and Frog and Onion Pub at the dockyard are some of the forerunners. Hamilton city also has a few night clubs that offer live music and dance.
There are ample opportunities for
Shopping in Bermuda and you can take back home some unique souvenirs, gifts and keepsakes.
There are local artists and artisans in Bermuda who make amazing handmade products including glass-made and other jewelry, pottery and cedar art works, paintings, and even perfumes.
Hamilton City is the main shopping hub of the island although there are shopping malls and stores in Royal Naval Dockyard as well as St. George and few other places.
Bermuda Shorts originated in this island and are still worn by men for official purpose. There are stores in Hamilton that offer authentic Bermuda shorts. And there are numerous other stores and even vendor stalls selling accessories, branded stuff and lot more.
Read: Why you must visit Bermuda to know of many other reasons why Bermuda remains as one greatest island destinations in the world.
1. The best sandy beaches
There are numerous lovely beaches in the island and some of them have amazing pink sands and rock formations.
The south shore of Bermuda is home to the best pink sandy beaches including the famous
Horseshoe Bay Beach which is the most popular and photographed beach here.
Warwick Long Bay, Bermuda
Tobacco Bay Beach in St. George is another popular beach with its own beach bar and water-sports and has great rock formations.
2. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Paradise
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving are two most popular water sports in Bermuda and for good reasons... there are numerous
underwater shipwrecks (some of which are in shallow waters),
colorful coral reefs (many in shallows) and stunning marine life around the island.
While you can snorkel from several beaches, there are
snorkeling cruises that take you offshore to snorkel over coral reefs and even ship wrecks.
Catamaran sightseeing tour with snorkeling
Photo: Restless Native, Bermuda
There are over 300 shipwrecks around Bermuda many of which are excellent diving sites. There are several PADI certified dive operators offering both reef and wreck dives.
3. Great Boating & Sailing Tours
There are several private operators who offer
glass-bottom boat tours to show the marine life and corals from the comfort of a luxury boat while you can enjoy some snacks and drinks on board and listen to a live narration.
And some offer sailing tours showing wonderful
sunset while on sail and others combine various water-sports such as swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding etc while anchoring near an offshore island with its own lovely beach where you can relax.
4. Play a round of golf
Bermuda has 9 golf courses many of which are championship courses... but the specialty of these courses are the magnificent views of the ocean and the fairways which are rare anywhere else in the world.
It will be a privilege to play a round of golf in one of the 18-hole championship courses such as the Port Royal Golf Course which has been a venue for the PGA Grand Slam.
Tucker's Point Golf Course
Photo: Rosewood Bermuda
5. Visit the National Museum
However, Bermuda's attractions are not limited only to water based activities. The land attractions are equally great.
The
National Museum of Bermuda located at the dockyard is home to a myriad of exhibits and artifacts that capture the history of Bermuda over the past four centuries including its maritime trades, dark history of slavery and evolution of its culture and heritage.
6. Visit the stunning subterranean caves
The
Crystal and Fantasy Caves are two fantastic subterranean caves with their own large underground lakes... walk along the pontoon bridge over the lakes and experience stunning limestone formations hanging from the ceiling and rising from the bottom.
7. See amazing marine life in the Aquarium
Bermuda Aquarium is the place to go and see the vast array of marine creatures and corals that are found in the Atlantic surrounding Bermuda. It also has a small museum and a zoo.
8. Climb to the top of the oldest lighthouse
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is one of the oldest cast iron lighthouses in the world and was once used to navigate the ships. It was required then because several ships had fallen prey to the treacherous underwater reefs near Bermuda.
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
Climb up the stairs and get a wonderful panoramic view of the parishes and Ely's harbor from the circular open balcony on top.
9. Explore the only jungle in Bermuda
Tom Moore's jungle is a lush forested land with walking trails and you can find beautiful blue holes, hidden caves and explore many
flora and
fauna of Bermuda.
There are many other excellent nature reserves and parks in the island where you can blend yourself with the nature.
10. Explore the trails
Years back Bermuda had a railway track covering almost the entire length of the island and it was laid mostly along the north shore.
Railway was abolished and the track route was converted into a wonderful walking and cycling trail which now spans across 18 miles of the island.
Not only can you explore the old railway route and trace the history, it is also one of the most scenic trails to enjoy wonderful views of the water and landscapes of Bermuda.
Go through
Bermuda Railway Trail to know about the various sections of this lovely trail where you can walk or choose to cycle.
South Shore Park has a 1.25 mile sandy trail along the south shore and is home to several fabulous beaches and coves where you can relax in privacy, swim or snorkel.
11. Swim with the Dolphins
Dolphin Quest is a Dolphin training and display center located inside the National Museum complex in Royal Naval Dockyard. There are various programs offered here where you can participate. You can dolphin shows and also interact or even swim with the dolphins.
Photo: Dolphin Quest
12. Take a guided tour of Hamilton City
Hamilton City is not only the commercial hub and the capital of Bermuda, it is also full of important landmarks, churches, monuments, historical buildings, lovely city parks and cultural venues.
Alternatively, you can also take a
Train Trolley Tour to go around the city while listening to an audio commentary a you pass by various landmarks.
13. Explore the history in St. George
St. George is steeped in history... this is where Bermuda's first settlement began in the early 1600s. The narrow cobblestone lanes bearing the names of the period, quaint shops, traditional houses with slanted limestone roofs.
All these reflect the original aura of this old historic town. There are many historic and heritage buildings, churches, gardens, and old British forts that you can explore here.
Go through
St. George's town where you will get a self guided tour plan to explore the historic town.
14. Complete list of Attractions
 By Raj Bhattacharya Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures. |
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By Raj Bhattacharya 
