I’ve been to a majority of the islands in the Caribbean, but none of them compare to Bermuda. This British Island Territory in the Atlantic is my absolute favorite island I’ve ever been to for several reasons. In fact, as I type this food & travel guide, I’m actively planning a return trip next year.
This unique island that’s only 21 square miles big has so much to offer including pink sand beaches, national rum drinks, crystal caves, mysterious shipwreck lore, and lots of history.
So, if you’re planning a trip or thinking about traveling to Bermuda, I’ve rounded up places to eat, things to do, and places to stay in this guide so you can make the most of your trip.
Let’s get into it!
Things to do in Bermuda
Visit the Famous Pink Sand Beaches
Horseshoe Bay
No trip to Bermuda would be complete without stopping at Horse Shoe Bay to see its famous light pink sand beaches.
The combination of its unique pink sands, distinct horseshoe shape, volcanic cliffs, and gorgeous teal water are all reasons it’s considered one of the best beaches in the world. It’s definitely one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen! The contrast of the pink sand and aqua water is breathtaking.
Horseshoe Bay is located on the South coast in the Southhampton parish approximately 25 minutes from the Royal Naval Dockyard and 25 minutes from the capital city, Hamilton. Visitors can easily catch a cab to this stunning beach destination from either location and expect to pay around $40 each way. Royal Caribbean also offered several excursions to Horseshoe Bay as well.
In addition to a stunning coastline, this beach is complete with public amenities like bathrooms, showers, a beach cafe, and beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. So, however you choose to get to Horseshoe Bay, you won’t regret visiting!
Glass Beach
Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to Glass Beach as I wanted to check out this unique beach that was rumored to be made entirely of clear gravel. However, our cab driver did say that it’s not really there anymore because everyone has taken the glass.
This secluded beach is very close to the Royal Naval Dockyard and so it may be worth checking out if you don’t feel like adventuring too far from the cruise port or if you want a more private beach day.
Other noteworthy beaches include Elbow Beach, Tabbaco Bay, and Chaplin Bay Beach.
Explore Bermuda Towns & Shop
Explore Hamilton
As I mentioned above, I took a taxi to Hamilton the day our cruise ship arrived in port. We had less than 24 hours in Bermuda even though we were staying overnight, so I wanted to see the island and major cities on the first day.
Hamilton is a harbor town and the capital city of Bermuda. It’s known for its bright pastel buildings that house high-end shops and restaurants.In addition to being a destination for tourists, it’s also a prime destination for international business.
While in Hamilton, I walked the main road along the harbor and then grabbed a bite to eat. I didn’t have much time to explore as we had an excursion booked for later that evening and didn’t want to miss it. However, I would love to go back and walk around and I think this capital city is a great for anyone that is looking to do some shopping and sightseeing but doesn’t want to go all the way to St. George.
Explore St. George
I did not make it to St. Geroge but definitely want to when I return to Bermuda as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site as of 2000.
St. George sits on the eastern side of Bermuda and was founded in 1612 making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited English towns in the Americas. Visitors to Saint George will find colonial-style churches, cottages, as well as Fort St. Catherine which is now a museum. If you have the time, I would put this town on your to-do list as it seems to be a very unique place and was recommended by all of our cab drivers.
The Royal Naval Dockyard
Unlike other cruise ports of call, The Royal Naval Dockyard is its own tourist destination complete with shopping, dining, sightseeing tours, car rental services, and history.
It was established in the early 1800s and served as a British Naval base until 1995. Soon after it was transformed into the bustling cruise port it is today and is home to the King’s Wharf, Bermuda National Museum, Dolphin Quest, and The Bermuda Craft Market.
It’s clean and safe and you could easily spend an entire day here and not be bored. It’s definitely a great option for anyone not wanting to venture too far from the cruise ship.
Explore the Bermuda Triangle
No trip to Bermuda is complete without exploring the Bermuda Triangle! I booked a glass bottom boat sunset tour through Royal Caribbean and it made for a fun evening.
Although the water quality wasn’t great due to the high tide, I was able to see part of the shipwreck as well as the beautiful coral reefs off the coast.
On the way back we got to enjoy a glass of famous Bermudian Rum Swizzle, listen to tales of mysterious disappearances around Bermuda, and take in the gorgeous island coastline under the stars.
Honorable mentions
I did not make it to Fort St. Catherine or Gibbs Lighthouse, both of which were on my list of things to do in Bermuda and are highly recommended by locals. As you can see, there is so much to do on such a small island and 24 hours was not enough time to explore.
Getting Around Bermuda
There are several ways to get around all 21 square miles of Bermuda depending on your budget and also your travel preferences.
Taxi
We had no problem getting a taxi from The Royal Naval Dockyard to Hamilton the first day and to Horseshoe Bay and back the second day. This transportation option is a bit pricey as it was right around $40 to Horseshoe Bay one way and about $50 to go into Hamilton, but we wanted to see the island.
One great thing about taking a taxi is the taxi drivers we met were very friendly and informative and a few of them gave me their phone numbers so we could contact them directly. If you are visiting Bermuda feel free to reach out to my favorite taxi lady at +1 (441) 335-1509 directly via WhatsApp. I was able to text her directly to pick us up for our return trip back to The Royal Naval Dockyard and it was so convenient and nice to see a familiar face!
Ferry
As I mentioned, we wanted to see the island so we took a taxi into Hamilton and then we weren’t able to catch the ferry back to The Royal Naval Dockyard because we had an excursion to catch, but I believe a one-way ferry ticket was only $7 per person which is a great deal considering how much it costs by taxi! There is a visitors information center both at The Royal Naval Dockyard and Hamilton where you can purchase tickets. We will definitely be taking the ferry next time to cut down on transportation costs!
Public Bus
There is a public bus that apparently a lot of tourists utilize, we didn’t but saw it in Hamilton and at The Royal Naval Dockyard. You can check the public bus schedule here.
Electric Cars
Tourists are not allowed to rent regular cars in Bermuda, however, they can rent small electric cars like the Twizzy pictured above. These electric cars are almost like scooters and go up to about 35-37 miles per hour.
They are a great option to see Bermuda on your own. However, we did not go with this option as these little cars are kinda pricey to rent at $130 -$150 per day. You can rent an electric car in Bermuda from Bermuda Rental Car.
More Tours and Things To Do in Bermuda
Looking to visit Bermuda? Check out popular tours and things to do in Bermuda via Viator.
🪨 Crystal caves, Hamilton shopping, and Horseshoe Bay Beach
🛥️ Bermuda Triangle Sunset Cruise
🤿 Bermuda Triangle Shipwreck Snorkel
🌆 Bermudaful Island Tour (Gibbs Lighthouse, Saint George, The Worlds smallest draw bridge)
🛥 Bermuda Sunset & Swizzle Cruise
Where and What to Eat & Drink in Bermuda
The Pickled Olive
The Pickled Olive came highly recommended by our Taxi driver and it did not disappoint. I was skeptical at first as I ordered the nachos and Bermuda is highly influenced by Britain, not Mexico. To my surprise the nachos were delicious and I was so hungry that I finished them before I could snap a pic.
To wash down my nachos I had the Trunk Island IPA from The Dockyard Brewery—Bermuda’s only microbrewery. It was hoppy and refreshing as predicted and paired nicely with our food and the restaurant ambiance.
If you’re looking for a great place to catch a bite on the patio overlooking Hamilton, this is the place.
Rum Swizzle
While on my trip to Bermuda, I was able to try the island’s famous RumSwizzle on our sunset boat cruise, however, it was too dark to get a picture. Here are a few facts about the alcoholic drink:
- It’s Bermuda’s National drink as it celebrates the island’s rich history and culture centered around rum.
- The drink typically includes dark rum, gold rum, fruit juices like orange and pineapple, and a dash of bitters. Some variations include grenadine or falernum, adding extra sweetness and complexity.
- Rum Swizzle is believed to have originated in the Swizzle Inn, one of Bermuda’s oldest and most famous pubs. The phrase “Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out” reflects the pub’s association with the drink.
- The cocktail is traditionally prepared using a “swizzle stick,” which is a forked branch from a Caribbean tree (Quararibea turbinata). The swizzle stick is used to stir the drink vigorously, creating a frothy, well-mixed concoction.
- Historically, Rum Swizzles are served in pitchers, making it a communal drink perfect for sharing. Many locals and tourists enjoy ordering a large jug at bars for groups.
I really enjoyed my glass of rum swizzle and would love to try and recreate the drink at home. It is a refreshing and tasty drink that’s perfect for on a boat or at the beach.
Where to stay in Bermuda
Bermuda is shockingly expensive to visit directly. I looked up hotel and flight prices and was surprised to find that hotels are typically around $350- $600 during the high season and $200- $350 during the slow season.
Flights are equally as expensive. I looked at going back in September from Miami and two flights from Miami were over $1500! To put this into perspective, my 15-day cruise last year through the Panama canal was only $2,000 in total.
I literally had sticker shock after googling.
So, if you’re budget-conscious, I’d say your best bet is booking a cruise, waiting for the low season, or trying VRBO (which was slightly cheaper).
Watch Me Sail Into Bermuda
Watch my LIVE replay as Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas cruises into Bermuda, the land of coral reefs, stunning pink sands, and turquoise waters.
If you look close enough you will be able to see the coral reef patches in the shallow ocean waters as we get closer to The Royal Naval Dockyard.
Cruise/Travel Essentials
💻 Read the Cruise Essentials blog
Tell me everything!
Have you been to Bermuda? If so, what’s your favorite thing to eat, see, or do?
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