10 Topmost Things to Do in Bermuda

Are you cruising to Bermuda? What are the topmost things to do in Bermuda and places to visit in Bermuda to get you started on planning your Bermuda itinerary? What are all the transportation options in Bermuda?

Bermuda is one of those islands we never thought we’d visit, yet we did and fell in love instantly. Why?

One, the water is incredible everywhere you go.

Two, the Bermudians are one of the nicest people you’ll come in contact with.

Three, it’s one of the cleanest islands, and the locals take great pride in keeping it that way.

Four, it’s extremely safe.

Bermuda is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, a self-governing British Overseas Territory.

To get to Bermuda, fly directly from most major US cities on the East Coast or take a cruise. We took a cruise from the Norwegian Joy sailing from New York City to Bermuda.

While we spent only two and a half days enjoying this beautiful island, we can’t wait to return and continue exploring it.

The time you get visiting Bermuda on a cruise is not enough. A week in Bermuda wouldn’t be enough to see everything the island offers. We had a whole map of things to do in Bermuda, and while we accomplished a great deal for the short amount of time, we realized we would need a month.

With overnights in Bermuda on a cruise, you can plan without the time constraint of rushing back to the ship by the end of the day, except for that last day in Bermuda.

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Read on to find out the most popular things to do in Bermuda, including local specialties and how to get around the island.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.

You do have to start your planning somewhere. This is why we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 things to do in Bermuda. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for relaxation on the beach, Bermuda has it all.

If this is your first time visiting Bermuda, this list should help you pinpoint some things to do in Bermuda and places to visit in Bermuda that should not be missed. For those that have been to Bermuda, perhaps it will tick off some other places to visit in Bermuda off your list.

This article will also cover transportation in Bermuda, so you can understand what to expect.

Need reasons to book a cruise to Bermuda? Read 10 Reasons Why You Should Book a Cruise to Bermuda next.

Things to Do in Bermuda

1. Horseshoe Bay

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Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful sand beaches in Bermuda. Also one of the most popular. Everyone we talked to about Bermuda kept asking, “Have you been to Horseshoe Bay?” It was as if we had committed a crime when they discovered we hadn’t.

After spending our second morning in Bermuda, Jetskiing around the bays of the islands, we took a taxi to Horseshoe Bay. Just arriving there and seeing it from the passenger window, we understood why everyone urgently needed to get to Horseshoe Bay.

The water is that beautiful, crystal-clear turquoise blue you only see in postcards of the Caribbean. Of course, that could be said of the rest of the island in Bermuda.

The vistas of Horseshoe Bay are incredible. The bay is shaped like, and you guessed it, a horseshoe. Dramatic cliffs make for a stunning backdrop to the bright blue water.

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Is the sand at Horseshoe Bay really pink? Photos don’t do it justice, but you can see the pink highlighted in the sand in person.

The sand is supposed to be pink sand, a unique mix of coral that gives it a beautiful pink hue in the right light, but you have to look down and see all the pink specks.

Even though Horseshoe Bay is one of the more popular things to do in Bermuda, there is plenty of space for everyone. The beach is quite large, and there are also many nooks and crannies to find some privacy if you want it.

You should know there is little shade at this beach.

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Horseshoe Bay Cove

When you get to Horseshoe Bay, if you walk right, you’ll find the Horseshoe Bay Cove area perfect for families with little ones. The pools of water are calm and inviting, but the area is also filled with families.

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Find a quiet spot at the other coves and lay your towel down as we did. Can you spot me?

We suggest you walk left, enjoy the beautiful vistas of Horseshoe Bay, and continue walking past the rocks and cliffs. You’ll find coves and areas that are much more secluded. We found a quiet cove, Water Rocks Beach, dropped our towels on the sand, and enjoyed our time in the middle of this beautiful beach.

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Hubby exploring and taking photos from atop the jagged rocks at Horseshoe Bay.

You can continue walking and exploring on foot to get to Jacob’s Cove at low tide. You could spend the entire day in Horseshoe Bay exploring its coves and rocky areas.

Beach chair rentals and facilities are available in Horseshoe Bay.

How to get to Horseshoe Bay from the dockyard and cruise port?

Some shuttles will take you from the dockyard to Horseshoe Bay for $7 per person. You can also take a taxi or a bus to Horseshoe Bay.

2. Tour the Crystal Cave & Fantasy Caves

Crystal Caves and Fantasy Cave is one of the things to do in Bermuda that is a must, especially for first-timers in Bermuda. The caves are located in Hamilton Parish and are one of Bermuda’s top tourist attractions.

The Caves were at the top of our list of places to visit in Bermuda. After picking up our electric car in Bermuda, Crystal Caves was our first destination.

You can choose to tour Crystal Cave or Fantasy Cave, or both. It is cheaper to get a combo ticket than to do them separately. The best time to visit the caves is first thing in the morning to avoid large group tours.

Each of the tours is about 25-30 minutes. Booking in advance is not necessary.

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Two young boys discovered the caves in 1907, and have been a popular tourist attraction ever since.

The caves are made up of calcite crystals formed over millions of years. As you walk through the caves, you’ll be mesmerized by the stalactites and stalagmites that the dripping of water has formed over time, which makes for the crystal-clear waters inside the caves.

It’s quite incredible to see it in person. Photos don’t do the caves justice.

If you’re hungry, Café Olé, outside Crystal Caves, serves some delicious food. Hubby ordered a breakfast sandwich, which was prepared with fresh-cut bread slices. He couldn’t stop talking about how good it was.

3. Visit the Historic Town of St. George

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York Street in St. George, Bermuda

The historic town of St. George in Bermuda is the oldest town in Bermuda and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The streets are lined with well-preserved colonial buildings.

You can take the ferry or a bus to St. George. The ferry is the fastest and cheapest way to get to St. George. From St. George, you can visit many things to do in the area.

We stopped here to charge our electric vehicle and to have lunch after visiting the caves. But we walked around, taking in the sites. It was a quiet afternoon, and a couple told us of locals that it’s usually that quiet.

There are plenty of things to do in St. George, including visiting:

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St. Peter’s Church in St. George

The oldest Anglican church in Bermuda, St . Peter’s Church, dates back to 1612. We fell in love with the simple beauty of this church.

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Unfinished church in Bermuda

In St. George, you will also find ruins of an unfinished gothic-style church, a popular photo spot. The church was never completed.

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Are you going on a Bermuda cruise? Here are Bermuda cruise tips to help you prepare for your trip and make the most of your time!

4. Enjoy a Rum Swizzle

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Rum Swizzle from Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio

The Rum Swizzle is the national drink of Bermuda and is made with two kinds of rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine syrup, and Angostura bitters.

The most popular spot to have the Rum Swizzle is at the Swizzle Inn. You can enjoy Rum Swizzle’s all over Bermuda and choose the best spot.

I tried the Rum Swizzle at a few places and can say they were all delicious.

– Don’t miss: 10 Best Beach Drinks That Never Fail

Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio
Tasty Itinerary Eats

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We had the most amazing lunch at Wahoo’s Bistro in St. George.

The rockfish plate with rice peas, coleslaw, and fried plantains was outstanding. As well as the fried pork sandwich.

The fish was freshly caught and the flavors from everything on our plates dazzled our tastebuds.

Great spot for lunch and dinner.

36 Water St, St.George’s GE 05, Bermuda | Google Map It) | Website

5. Snorkel at Tabacco Bay

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Tabacco Bay, Bermuda

Tabacco Bay is a small beach in St. George’s Parish, with some great snorkeling. We went there with our gear, which allowed us to spend over an hour in the water. You can rent it at the beach if you don’t have your gear.

The water here is crystal clear and calm. You’ll be able to see all sorts of big colorful fish.

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The water here is not rough, but there are some rocks, so be careful when swimming and snorkeling around them.

There is limited parking, but it is free.

The beach chairs at Tabacco Bay are not free; they will run you about $25 per chair, but negotiable. We got them to drop it to $10 per chair as we arrived in the afternoon. But you can easily drop your towel somewhere to enjoy this beach for free.

Another snorkeling spot in Bermuda? According to many locals, Church Bay Park is one of the top places to snorkel in Bermuda. We did not make it. Hopefully, you can. It’s not too far from Horseshoe Bay.

Beach Packing List

Get beach-ready with this packing list! Whether you’re heading on a day trip to the beach or taking a beach vacation, this beach packing list comes in handy every time. Don’t miss packing any of these items. Printable included!

6. Visit the City of Hamilton

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The capital city of Hamilton is one of the top places to visit while in Bermuda. Hamilton is a small city, but it is the center of business and finance.

There are plenty of things to see and do, including:

Front Street is the place to be in Hamilton. You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants on this street parallel to the beautiful harbor view. During the summer, on Wednesday nights, you can join the Harbor Night celebrations on Front Street.

The Bermuda National Gallery is also located on Front Street, one of the top things to do in Hamilton.

You can easily spend a morning or afternoon visiting Hamilton. Depending on what it is you want to see and do.

7. Jetskiing Tour

One of the adventurous things to do in Bermuda is jetskiing around the beautiful bays of this island. You’ll be able to see things you can’t see from the shore.

We booked a jetskiing tour with BDA Watersports (not affiliated), which was one of our trip’s highlights. The day was a bit windy and made the water a bit choppy, but we still had a fantastic tour.

You’ll get to zip around and see the island from a different perspective. We even went to see one of the many ship wreckages in Bermuda.

We recommend that everyone have their own jet ski unless you’re with a child. If you’re riding with someone else, the person in the back starts slipping and sliding as soon as you get wet. It cuts into the fun because you’re holding on for dear life.

Even then, it was still a blast. But we got off our jet ski, agreeing that we’ll get our own next time.

That being said, it is a fun activity you can book for one of the mornings that only takes a few hours. Then you can move on to something else.

Read more: Helpful Tips for Booking Shore Excursions Independently

8. Warwick Long Bay

Warwick Long Bay
Warwick Long Bay

If you’re looking for another pink beach in Bermuda, head south to Warwick Long Bay. This long and narrow stretch of sand stretches over a mile with crystal clear water. It’s located on the south shore of Bermuda and is one of the island’s most popular beaches.

The sand here is soft, and the water is crystal clear. You can find plenty of things to do here, including swimming, sunbathing, body surfing, and walking along the beach.

Warwick Long Bay is also a great place to watch the sunset.

Like Horseshoe Bay, this beach has little to no shade, so ensure you bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

9. National Museum of Bermuda

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The National Museum of Bermuda at the Royal Naval Dockyard is one of the top things to do in Bermuda cruise port and one of those places to visit in Bermuda that should be on the top of your list especially if you want to learn about the history and culture of this island.

The museum is located at the Royal Naval Dockyard. It is the perfect spot to visit if you want to stay close to the cruise ship. With only half a day left in Bermuda on our last day, we visited the National Museum of Bermuda.

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The Commissioner’s house recently underwent a 6-month restoration. There are three floors of exhibits and history displayed throughout.

The museum is in the Commissioner’s house, spread over three floors. You can easily spend a couple of hours here. The museum has a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Here you’ll find the history of Bermuda, with exhibits on the shipwrecks, the slave trade, and the fortifications. You’ll also learn all about the culture of Bermuda, the environment, and the natural history of Bermuda.

The views from the fort are also incredible. You can see to the dockyard and beyond. If you want to take amazing pictures with the cruise ship, this is a great place.

10. Try an Authentic Local Fish Sandwich

One of Bermuda’s local specialties is its fish sandwiches; you can find them all over the island. They are usually made with the local catch of the day. It’s one of those things to do in Bermuda that your tastebuds will always remember.

Rockfish, wahoo, or cod are the most common fish in these sandwiches. The fish is usually fried and served on a bun with tartar, coleslaw, and tomato between two slices of thick raisin bread.

That’s right, raisin bread. You can also get it with whole wheat bread.

You can find these sandwiches all over the island, but some of the best places we noted on our list are Art Mel’s Spicey Diced, Grannie’s, Woody’s, and Mama Angie’s.

These sandwiches are usually around $15. They make for a great lunch and are big enough to share…. all depending on your appetite.

Where do you like to get your fish sandwich in Bermuda?

Other spots and activities in Bermuda you may want to add to your Bermuda itinerary:

  • Helmet Diving
  • The Blue Hole
  • Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse
  • Bike the Railway Trail
  • Clearwater Beach
  • Turtle Bay
  • Elbow Beach
  • Tom Moore’s Jungle
  • Jacob’s Cove

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Quick Tips for Your Time in Bermuda

  • If it’s your first time there, invest in an island tour. It will be worth getting to know the island and its history from a local.
  • Bring water shoes with good rubber soles that will help you explore rocky beach areas.
  • We suggest bringing a collapsible cooler, stopping at a local store on the way to the beach, and buying bottled water, sodas, and snacks. Buying cups of sodas at the local beach restaurant can get really expensive.
  • That said, the food in Bermuda is amazing. Plan to have nice lunches or dinner out.
  • When you’re riding around Bermuda, you’ll notice everyone honking at each other. That’s the locals saying hello to each other.
  • Be aware… Bermudians drive on the left side of the road.

Transportation in Bermuda

Did you know that Bermuda doesn’t allow tourists to rent cars? The good news is that there are other options for getting around Bermuda. It is not difficult at all. But, be ready to walk as sometimes you’ll have to use your feet to get to the exact destination.

  • The public transportation in Bermuda is excellent and very affordable. You can purchase a day pass for the bus or ferry system, which allows unlimited rides for that day.
  • Shuttles are available at Royal Naval Dockyard to take you to and from some of the most popular stops.
  • The closest to renting a car is an electric vehicle. They mostly have a two-passenger capacity.
  • Scooters are also available for rental but are not recommended due to the number of accidents.
  • Taxi drivers are available.
  • You can hire a driver for the day or a tour.

Electric Car Rental

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Bermuda’s most popular electric car rentals are the Twizy and the Tazzari. They are both two-passenger vehicles. The Twizzy is a tandem two-seater, while the Tazzari has two seats side-by-side.

On our first full day in Bermuda, we rented a Tazzari, which we booked weeks in advance via Bermuda Car Rental. They have a location at the Royal Naval Dockyard within walking distance of the cruise terminal. There are also other car rental agencies in Bermuda.

It cost us $217 for the day (that included insurance), but it is a 24-hour rental. It is quite pricey for a day, but you can do what works for your budget and plans.

If you have been keeping up with our adventures, you know that sometimes we love to rent a car at ports and explore on our own. We wanted to maximize our time in Bermuda.

You will drive on the left side of the road in Bermuda. As a passenger, this took quite a bit to get used to, and I don’t think I ever did. Hubby is a great driver and took to it immediately, loving the Tazzari.

The charge on the Tazarri last as long as it takes to get around the island – according to the car rental rep. But they highly suggested we stop mid-way from charging, which we did in St. George.

The biggest downside of the Tazzari is the power steering. There isn’t any! So keep that in mind. You’ll be using some muscle to turn the wheel.

If we could do it all over again, we wish we had hired a private driver for at least one day to give us a tour of their beautiful island.

On the plus side, driving your own car allows you to make impromptu spots while exploring the island.

Shuttles

Shuttles are available for cruisers to easily get to and from destinations like Horseshoe Bay for $7 per person.

This is a great way to get anywhere you want to go without the hassle of buses or other transportation. Leave the cruise port, find the shuttles outside your terminal, and soon you’ll be in Horseshoe Bay.

We took a shuttle from Horseshoe Bay on the way back from the beach. It was easy and fast.

Buses

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The bus system in Bermuda is excellent. It’s safe, reliable, and affordable.

The bus fare starts at $3.50 per person per trip (exact change only), or you can buy a day pass that costs only $19 for one day. You can purchase your pass at the Visitors Service Center at Royal Naval Dockyard, St. George, or the Central Terminal in Hamilton.

More info: Bermuda Bus Schedule

Ferries

Bermuda also has its own public ferries to take advantage of to go to Hamilton or St. George. You can take other ferries from Hamilton to other parts of the island.

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NCL Ferry

If you’re cruising to Bermuda, one of the best parts about cruising with NCL is that they have their own ferry for their passengers. This ferry leaves Royal Naval Dockyard and takes you to St. George daily when we dock. They make 1-3 round trips per day.

No cash is accepted. Tickets or passes must be purchased at the Visitor Visitors Service Center at Royal Naval Dockyard, St. George, or from the Central Terminal in Hamilton.

More info: Bermuda Ferry Schedule

Taxi Drivers

Taxis are not an affordable option but are sometimes necessary. They are usually lined up outside the cruise port.

Tip 1: Always ask how much it will cost to get from Point A to Point B.

Tip 2: Ensure the meter is running and they start when you enter the vehicle.

At most beaches, you can hail a taxi right outside the entrance. If you’re at other attractions, stores, restaurants, etc., you can ask them to call a taxi, and they will be happy to do so.

Private Drivers & Tours

You can hire private drivers and tours daily or by the hour in Bermuda.

Bermuda is a beautiful island with plenty to offer to everyone who visits. It’s one of those destinations that will make you want to return for more. We highly recommend adding this destination to your travel bucket list – you won’t be disappointed!

We hope this list of things to do in Bermuda helps you plan your next trip there.

Have you ever been to Bermuda? What was your favorite thing to do there? Share with us in the comments below!

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Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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2 Comments

  1. I want to go! I think I could spend a whole week in Horseshoe Bay. It looks fun to explore and lounge around in. Although the no shade thing might be tough. But I want to climb those rocks and see the pink sand.
    I also want that Rum Swizzle. I like any cocktails with grenadine. It sounds delicious!
    Your jet skiing tip made me laugh. We only recently got one at our lakehouse and I’ve just mostly ridden it behind someone. Maybe not long enough for the slippage to happen. Haha!
    This is such a helpful post! Everything one would need to know when visiting. Can’t believe those electric cars are so expensive but it sounds like there are a lot of affordable transportation options so that’s good.
    Another thing I like about this cruise is that you stay overnight in Bermuda. The ones where you just dock for the day I think would be too stressful for me. I’m not good with time management so I’d probably plan just one thing and get back to the ship way too early because I’d be nervous all day about making it back to the ship. But that’s just me and my nuttiness. If I was a more relaxed person I could enjoy those kind of cruises too. Or if I went with a cruise expert than I’d go with the flow and wouldn’t worry.😅

    1. You would absolutely love Bermuda! I know it. It’s such a beautiful island and oh so relaxing. Didn’t feel crowded or overwhelming at any point.

      Usually when we are at ports that we have to be back in the early evening. We try to plan one day tour that has us back in time. That’s one of the easiest ways to guarantee a great time and get back on time.

      Yes, the overnights in Bermuda are really nice with a cruise. Come and go as you please.