Many of the cruise ships visiting Bermuda dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard early in the morning. While some of these ships may stay over night, others only have the luxury of staying until that afternoon, leaving visitors with only a few hours to explore the island. For travellers arriving on the island for one day, the most common question is what are things to do in Bermuda in one day that are realistic during a cruise visit.
Even with a limited time, there are many experiences to enjoy that will create lasting memories. Bermuda is small enough that visitors are able to visit pink sand beaches, historic locations and local restaurants within a short time. The key is choosing an itinerary that suites your interest and fits comfortably within the time you have available in port so you can enjoy the island without feeling overwhelmed.
This guide highlights some of the best things to do in Bermuda in one day when visiting on a cruise using a six-hour visit as a benchmark for planning. Whether you prefer to relax on one of Bermuda’s famous beaches, explore the capital city of Hamilton or discover historic sites around the island, these suggestions will help you make the most of your time in port.
What’s in This Guide
What to Know Before Leaving the Cruise Port
Before heading out to explore the island, it helps to understand a bit more about The Royal Naval Dockyard and a few practical details about travelling around the island. Located at the western end of the island, some locations can take longer than expected to get to especially on busier days with multiple ships in port.
There are several transportation options available directly from Dockyard including taxis, public bus/ferry and shuttles to popular destinations like Horseshoe Bay Beach. Taxis are typically the fastest way to get around the island, while the ferry provides a scenic route to the City of Hamilton or Town of St. George’s.
Due to the limited time in port, it is often best to choose one main destination or activity for the day rather than trying to visit multiple locations across the island. Panning ahead will help you enjoy your visit while still returning to the cruise ship with a comfortable amount of time before departure.
How Much Time Do You Really Have
While your cruise itinerary shows the time that the ship is in Bermuda, the amount of time you actually have available to explore is slightly less. Between disembarking when the ship arrives in the morning and returning to the ship before departure, you will have about an hour less time to spend ashore.
For example, a ship in port from 8:00am to 2:00pm may only provide five hours of time to explore after passengers begin disembarking between 8:30 and 9:00am and returning to the cruise ship 30 minutes before departure time. While visitors whose ships remain in port later in the after will have a bit more flexibility, using the example above provides a perfect planning guide to ensure the best experience. When planning things to do in Bermuda in one day, it is important to keep that in mind.
Itineraries for Things to do in Bermuda in One Day
There are several things to do in Bermuda in one day, but not every activity can realistically fit into a short cruise stop; choosing the right plan is key to making the most of your visit. The itineraries below are designed to help you experience the island in a way that aligns with your interests, whether that’s relaxing on a beach, learning about the history or immersing yourself in Bermuda’s culture. Each option is based on a six hour visit, but if your ship is in port for longer you can easily extend these itineraries by spending more time at each stop or adding additional locations along the way.
1. The Bermuda Beach Day (Horseshoe Bay)
Perfect for
First time visitors who want to see one of Bermuda’s famous pink sand beaches.
Suggested Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Taxi or Shuttle from Dockyard |
| 09:00 | Arrive at Horseshoe Bay |
| 09:00 – 11:30/12:00 | Return to Dockyard |
| 12:00 | Lunch in Dockyard or shop at The Clocktower Mall |
| 13:30 | Return to Ship |
Travel Time
20-25 minutes
Estimated Costs
Taxi: $35-$45 each way
Shuttle: $7 per person each way
Beach Rentals: x$20 per chair/umbrella
Why Choose This Option
Horseshoe Bay is on of Bermuda’s most popular beaches and is known for its pink sand and crystal clear water. It is also one of the few beaches that offers beach rentals and provides changing/restroom facilities as well as a restaurant/bar. Travelling between The Royal Naval Dockyard and Horseshoe Bay is extremely easy which takes some of the uncertainty out of your visit. For many cruise visitors, Horseshoe Bay is the highlight of their time in Bermuda.
Helpful Tips
- The further away from the entrance you go, the quieter it will be
- Explore South Shore Park at the end of the beach to find more beaches and coves along the shoreline or hike through the sand dunes for amazing vantage points
- Bring sunscreen and water
- Bring a fresh change of clothes as taxi drivers and shuttle operators appreciate when you are dry and less sandy
- Try to arrive and leave early to avoid the rush and long waits for transportation
2. Exploring the City of Hamilton
Perfect for
Visitors interested in shopping, local cuisine and Bermudian culture
Suggested Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30/09:00 | Ferry to Hamilton |
| 09:00 – 12:00 | Explore the City of Hamilton (Front Street, City Hall, The Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, City Parks, Lunch) |
| 12:00 | Ferry back to Dockyard |
Travel Time
Ferry: 20-30 minutes to travel between Dockyard and Hamilton
Estimated Costs
Ferry: $5 each way
Why Choose This Option
Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda and the island’s most active area. In the city you will find local restaurants(many with harbour views), shopping and lush parks surrounded by buildings featuring Bermudian architecture. The ferry ride to Hamilton is also one of the most scenic trips you can take and often recommended just for the views of the island from the water.
Tips
- Walk along Front Street for views of the harbour and colourful buildings
- Visit some of the local parks: Point Pleasant Park(Official Northern Point of the Bermuda Triangle), Victoria Park (features live music and entertainment on Saturdays during the summer)
- Enjoy the Bermuda National Gallery and Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Church Street
3. The Royal Naval Dockyard History Experience
Perfect for
Visitors who prefer a relaxed day close to the cruise ship
Suggested Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Walk or catch shuttle around Dockyard |
| 09:00 | Visit the National Museum of Bermuda |
| 11:00 | Explore the Clocktower Mall and shops around Dockyard |
| 12:00 | Lunch at one of the many restaurants |
| 13:30 | Return to ship |
Travel Time
No transportation required
Estimated Costs
Museum Admission: $20
Why Choose This Option
The Royal Naval Dockyard is home to many activities, restaurants and historic buildings which makes for an immersive experience without going too far from the cruise ship. This itinerary is great for visitors who do not want to stress about transportation or have a shorter time in port.
Tips
- The National Museum of Bermuda has amazing views of Dockyard as well as the ocean to the North and West of the island
- Snorkel Park offers swimming, snorkelling and other water activities within walking distance of the cruise ship
- Local vendors at the Bermuda Arts Centre and Bermuda Craft Market sell locally made souvenirs
4. Highlights of Bermuda Tour
Perfect for
Visitors who want to see as much of the island as possible without missing the highlights
Suggested Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Private Taxi or Minibus tour |
| 13:00 | Return to Dockyard |
Travel Time
Most taxi and minibus tours go for a minimum of four hours. The time can be negotiated with the driver
Estimated Costs
Taxi Tour: $60 per hour up to four people, $85 an hour for five or more people
Minibus Tour: $50-$70 per person
Why Choose This Options
A guided island tour allows you to see many parts of Bermuda in the most efficient way while learning about the island’s history and culture from a local driver. These tours can always be adapted based on your interests to ensure you get the most out of your time.
Tips
- If you have places you are interested in visiting, let your driver know
- Taxi tours are usually for private groups while minibuses often group you with other parties
- This is a great option for groups
5. East End Snorkelling & St. George’s
Perfect for
Visitors with a slightly longer stay who want to experience the beauty and history of Bermuda
Suggested Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Depart Dockyard by taxi or ferry(if available) |
| 09:30-10:00 | Arrive in St. George’s |
| 10:00 | Explore the town(King’s Square, Water Street) |
| 11:00 | Walk or taxi to Tobacco Bay |
| 11:30 | Snorkelling and beach time |
| 13:00 | Begin journey back to Dockyard |
| 14:00 | Arrive in Dockyard |
Travel Time
Taxi: About 60 minutes each way
Ferry: 35-45 minutes
Estimated Costs
Taxi: $90-$120 each way
Ferry: $5 each way
Why Choose This Option
This itinerary offers the perfect combination of history and beauty in one trip. Visitors can explore the Town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading to Tobacco Bay, one of the island’s best beaches for snorkelling.
Tips
- Norwegian Cruise Line offers a free ferry to St. George’s for their passengers, visitors on other cruise lines will have to check with the public ferry schedule which can vary depending on the day of the week
- You can rent snorkel gear, beach equipment and other water activities at Tobacco Bay
- Taxi availability can be limited in St. George’s at busy times so allow for extra time for the return journey
- Consider sharing a taxi to reduce costs, request pick up at a set time from the driver who takes you
- This is ideal for ships that stay in port longer than the minimum six hours
Making the Most of Things to do in Bermuda in One Day
Planning things to do in Bermuda in one day comes down to choosing an itinerary that fits both your interests and time you have available. While it may not be possible to see everything the island has to offer in a single visit, you can still experience some of Bermuda’s highlights whether that’s relaxing on a beach, discovering historic sites or enjoying the atmosphere of The Royal Naval Dockyard.
The itineraries in this guide are designed to serve as a flexible starting point rather than fixed schedules. Depending on how long your ship is in port, you may choose to spend more time at the beach, take a detour through Hamilton or include additional stops for sightseeing along the way. Visitors with longer stays can even expand these plans by combining the recommended activities.
When deciding how to make the most of your time, it is always helpful to consider travel time, transportation options and what time you need to return to the cruise ship. Making small adjustments like leaving earlier, choosing a closer destination or simplifying your plans can make your day feel much more comfortable and enjoyable.
With a bit of planning, there are plenty of rewarding things to do in Bermuda in one day, allowing you to make the most of your cruise stop and enjoy a memorable experience on island.
