Visiting Bermuda on a cruise is one of the most economical ways of experiencing everything the island has to offer. Most ships stay on the island for three days and two nights giving you plenty of time to check out some of the best attractions. The bigger ships dock at The Royal Naval Dockyard (Dockyard) while smaller ships mail dock in The City of Hamilton (Hamilton) or The Town of St. George’s (St. George’s). The list below features some of the top places to visit while in Bermuda on a cruise as well as some honourable mentions that can also make your trip memorable. The suggestions are based on your ship docking at The Royal Naval Dockyard although all can easily be done if you are docking at the other locations
1. Horseshoe Bay
As the most popular beach in Bermuda and one of the most instagrammed beaches in the world, Horseshoe Bay is the perfect place to experience the pink sands and turquoise water Bermuda is known for. Its beauty is also facilitated with beach rentals, a restaurant / bar as well as bathroom and changing facilities. For the more adventurous types you can walk to the end of the beach and follow the path to Warwick Long Bay where you’ll pass by many isolated coves and breathtaking vantage points. To get there from Dockyard you can get on shuttle ($7pp), use the public bus ($5pp) or take a taxi ($32 – $40).
2. Crystal Caves / Swizzle Inn / Bailey’s Ice Cream
These must see locations are combined as they can make for the perfect half day excursion. You can first take a tour of the stunning Crystal & Fantasy Caves, followed by lunch at Swizzle Inn where you must try their Rum Swizzle, then finish it off with delicious homemade ice cream from Bailey’s Ice Cream Parlour. All are within walking distance to each other and you can get there using public transportation, a taxi or a combination of both from Dockyard. A tour of just one cave costs $24 for an adult and $10 for children under 12 while both caves will cost $35 for an adult and $12 for children. Children under 5 get in for free.
3. National Museum of Bermuda
Within walking distance of the ship in The Royal Naval Dockyard you can visit the National Museum of Bermuda largest museum on the island. Learn about historic shipwrecks, the life of a a British Navy soldier and the history of tourism on the island. You can also catch a show or swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Quest located within the museums gates. Entry into the museum will cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors over 65 and free for children under 16.
4. The Town of St. George’s
The Town of St George’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bermuda’s first capital city. Take a step back in time walking down cobblestone streets, narrow alleys and a number of historic attractions such as St. Peter’s Church, Fort St. Catharine and a number of other small museums. You will also find lots of shopping and restaurants to complete your day. The best way to get there from Dockyard is by taking the ferry.
5. The City of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda where you will find numerous shops, bars and parks lined with brightly coloured buildings. If your ship is in port on a Wednesday night you have to check out Harbour Nights (during the summer months) where Front Street is lined with local vendors, sweet treats and live entertainment. You can take the ferry or bus($5pp) to Hamilton from The Royal Naval Dockyard or catch a taxi ($50 – $60)
Honourable Mentions
Book a Taxi Tour
If you would like to see as much of the island as possible a taxi tour is a great way to see all of Bermuda. Visit hidden gems as well as the locations listed above with commentary from a local Bermudian driver. Typical tours last from 4 – 6 hrs at an hourly rate and can be customised for you to see exactly what you want. You can view taxi tours available at Driver.bm.
Play a Round of Golf
If there is one thing Bermuda has a lot of, it is golf courses. For golfers, what a great way to do what you love while still enjoying the beauty Bermuda has to offer. The closest to The Royal Naval Dockyard is our most well known course and the home of PGA tour events The Port Royal Golf Course. For those looking for less of a challenge, Turtle Hill Golf Course a Par 3 course and Five Forts Golf Club featuring only Par 3s and 4s are great options.
Try a Fish Sandwich
One of the most popular dishes on the island is the Bermuda Fish Sandwich. Traditionally served with fried local fish, coleslaw, tartar sauce and hot sauce on raisin toast. Competition over the best fish is intense with everyone having a favourite. For help finding the best fish sandwich you can check out our Top 5 Fish Sandwiches in Bermuda article.
The list of things to do above can all be experienced during a three day stay in Bermuda. On the first day take in the sun and waves at Horseshoe Bay then visit Hamilton to walk around and do some shopping, if you are in port overnight on a Wednesday spend the evening at Harbour Nights where you can enjoy a nice meal on a patio overlooking Front Street or take in the night life. For the second day you can make your way to the east end of the island to check out St. George’s and Crystal Caves in whichever order you would prefer. You would not want to go too far on the last day so a visit to The National Museum of Bermuda and a walk around the Dockyard to have a relaxing end to your visit.
