27 of the Best Things to do in Bermuda

Looking for things to do in Bermuda? Look no further, because you are going to love these ideas. Often mistaken for a Caribbean vacation destination, Bermuda is actually located in the North Atlantic Ocean, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, it remains a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Bermuda is only a 2-hour flight from New York, 3-hours from Toronto, and less than 7 hours from London England, making it an ideal beach vacation for everyone! With its colonial past, restaurants, and museums, there are plenty of things to see and do, even when the temperature dips to around 60 degrees. There are so many places to visit in Bermuda, it will surprise you for a small island.

Things to do in Bermuda

1. Take a Jet Ski Tour from South Hampton

A Jet Ski Tour takes you all around the harbor and outer island to see places in Bermuda that you might not get to visit. This is a very cool way to see Bermuda’s multimillion-dollar mansions, the H.M.S. Vixen shipwreck, and to feed the fish that love flocking to the jet skis for little bits of bread. When you are on a jet ski, you really get to see the beauty of Bermuda’s turquoise waters.

2. World’s Smallest Drawbridge, Somerset Bridge

While on our jet ski tour we passed the smallest working drawbridge in the world. Somerset Bridge is a fun attraction in Bermuda connecting Somerset Island with the main island. Dating back to 1620, the bridge is such a symbol of Bermuda, it is featured on the Bermuda dollar. Operated by hand, the tiny 32-inch gap is just enough to allow a sailboat’s mast to go through.

3. Explore Saint George’s

Saint George is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the Western Hemisphere. With Colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, it is a beautiful place to explore.

Even though it is located on the island’s eastern tip, it isn’t far away from Bermuda’s resorts and beaches. Nowhere is far in Bermuda. The narrow lanes take you back in time to the 18th century where the old merchant houses have been well-preserved.

4. Tour a Tall Ship

One of the most popular attractions in Saint George is the life-size replica of “Deliverance” a 17th-century ship that was built by the survivors of the shipwreck, Sea Venture. The Deliverance is known as “The ship that saved America” as it brought supplies to the colony at Jamestown, Virginia in 1610.

5. See the Unfinished Church

One of the most striking scenes on the island that we visited was the unfinished church of Saint George. One can only imagine how beautiful this Gothic church would be if it were completed, but due to many problems over the years, it was never done. And that is what gives it its charm. Due to funding problems and hurricanes, it was never completed, but visitors can explore the ruins for free.

6. Saint Peter’s Church

Dating back to 1612. Saint Peter’s Church is the oldest continuously running  Anglican church outside of Britain.

7. Cathedral fo the Most Holy Trinity

Cathedral fo the Most Holy Trinity aka, Bermuda Cathedral is worth visiting the 155-step tower for views of Hamilton Harbour.

8. Stroll the Streets of Hamilton, Bermuda

Named after the Governor of Bermuda Sir Henry Hamilton in 1788, Hamilton has a cosmopolitan flair that is Instagram-ready. The sea express ferry service is a great way to get to Hamilton from different parts of the island. Our hotel, the Fairmont Southhampton offered free ferry service to Hamilton. There are a lot of things to do in Hamilton, Bermuda so be sure to give it some time

9. Front Street

Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda and the colorful colonial buildings of Front Street are must visit when on the island. Grab an iced latte and stroll along the waterfront shopping for trinkets to take home.

Beaches of Bermuda

No trip to Bermuda would be complete without visiting its beautiful beaches. Bermuda is known for its pink sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and powdery white sand. Here are some not-to-miss beaches when visiting Bermuda.

10. Bermuda’s Pink Sand Beaches

One of the top things to see in Bermuda are its beaches. There are so many of them that it is a good idea to get in your electric car or scooter to discover them. There are some beaches that are more famous than others. Here are a few to get you started.

11. Horseshoe Bay Beach

Named so because of its horseshoe shape, Horseshoe Bay offers a blend of turquoise waters and soft pink sand made up of crushed coral and calcium carbonate. It is one of Bermuda’s top attractions is Horseshoe Bay Beach. While on the beach you can rent everything from towels, chairs, and umbrellas to stand-up paddle boards, and boogie boards.

12. Elbow Beach

Located just outside the city of Hamilton, Elbow Beach is a very popular beach due to the fact that three different resorts are on it. And with good reason. Elbow Beach has a coral reef right off shore that is great for snorkeling. There is also a shipwreck just 100 meters (300 feet) from shore and you can join a guided snorkeling or kayaking tour to see it.

13. Warwick Long Bay

Warwick Long Bay is Bermuda’s longest beach at half a mile. With trees, long grass, and sand dunes lining the coast, it’s one of Bermuda’s most picturesque beaches.

14. Tobacco Bay Beach

Tobacco Bay Beach is a lovely small beach with limestone rock formations reaching 25 feet high offering shelter. There’s a beach bar here, and there’s great snorkeling. It’s located near Saint George’s.

15. John Smith Bay Beach

Another beautiful pink sand beach, John Smith Bay was named after Captain John Smith. Snorkeling is located right offshore, and it is a popular spot for diving. Especially night diving.

16. Sea Glass Beach

Black Bay and Sea Glass Beach in Hamilton are unique beach fronts where colourful sea glass has washed up upon the shore. Due to a glass-making factory that was once located here, the waste was dumped into the sea and it has since spit it back out creating a glassy waterfront. Taking glass from the beach is illegal. Please leave the glass behind for future generations to admire.

17. Walsingham Nature Reserve

Located in Hamilton Parish, the Walsingham Nature Reserve is known by the locals as Tom Moores Jungle. It is here that you’ll find many grottos and caves of Bermuda.

18. The Crystal and Fantasy Caves

Everyone loves exploring caves, and touring the Crystal & Fantasy Caves makes for a great trip. With azure blue underground pools and crystal chandelier clusters, these caves are beautiful. You can take a guided tour of both caves with floating pathways spanning clear blue lakes with crystallized soda straws hanging overhead. Each cave is a different experience, but you’ll miss nothing as they both have great lighting.

One very cool story we learned was how the Crystal Cave was discovered by two young boys searching for a lost cricket ball in 1905. Can you imagine how excited they were?

19. Blue Hole Park

Outdoor lovers will enjoy exploring Blue Hole Park’s caves and grottos. The Blue Hole is a popular swimming spot with a deep pool surrounded by mangrove trees. The Blue Hole isn’t the only grotto though, there’s also Castle Grotto, Walsingham, Subway, Deep Blue, Vine, and Fern Sink.

20. Glass Bottom Kayaking

Bermuda is filled with watersports opportunities, and one of our favorite ways to explore any coast is to go kayaking. There are guided tours around the island and Bermuda offers unique experiences with glass bottom kayaks to showcase its crystal clear waters. You can easily book a trip with your hotel concierge.

Different tours offer eco-adventures for marine life watching to see the HMS Vixen shipwreck or a paddle through Whalebone Bay to Walsingham Nature Reserve & Blue Hole Park where you’ll explore a 12-acre nature preserve.

21. Whale Watching

In March and April, humpback whales migrate through Bermuda. Whale watching tours are offered during this time to catch views of the 10,000 whales making their way north to the Arctic Circle.

22. Watch the Sunset from Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

While in the area, head out to Gibbs Hill for dinner at Bermuda’s highest point. The 185 step spiral staircase takes you up a 117-foot lighthouse for the best view of the island. The Dining Room restaurant offers delicious Italian cuisine with a spectacular outdoor setting.

Bermuda’s British Naval History

23. The Royal Naval Dockyard

When we visited Bermuda, we spent a lot of time at the Royal Naval Dockyard since we were there for America’s Cup. Once known as the symbol of British military power, it has been transformed today into a popular tourist destination and home to cruise ships.

There’s the clocktower shopping mall built at the historic 18th-century clocktower, the National Museum of Bermuda, The Royal Navy Cemetery, and a replica of a Royal Navy sloop-of-war; a three-masted warship that was used during the 18th century.

25. Fort Saint Catherine

Fort Saint Catherine can be toured to learn about the military past of Bermuda. It was the stronghold of the British Empire from the 1600s to the 20th century. Tours are available and there are many tunnels and towers to explore in Bermuda’s largest fort.

26. Traditional Afternoon Tea

The British influence cannot be denied in Bermuda, and they even have high tea to prove it. Take a break from the sunshine at the Crown & Anchor in the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

27. Cycle the Railway Trail

The Great Canadian Trans Railway Trail is popular here in Canada, and Bermuda has its own rail trail. Albeit a few thousand km shorter. The 18-mile rail-trail takes you to beaches and beautiful ocean views. The railway was in operation from 1931 to 1948 from Saint George to Somerset. In 1986, it was transformed into hiking and cycling trails.

Where to Stay in Bermuda

There are plenty of vacation rentals and luxurious accommodation options in Bermuda.

Fairmont Southhampton.

This is where we stayed in Bermuda. Located on the South Shore. The Southhampton has a private beach club located directly beside the Famous Horseshoe Bay Beach. The Fairmont Dock on Southshore Road in Southhampton offers complimentary ferry services to the capital city of Hamilton. Its central location sitting high on a hill with shuttle service and easy access makes it a great place to stay in Bermuda. Book it here and read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Waterlot Inn

The Waterlot Inn is a steakhouse dating back 350 years. Its historic buildings were used by seafarers for the storage of cargo. When you enter, it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to a waterfront cottage of the 1600s. Check rates and availability here.

How to Get Around Bermuda

The best way to get around Bermuda is to Rent a Scooter to Explore the Island. When visiting Bermuda, we loved having the freedom of renting a motorscooter to explore every corner of the island.

The roads are safe and well maintained and by purchasing insurance at an extra $15 per day, we felt secure knowing should anything happen we’d be covered. This was hands down a great way to explore Bermuda. There are no regular car rentals in Bermuda but you can now rent mini electric cars to scoot around the island.

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