Bermuda is indeed a paradise destination! Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, the British Oversees Territory of Bermuda is mostly known for its stunning pink sand beaches, turquoise waters with coral reefs, but also for its world-class golf courses, luxurious resorts and delicious cuisine. The island’s unique blend of British, African, and Caribbean influences can be seen in its food, music, and culture. But trust me there’s a lot more to enjoy – the island is smart, in addition to all the natural treasure, Bermuda offers a range of well-organized activities and high-class attractions for visitors like: snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and sailing – making it one of the best holiday destinations for 2024. I’ve been to the island twice, explored enough to shape adventurous 7-day holiday itinerary with top 10 things to do in Bermuda.
Here are top 10 things to do in Bermuda for a magic adventure.
Bermuda truly offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. You’ll find diverse range of activities catering all your desires for relaxation, adventure and exploration. The island is ideal for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a solo adventure – like mine! 😁
Plenty of practical information and travel tips are included in my Bermuda Travel Guide – the paradise next door. There you’ll find all comprehensive travel information making best experience out of your stay. While bus network exists on the island, it will be difficult to reach all the places by public transport. Taxis can be expensive, so the best option and most popular among tourists is hiring a motorbike.
Getting to Bermuda is very easy!
Getting to Bermuda is extremely easy – it’s only 2 or 3-hour flight from number of American cities. If you book flights well in advance some prices start from $100.
Once you booked flights and accommodation – the only thing that’s left is picking tours and activities that will make the best out of your holidays! While Bermuda can be a little expensive – a good option is choosing American Plan “AP”, which normally includes 3 meals in the cost of your room, or BP – Bermuda Plan, which includes room and breakfast. Grotto Bay Beach Resort is one of the best options to stay in Bermuda and it’s only 10-minutes away from the airport.
Day 1: Explore Hamilton and tour around the island.
Hamilton – Bermuda’s capital city. Here you’ll find most restaurants for nutricious breaky or nice dinner. Spend half- day exploring Hamilton’s charming streets, shops and cosy pubs. You can visit Bermuda National Gallery and the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.
What I would advice is to do site recognition – go on a tour highlighting all the best sights of the island to decide which parts you want to explore. Island Wrap Around Tour of Bermuda is an ideal option for this.
Day 2: Beach day at Horseshoe Bay or Tabacco Bay.
Horseshoe Bay is one of the most spectacular beaches of the island. Take a bus, motorbike or taxi to Horseshoe Bay and enjoy the crystal-clear waters, pink sand, and stunning rock formations. It’s a perfect place for relaxation, swimming and snorkeling. I highly recommend taking a walk along the beautiful shoreline.
Alternatively you can explore the historic town of St. George’s – the oldest continuously inhabited English-speaking town in the America – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with attractions like St. Peter’s Church and the Unfinished Church. Spend the afternoon at Tobacco Bay, a popular snorkeling spot with calm waters and vibrant marine life. This spot is very popular among locals. Those two – Horseshoe and Tabacco Bay should be on the top of your list for things to do in Bermuda island.
Day 3: Crystal & Fantasy Cave.
Crystal Caves is a stunning 500 metres long underground cave system with crystal-clear pools. Adult admission is $24, optionally you can take a guided tour and learn about the geological formations and history of the caves.
Afterward you can hike or bike along the scenic Railway Trail, which offers beautiful views of the coastline or visit nearby Blue Hole Park.
Day 4: Water sports and sunset cruise.
To make your week memorable you need to try snorkeling or diving in turquise waters of Bermuda. The island is also a paradise for kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing.
Snorkeling in Bermuda.
There are plenty perfect snorkeling spots in Bermuda: Tabacco Bay, Church Bay, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and Blue Hole Reef. All you need is snorkeling gear for a wonderful underwater adventure.
You can also go on a snorkeling tour but choose wisely. IMPORTANT NOTE: There are many snorkeling tour operators in Bermuda, but majority of the local tour organizers instead of going to great outer reefs, they would travel to snorkeling spots, which are close to shore and not that spectacular – like Mangrove Bay. Also be aware Bermuda waters are highly affected by the weather and ocean currents. So make sure the spot you are going for snorkeling is good enough and maintain the weather conditions for underwater activity.
Catamaran or boat cruise.
In the evening, take a sunset cruise and enjoy breathtaking views of Bermuda’s coastline and magnificent sunset.
Deep Diving in Bermuda.
Diving in the middle of North Atlantic Ocean already sounds like incredible adventure. But be aware diving conditions in deep ocean are highly affected by weather and strong currents. I had to wait 2 days to do my 2-tank dive with Blue Water Divers and Watersports, located in Dockyard, west tale of Bermuda Island. I can highly recommend this Diving Centre and wonderful Ina-Bianca for being extremely helful!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Most diving centres would close after the high season. Blue Water Divers operate all year round. They run 2-tank morning trips as often as they can during the low/winter season. It is one wreck and one reef site. The fee is $130 plus gear for certified divers, tanks and weights are included. A full set of gear is an additional $60. They also take uncertified divers on ‘lessons and a dive’ on the same trips with certified divers. So if one of you do not have a diving certificate you can still do it, the fee is $220.
There were 3 instructors on a boat, they took us 40 minutes from Bermuda shores to dive in deep blue ocean. Water visibility wasn’t great but the whole experience was fantastic! Consider taking sea sickness tablets, the boat ride can be rough. 😉
There’s also another reason I highly recommend Blue Water Divers. It happended to me for the first time – but I’m sure this information will help lots of people, as it is not something uncommon. After diving I felt there was something wrong with my eye and it was swollen. I found out in the diving centre I had a mask squeeze, which means the mask was too tight and I didn’t equalize. It is like a bruise and it can take as long as your body needs to absorb the blood which can vary from person to person and it also depends on the severity. If you google ‘mask squeeze’ you will find other reliable medical sources.
I have to say my case was quite severe but the Diving Centre helped a lot with detailed information and explained it is a part of a learning process and should not be treated as a negative experience, that will prevent you from diving again.
Day 5: Cooper's Island Nature Reserve.
Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is a magnificent, peacefull protected area, where you can enjoy hiking, walking, bird watching and snorkeling across the reserve wilderness. You can even spot sea turtles in the surrounding crystal waters.
Day 6: Somerset Village and Whale watching.
Somerset is a charming village on the western end of Bermuda with the world’s smallest drawbridge – Somerset Bridge.
It’s a lovely area for a little bit of souvenirs shopping and coffee break. From this place you can take a whale watching tour and spot humpback whales during their migration season (January to April).
Day 7: Climb Gibb's Hill Lighthouse & Go Golfing.
Climb to the top of Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse for panoramic views of Bermuda’s stunning coastline. Built-in 1846, this iconic landmark stands tall at 117 feet and offers a breathtaking vantage point to capture the island’s beauty. Enjoy a picnic at the base and take in the serene surroundings.
Golfing is one of the most pleasuable things to do in Bermuda, since the island is well know for its top-class challenging golf courses with stunning ocean views. Two top rated golf courses are:
- Port Royal Golf Club (hosts the Butterfield Bermuda Championships)
- The Turtle Hill Golf Club
