Bermuda is another world and believe me you will want to know why. From our crystal blue water with pink sand beaches to the breathtaking views, here are 5 ‘Must Do’ activities while visiting our beautiful island.
1. Boating
Take a boat ride: this could be taking in a fishing charter, hiring a boat for a cruise around the island and snorkeling, catching a water taxi to explore smaller islands, or simply riding the public fast ferry to St. George’s or Dockyard.
• Bermuda offers many options to explore the water via a private vessel. Among the crafts you can hire: yachts, catamarans, fishing boats and ski boats. Vendors offering charters include Fantasea Diving & Watersports (ask about their for-hire party boats) and the Bermuda Reef Explorer, which has a glass-bottom boat ideal for snorkelling trips. Sunset cruises, diving and snorkelling trips, and group sailboat excursions also provide a chance to earn your sea legs at a more economical rate than a private charter. Jessie James Cruises pilots its glass-bottomed catamarans over shipwreck sites, coral reefs and more – snorkelling stops included. The luxe, vintage Über Vidayacht heads out on Friday evening for cocktail trips and, later at night, hosts an on-the-water Ibiza-style dance party. On Winsome’s Famous Homes & Hideaways Cruise, you’ll take a double-decker boat past some of the island’s prettiest, poshest colonial homes while a guide gives you the inside scoop on Bermuda’s rich, famous and historic population. Also, trips set sail from the Island Tour Centre several times a week in summer and fall.
• Water excursions for the adventure junkie include Kinezumi Seabreacher “Shark” Ride adventure. The Seabreacher is one of the most advanced semi-submersible watercraft in the market today. It has a 300hp supercharged engine enabling the vessel to reach a top speed of up to 65 mph on the surface and 30 mph below the surface. When you breach the surface during these high-speed dives you can launch 18 feet out of the water. This g-force ride and other adrenaline-fueled water sport activities are available with Kinezumi Water Sports.
2. Climb the Lighthouse
While you’re in the west end of the island stop down to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse on Lighthouse Road in Southampton. Climb the 185 steps to the top of this cast iron lighthouse and take in the best views of Bermuda. The 117-foot lighthouse was built in 1846 and is the oldest of its kind in the world. The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is one of only two cast-iron lighthouses still in existence. Our lighthouse overlooks the South Shore and Little Sound, offering views of both the City of Hamilton and the Royal Naval Dockyard. At the bottom, you can get lunch in The Dining Room, which serves pizzas, sandwiches, pastas and fresh seafood and collect souvenirs in the gift shop.
3. Beaching It!
Of course the top things to see & do on any island must include a beach right? That means you must visit Bermuda’s most famous beach at Horseshoe Bay. This oasis is loved by locals and visitors alike boasting a rating of the #8 beach in the world by TripAdvisor and one of the top 20 beaches in the world by Conde Nast Traveller. In the peak season (May to October) cruise ships start offloading thousands of visitors who visit this beach, mostly by beach shuttle. Horseshoe Bay beach features a very long stretch of soft pink sand, dramatic rock formations for exploring or cliff diving and a view of the translucent blue water that stretches as far as the eye can see. If you’re a morning person take a stroll around 545/6am (summertime) and watch the sunrise at this beach – it is a spectacular sight to see! This beach offers a chair, towel & umbrella service complete with a full service bar & restaurant. The entertainment at night is live.
• If you want to try another happening beach spot, visit Tobacco Bay. It’s a cute cove with calm waters and is ideal for families and singles alike. The concession features outdoor games, drinks and food at this beach’s family-friendly restaurant – try the Wahoo fish nuggets. Bermudians love to chillax here on Sundays.
4. Crystal Caves
Believe me it’s simply beautiful! Deep, clear underground pools of azure blue water. You will witness incredible formations of every size and shape imaginable.
Cave ceilings adorned with rare chandelier clusters and delicate crystallized soda straws. Each cave is uniquely beautiful and is a new adventure to discover. Be sure to explore them both. It’s a not-to-be missed, favorite family activity in Bermuda.
If you wish a cave visit with a bit of luxury. You can enjoy a relaxing massage in the quiet of the cave and the cool air and water with Natura Spa of the near-by Grotto Bay Beach Resort.
Treatments are offered in two locations: alongside an azure underground lake in a 500,000-year-old natural cave, or in an over-water gazebo surrounded by lush tropical greenery in a private cove. Choose from a wide menu – including facials, body wraps and massages – with only organic products, like Dead Sea salt infused with herbs and citrus essential oils. For a romantic retreat, try a couple’s massage with candles and soft music.
5. Aerial Tour
Blue Sky Flights – while I haven’t tried this adventure yet, friends swear by the beauty of Bermuda from the sky. Flying in a small plane gives you an entirely unique perspective of beautiful Bermuda. The islands and reefs are said to be truly stunning from the air. The colours are incredibly vibrant, and you can see how our islands and communities fit together. Even people who’ve lived in Bermuda their whole lives usually see something they didn’t know was there! The glimpse you get for a few seconds from the tiny window of a commercial flight when you land or take off is nothing compared to the views you get from the cockpit of a small plane. And, if you’ve never been in one, it is an experience and adventure not to be missed.
Solution finder, queen of content and a huge fan of world experiences through travel.
Keisha Webb