Many multi-destination cruise ships dock in Bermuda (mostly at Kings Wharf) only for a day.
If you have only 1 day for sightseeing, a great place to spend it would be in the historic former capital of St. George, a maze of narrow streets with names like: Featherbed Alley, Duke of York Street, Petticoat Lane, Old Maid’s Lane, and Duke of Kent Street. You can spend a day exploring British-style pubs, seafood restaurants, shops (several major City of Hamilton stores have branches here), old forts, museums, and churches.
Great beaches would be Elbow Beach and Warwick Long Bay are among the most appealing spots. The no. 7 bus will take you there from St. George.
Given the petite size of the island of Bermuda (just 21 miles from end to end), rental cars are not available, leaving you to choose between scooter, public bus or taxi to get around. The scooter option is by far the most fun and flexible. The top three sites to see during a one-day visit to Bermuda would include St. George (very historical and charming town at the northeast tip of the island), followed by an afternoon spent at one of a multitude of Bermuda’s fabulous Atlantic coastline beaches, and concluding with shopping, dinner and nightlife in downtown Hamilton.
The best things to do in Bermuda
1. Water Sports. With easily accessible venues of brilliant blue waters to swim, dive, snorkel, kayak, sail, fish, jet ski, and body surf on. There are many places on the beaches to rent equipment.
2. Explore St. George’s Parish. Avoid the hustle and bustle of Hamilton and head to the northeast tip of the island, home to the historic and charming town of St. George and its intriguing fortifications – all part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Visit Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Constructed upon the highest point on the island, climb to the top for fabulous views, while learning about the navigational history of the alluring island and its treacherous reef.
4. Crystal and Fantasy Caves. Travelers will marvel at the cavernous subterranean network of translucent waterways.
5. The Royal Naval Dockyard. Though touristy (particularly when berthing a cruise ship), this hub of activity swirls with Bermudian verve, featuring a Maritime Museum, a pavilion concert venue, local crafts market and pushcart food vendors and a dedicated Arts Centre.
Activities
Visit Horseshoe Bay Beach. This beautiful pink sand beach is one of the most popular in Bermuda and offers incredible views of the ocean. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Explore the Royal Naval Dockyard. This historic site was once a British naval base and is now home to several museums, shops, and restaurants. You can also visit the Clocktower Mall or take a tour of the nearby fortifications.
Take a glass-bottom boat tour. Experience the underwater beauty of Bermuda without getting wet by taking a glass-bottom boat tour. You’ll see colorful fish, coral, and even shipwrecks.
Visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. This attraction features a wide variety of marine and land animals, as well as exhibits on the island’s history and culture.
Try some local cuisine. Bermuda is famous for its fish chowder and rum swizzle, so be sure to try some local cuisine during your visit. You can also sample other dishes like fish sandwiches, conch fritters, and cassava pie.
Go on a sightseeing tour. If you want to see more of the island’s attractions, consider taking a sightseeing tour. You can choose from options like bus tours, walking tours, or even scooter tours.
Bermuda is home to a variety of unique shops and boutiques selling everything from local crafts to designer clothing. You can browse for souvenirs, gifts, or just some retail therapy.
Communication in Bermuda
If you are looking to find a relaxing, restful vacation but still need connection to the outside world, you are in luck.
Telecommunications in Bermuda are among some of the fastest, most reliable anywhere. If you are in need of internet services (even wireless), or fax and telephone service, you will feel secure knowing that the island of Bermuda although quaint has what it takes for your business needs.
Financial
Money in Bermuda has the same status as the United States dollar. There are plenty of ATMs found on the island of Bermuda so there is no need to worry about having to exchange money if you are not from the United States.
Cash is a great way to bargain with the locals for their local and traditional goods.
What to Wear
Typically, since Bermuda is hot and humid, dressing lightly and with light layering for evening breezes are a good idea. Gentlemen may need a sport jacket for evening attire and ladies may wish to bring a lightweight sweater for evenings out, as well.
Expect to wear your bathing suit much of the time during the day, with shorts and a cover-up. This way, if you choose to partake in a water activity, you will be appropriately dressed.
Gaining Entry
Gaining entry to Bermuda will require a round trip ticket. Travelers must have an up-to-date passport showing citizenship and the right to regain entry into their country of origin. Check for rules and regulations for children, as they will need a passport as well.
For some, birth certificates and marriage certificates are necessary for travel, as maiden names change when married. Check with the proper authorities to be certain you have the correct and most up-to-date information. Then double-check that information.
Bermuda Travel Deals
Often times when you travel off-season or with a group, you will reap tremendous rewards on a great deal. Also, if you are a first-time visitor, feel free to mention that. You never know, you may just get a lot more Bermuda for a little less money.
If museums aren’t really your thing and you want to experience more outdoorsy things on your vacation, no worries! Head over to Horseshoe Bay Beach. Home to Bermuda’s most popular beach, this is the perfect spot for anyone wanting to relax and/or participate in some local sports. There are tons of places to rent jet skis, snorkeling equipment as well as areas for rock climbing. When you are done exploring for the day make sure to check out some of the beachside cafes which serve delicious drinks and authentic local food. If you want to get really adventurous on your trip, do some “wreck diving”. Bermuda, which has had more shipwrecks in the area than any other spot in the world, still has many intact wrecks that are easily seen by scuba divers. The Cristobal Colon, which sunk in 1936 is one of the most popular sites to explore.
Bermuda has actually been a British Overseas Territory since England claimed possession of the area in the early 1600s. If you want to learn about the interesting history of the area make sure to visit St. George’s Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the area where Sea Venture wrecked, which ended with England taking over the island. You can spend the day visiting St. Peter’s Church, which was built in 1612 when the first official settlers arrived, as well as the Bermuda National Trust museum, the Tucker House Museum as well as the Historical Society.
Night life in Bermuda is limited to a couple areas. Hamilton is the heart of Bermuda night life. There are a variety of restaurants and clubs within walking distance of the main harbor.
