Bermuda may only span 21 square miles, but don’t let that fool you—there are tons of things to see and do packed into this beautiful tropical island. Think pretty pink sand beaches lapped by gentle waves, historic sites that will take you back in time, and incredible dive sites teeming with tropical marine life and shipwrecks. And don’t forget the stunning hotels and resorts with all the modern amenities you could ask for. If you’re planning a trip to this gem in the Atlantic Ocean, these are some of the best things to do in Bermuda.
1. Horseshoe Bay Beach
You can’t have a list of the top things to do in Bermuda without mentioning Horseshoe Bay Beach. This is one of the most iconic beaches in Bermuda thanks to its dramatic rock formations, beautiful pink sand, and ultra-clear waters. There are tons of things to do here, including swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding and exploring trails with spectacular viewpoints. Of course, you could also just chill on the sand, which gets its pink hue from crushed coral, shells, and calcium carbonate. Be sure to stick around for gorgeous sunset views.
2. Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave
Image credit: gotobermuda.com
Want to see Bermuda from an entirely different vantage point? Head to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves to discover intriguing underground worlds filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and serene pools. Crystal Cave features a huge underwater lake with reflective waters that mirror the formations in the cavern. Fantasy Cave is just as surreal with winding passageways and deep pools. Both caves have walkways and pontoons so that visitors can safely traverse the sites along with knowledgeable guides.
3. Royal Naval Dockyard
The Royal Naval Dockyard is one of the most visited spots in Bermuda and for good reason. Established as a British naval base in the 19th century, the dockyard is now home to a slew of interesting historic sites, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Visit the National Museum of Bermuda, hit up the mini-golf course and trampoline park, or swing by Dolphin Quest to learn about and interact with dolphins. Be sure to sample the treats at the famous Bermuda Rum Cake Company.
4. Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
Image: bermudalighthouse.com
Ever scaled the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton, Bermuda? Built in 1846, it’s one of the world’s oldest cast iron lighthouses. In fact, there are only two cast iron lighthouses left in the world, and this is one of them. Once you reach the top of the lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Bermuda’s southern shorelines, Little Sound, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. It’s the perfect spot for capturing stunning Insta-worthy pics.
5. St. George
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If you want a glimpse into what life was like in Bermuda centuries ago, the UNESCO-listed town of St. George’s is a must-visit spot. Located on the northeastern tip of Bermuda, the town was established in 1612, making it the first English settlement on the island. Wander the cobblestone streets to see colonial buildings from that era and the years to follow. Start at King’s Square, then make your way to St. Peter’s Church, the Tucker House Museum, the St. George’s Historical Society Museum, Ordinance Island, and St. Catherine’s Fort.
6. Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
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Animal lovers won’t want to miss a trip to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo in Flatts Village. This gem dives deep into Bermuda’s aquatic wonders, showcases a kaleidoscope of marine life, and even boasts unique creatures from the far-off shores of Madagascar. Stroll through the natural history museum to grasp the island’s ecological essence or simply watch your kids revel in the playful zones. With its unwavering commitment to conservation, BAMZ ensures every visitor leaves enlightened and inspired.
7. Snorkeling and Diving
Given Bermuda’s unique location in the Atlantic Ocean, it should come as no surprise that snorkeling and diving are considered some of the best things to do in Bermuda. There are tons of coral reefs and shipwrecks just offshore, and the underwater visibility is just incredible.
Popular snorkeling spots include Church Bay, Tobacco Bay, and Warwick Long Bay. Divers will also love the historical shipwrecks and unique caves and cavern systems.
8. Bermuda Railway Trail
Get some exercise on your holiday and discover amazingly scenic spots at the same time on the Bermuda Railway Trail. The trail follows the route of Bermuda’s old railway, which operated from 1931 to 1948, and offers sweeping views of the coastline along the way. You can hike, walk or cycle the trail, making pit stops at historical landmarks like old railway stations and bridges. The trail runs for 18 miles, but it’s divided into sections, so you can take it at your own pace and traverse as much or as little of it as you like.
9. Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
Image source: Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
Ever taken a deep dive without getting wet? At the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute in Hamilton, you can explore the ocean’s mysteries through captivating exhibits that span marine science to Bermuda’s maritime tales. The Ocean Discovery Centre is a marvel, blending touch screens with immersive dives, while historical relics recount tales of shipwrecks lost and found. The virtual reality exhibits are a major highlight, allowing visitors to experience teeming coral reefs and deep-sea habitats.
10. Fort Scaur
Fort Scaur was built in the 1870s as a coastal defense fortification during a period of heightened tensions between Britain and the United States. However, today this is one of the most peaceful places in Bermuda with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the Great Sound. Stroll the grounds to see gun emplacements, ramparts, and underground passages, as well as native trees, flowers and bushes. It’s a great spot to bring a picnic and chill out for a while, taking in the ocean views.
11. Whale Watching
Depending on the season, you might be able to catch sight of humpback whales as they migrate through Bermuda’s waters. The primary whale watching season runs from March to April, when humpback whales pass by Bermuda on their way to their breeding and calving grounds in the Caribbean. During this time, your chances of spotting humpback whales are at their highest. There are several tour operators that offer guided whale watching excursions during ‘whale season’.
12. Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve
Looking for things to do in Bermuda that allow you to connect with nature? Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is one of the most pristine places on the island. The reserve was once home to a U.S. military base during World War II, and then a NASA-operated space tracking station in the 1960s. It was off-limits for decades, but was reopened to the public in 2011 as a nature reserve with trails that connect forests to beaches. Climb the wildlife observation tower to see a sweeping panorama of the island.
13. Somerset Long Bay
If you find yourself in Sandys Parish, Bermuda, you’ll want to stroll along Somerset Long Bay. It’s a strikingly scenic slice of coastline where soft pink sands meet clear blue waters. Perfect for a quiet retreat or a picnic on the beach, its peaceful ambiance lets you simply breathe in the ocean air and lose yourself in the horizon. And if you have an eye for photography, the stunning backdrops here will give you plenty of inspiration for stellar shots.
14. The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Museum
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Delve into Bermuda’s rich African heritage and the experiences, struggles and triumphs of Africans on the island. The African Diaspora Heritage Trail is a self-guided tour that traces the journey of Africans from their homeland to Bermuda. By sharing stories of resilience, cultural richness, and the enduring spirit of its people, the trail contributes to a broader appreciation of Bermuda’s identity and the mosaic of influences that have shaped it over the centuries. The trail consists of the National Museum of Bermuda, Cobb’s Hill Methodist Church, Barr’s Bay Park, Pilot Darrell’s Square, Jeffrey’s Cave and more.
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