Bermuda Cruise Port: 7 Things Not To Miss
Welcome to Bermuda! This cruise port is a paradise famous for its sparkling ombre blue waters and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for turning on your phone’s do not disturb button and unwinding for a few days. From light pink sands and flourishing underwater life along Horseshoe Bay to colorful architecture and harbor views in Hamilton, Bermuda has a little bit of everything to captivate all types of travelers. Explore Bermuda like never before with this ultimate bucket list of the island's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences!
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Bermuda Cruise Port: 7 Unmissable Things To do
#1: Crystal Fantasy and the Caves
These caves are a beautiful wonder in Bermuda that has formed over millions of years! There are two caves here, a cafe for refreshments, and a shop available. Crystal Cave welcomes you as you descend 88 steps down a steep walkway to the crystal-clear underground pool. Floating walkways span through the middle of the cave, allowing you to cross over the pool and peer into the water to see millions of stalagmites and stalactites rising upward. Above you, thin white formations span the top of the cave. The second cave, Fantasy Cave, contains walls of calcite crystal deposits and views into the deep passageways underwater that lead to the ocean!
Cave Hours: Open Daily 9 AM - 5 PM | Closed New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and December 24-26.
Entrance Fee:
Each cave is 24 USD for adults and 10 USD for children aged 5-12. Children under 5 years old may enter for free.
There is a combination ticket to access both caves, which is 35 USD for adults, 12 USD for children aged 5-12, and free for children under 5.
The guided tours for the caves depart every 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 AM and finishing at 4:30 PM.
I recommend booking ahead to secure your visit.
Sustainable Tourism: These caves contain fragile ecosystems that can be easily disrupted by touching, kicking, or removing the formations, and even by leaving waste behind. Please travel respectfully, so future generations can explore and enjoy these natural wonders.
#2: Relax on Bermuda’s Dreamy Beaches
Horseshoe Bay
Being an island, of course, Bermuda is most well known for its insanely beautiful and dreamy beaches! One of the most popular beaches worldwide is Horseshoe Bay, known for its pink sands, ombre-blue waters, and limestone rocks surrounding the bay. It is impossible to visit here and not take a thousand photos in an attempt to capture its beauty. Pack a towel and flip-flops, and head here for a day of bliss and relaxation in paradise!
This beach has free access, public restrooms, foot showers, beach, towel, snorkel, paddleboard rentals, and shops and restaurants nearby. Due to the amenities and allure of its pink sand, this beach can get quite busy.
Pro Tip: Lifeguards are only on duty in the summer months! Beware of the jellyfish’s cousin—get familiar with spotting the Portuguese Man-O-War that may be floating nearby year-round. They look like plastic bags filled with air floating on the surface and when washed ashore, may still sting you! I came across two while I was here, one floating and one ashore.
Elbow Beach is a breathtaking, secluded beach with a beach club and a few hotels nearby. This beach is ideal for those who want to catch some rays in a serene setting, with calm waters for cooling off. Be sure to bring your beach chair or towel to lay out on, as this beach is less serviced than others. There is only one portable toilet nearby. Some people have claimed this beach to be busy due to its size, but I have never personally experienced a crowded day.
Jobson Cove Beach: Calling all snorkelers! This beach is the perfect spot for exploring the shallow underwater world. Shaped into a smaller cove with jagged rock cliffs surrounding it, Jobson is usually less crowded than the others, similar to Elbow Beach, making it feel like your own tropical paradise. There may not be many services available, but this Garden of Eden is worth the isolation with the serenity it offers. Pack all the essentials for a relaxing beach day, and Jobson Cove will set the perfect scene, making you feel like you are on your private little island paradise. On sunny days, you can find a hint of pink in the sand here.
This was my favorite beach in Bermuda!
Warwick Long Bay is one of the longer stretches in Bermuda, with peach-tinted sand and towering limestone islands in the water, creating a landscape that stands out against the rest. This beach connects to Jobson Cove, so if you prefer a more open landscape for sunbathing but still want to snorkel, you can spend your day split between the two! During the high season, you can find more amenities here, including pop-up stands offering food and beverages at the nearby park.
If you are looking for an alternative to Horseshoe Bay that is less crowded but still has pink/peach-hued sand, Warwick Long Bay is for you!
Pro Tip: This beach has a sharper drop-off point in the water, making it deep a bit faster compared to other beaches.
Tobacco Beach is another slightly more crowded beach area, with a beach club located on site. It is located in St. George and is therefore protected through being a UNESCO Heritage site. You can pink-hued sand here, more limestone cliffs, and great amentities on site from snorkeling gear to a beach bar.
Fun Fact: Tobacco Beach is named after shipwreck survivors who discovered tobacco growing nearby!
One of the best things about Bermuda is that most of its attractions, including the beaches, can be accessed by public bus. You can find the bus routes and numbers here.
Horseshoe Bay: Bus 7
Jobson Cove: Bus 7
Warwick Long Bay: Bus 7
Elbow Beach: Bus 2 and 7
Tobacco Bay: There is no public bus that stops at this beach. However, buses 1, 3, 10, and 11 can drop you nearby.
Pro Tip: You can buy bus tickets and passes from any visitor center or ferry terminal. You can find all the fee information, including where to purchase tickets, here.
#3 Hamilton
Hamilton, the capital city of Bermuda, is a colorful and lively area filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, exhibits, the aquarium, and more. It is the perfect spot to unwind in the afternoon, stroll through the streets, and watch the sunset while enjoying a meal. On Wednesday summer nights, you can join the Harbour Night street party from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Front Street is closed to traffic, making it an ideal place to explore and have a meal.
Things to do near Hamilton:
Front Street: The main street of Hamilton, lined with shopping and restaurants galore.
Bermuda National Gallery: Holds Bermuda’s national art collection alongside many other exhibits. Admission is free.
Rock Island Coffee: Delicious coffee!
Looking for some vegan spots? Head here for all the options on the island!
#4: St. George Area & Fort St. Catherine
The St. George area of Bermuda is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its historical significance as one of the earliest English settlements in the New World. The area also served as a vital military and trading port, with Fort St. Catherine housing larger military guns for warfare. Beyond its historical significance, St. George is a charming and colorful area, with the famous Fort St. Catherine offering incredible views of Bermuda and the Atlantic Ocean. Tobacco Bay also sits on St. George.
Besides Fort St. Catherine and Tobacco Beach, St. George also has the Unfinished Church, a medieval-looking stone church, which was never completed due to internal conflict. Many people even take their wedding photos at the church today because of how unique it is!
Fort St. Catherine Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM | Entrance Fee: Adults 7 USD | Child: 3 USD | 65+ 5 USD
#5: Gibb's Hill Lighthouse
The Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse is one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the world and contains some amazing views over Bermuda. Once you arrive at the lighthouse you can purchase a 2.50 USD ticket in the gift shop to climb up the 185-step spiral staircase to 360 views of the island. The views are absolutely stunning, with Bermuda’s beautiful crystal blue waters encompassing you alongside its flourishing greenery. This quick stop is worth the trip. Depending on how quickly you climb the steep steps, you only need 30 minutes to an hour to explore the lighthouse and its views.
Gibbs’s Lighthouse & Giftshop Hours: Open Daily from 10 AM to 4 PM | Closed in February
#6: Go Diving
Scuba diving and free diving in Bermuda are ideal for those who love exploring wrecks and colorful corals. The island has over 300 wrecks and is known as the “wreck capital.” This is one of the best places in the Atlantic to become wreck-certified with wrecks from 5 meters to 40 meters (and some even deeper) available to you. You can learn more about some of the wreck dives in Bermuda with Dive Magazine’s article here.
#7: Royal Naval Dockyard
The Royal Naval Dockyard is an important historical location during the war for Independence between America and Great Britain. For more background on the history of the dockyard, head here. Aside from its historical significance, the dockyard is a tourist hotspot with the National Museum of Bermuda, golf, Snorkel Park Beach, shopping, restaurants, and more. The dockyard area is another fun spot to spend the evening exploring the area, grabbing a bite, and enjoying some family fun with a mini golf competition.
General Information on Bermuda
Best Time to Visit:
High Season: December - April | Hurricane/Rainy Season: May - November
The best time to visit Bermuda for optimal weather is May to October. However, I visited during June, considered the beginning of hurricane season, and still had optimal weather.
How to Get to the Bermuda:
Flying: To arrive in Bermuda, you must fly into L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA).
Cruise Ship: Many cruises offer entire itineraries dedicated to Bermuda. Some of the most popular are Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, and Celebrity.
Mode of Transport in Bermuda:
Private Taxi: A taxi is expensive in Bermuda, and I do not recommend opting for one unless you are going to fill every seat in the car and are happy to split an hourly fee. Some taxis use a meter, but it is a good idea to confirm the fare before getting in. I recommend using the public bus, walking, or booking guided tours that include transportation to specific attractions.
Public Bus: Bermuda has amazing public buses that allow travelers to access nearly every section of Bermuda. You can find more information on bus fees and routes here! I used the bus to beach-hop on a budget! The only downside is waiting for the bus to scoop you up.
Ferry: You can also opt for the ferry, especially when heading to and from areas like Hamilton. The ferry is operated by Sea Express, with fares starting at 5 USD for adults and 2.75 USD for children. You can find more information on ferry fees and routes here! I used the ferry to travel from Hamilton to the Royal Naval Dockyard— it was easy peasy to figure out!
Where to Stay:
The best area to stay in Bermuda is either Mt. Pleasant or Hamilton, to be close to the top beaches to visit and a cute downtown area (Hamilton) for shopping, food, etc. However, staying in Bermuda can be expensive, and sometimes the cheapest option to venture here is by cruise ship!
Top Places To Stay:
Pompano Beach Club (Outside of Hamilton/Mt. Pleasant)
The Loren at Pink Beach (Outside of Hamilton/Mt. Pleasant)
Are There Vegan Options?
Yes, some restaurants offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Is It Safe?
I felt pretty safe in Bermuda. However, I did not travel outside of tourist zones and was visiting via Cruise.
I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Bermuda is currently rated Level 1 (2024). Follow basic rules of safety while traveling, in addition to:
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Emergency Contact Number: 9-1-1
