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View of tropical beach and sea from the inside of a cave with jagged rock formations

Bermuda travel guide

Wander along pink sand and discover the beautiful cluster of islands known as Bermuda on one of our holidays. Coasts are dominated by picturesque beaches and bright blue waters. Days are soaked in sunshine all year round, making Bermuda the perfect place to escape those winter blues. Sunbath on beautiful beaches, explore the culture, adventure to hidden turquoise pools and enjoy fine dining.

Beaches in Bermuda

White and pink sands, tranquil, turquoise waters, and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is a paradise waiting to be discovered. With more than 75 miles of glorious coastline, Bermuda has some of the best beaches in the world. Some are tucked away, waiting to be discovered, while others are among both tourists and locals.

Take your time finding your perfect beach where you can catch a tan in the sunshine and sip rum cocktails in peace. But that’s not all, you will find activity after activity including volleyball, sailing, and snorkelling at these beaches too.

Best beaches in Bermuda

Aerial view of crescent bay merging with blue sea
Photo credit: Bermuda Tourism Authority

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most popular, and beautiful beaches in Bermuda and makes you realise why Bermuda is known for its coastlines. This blush-pink sandy beach is among the top beaches in the world and is popular among visitors and locals. With crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, as you can venture away from the main stretch and discover an array of tropical sea life.

Located in Southampton Parish on the South Shore of Bermuda, this crescent-moon shaped beach is popular during peak season, as well as cruise season which is from Spring to late fall.

Port Royal Cove is an enclosed bay with calmer waves and is ideal for families with small children. Older kids might enjoy the plethora of caves in the surrounding rock formations.

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Aerial view of white sandy beach with turquoise waters and rocks
Photo credit: Bermuda Tourism Authority

Jobson’s Cove

Jobson’s Cove, in Warwick Parish is a popular proposal spot with its idyllic scenery and calm, gentle waters. While small, this beach is entirely encircled by steep limestone and hardened volcanic rock formations. The shallow waters are much like a swimming pool, and are calm enough for young children to paddle around in.

You can also enjoy some snorkelling and spot some tropical fish in the comfort of the cove setting, but be sure to bring your own gear as unfortunately there are no facilities in the area.

This tucked away cove is located within the South Shore Park in Warwick Parish and can be reached via a walking trail along Warwick Long Bay from Horseshoe Bay Beach.

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Kiteboards on sandy beach next to crystal waters
Photo credit: Bermuda Tourism Authority

Elbow Beach

Elbow Beach, a 1.5km stretch of tinted pink sand, is one of the closest beaches in the city of Hamilton. With reefs close to the shore, there are calmer waters and thus beachgoers can enjoy the likes of paddleboarding, snorkelling and kayaking. If you’re keen to see the shipwrecks, book a tour with an operator to get up close to the wreck of Pollokshields, which was a cargo steamer that crashed into the reef in 1915.

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Bermuda Geography

Bermuda is an archipelago of seven main islands and around 170 other islets and rocks, each with name, in the Atlantic Ocean. The main islands, joined by bridges or causeways, stretch from northeast to southwest in a long, narrow formation that hooks north at the western end. It resembles a fishhook if you were to look at Bermuda on a map. Since the main islands are all joined and within proximity, they are grouped together to form the country Bermuda.

Bermuda’s total land area is roughly 21 miles, making the country smaller than the city of Manhattan! You can travel from one end to the other in under an hour on a scooter.

Bermuda history

Bermuda was originally discovered in 1503 by Spanish explorer, Juan de Bermúdez, but was not settled until 1609 when the British Ship ‘Sea Venture wrecked on shores of Bermuda on its way to Jamestown, Virginia. Three survivors stayed on the island and within three years, Bermuda became British Territory, with its first capital, the town of St George, settling in 1612 and is as of today, the oldest continually inhabited English town in the Americas.

One of the first exports of Bermuda was onions, and in 1616 they were first planted. Before long, this was a major export with tens of thousands of onions being shipped to the USA and the UK eery week. People often refer to Bermudians as ‘onions’ and the island an ‘island patch’. It’s a similar compliment as calling someone a ‘good egg’.

The island’s population quickly became racially and culturally diverse due to the slave trade as well as an influx of immigrants from Portugal and the West Indies. Today, many of Bermuda’s 61,000 residents proudly trace their roots to British, African and Caribbean bloodlines.

Bermuda played an important role for both the USA and the UK considering its location between the two countries. It served as a principal launching point for British attacks on the United States during both the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. It was also an important stop for Confederate blockade-runners during the American Civil War and turned a neat profit running rum during the Prohibition years.

There was also a fierce pirate history in the 1700’s and 1800’s as a lack of resources on the islands led many locals to find their own which meant often, they turned to pirating. Bermuda was given the title of ‘Isle of Devils’, as they plundered merchant ships on their way to Europe and the New World. But, in the mid 1800’s there was the first trickle of tourism whereby wealthy travellers wanted to avoid north American winters and so headed to Bermuda. By 20th century, Canadians and Brits joined, taking time away from their harsh, cold temperatures and relaxing in the warmer climate of Bermuda. By the 1930’s, there were regular flights to Bermuda.

Wildlife in Bermuda

Whilst it’s true to say that naturalists would not place Bermuda high on their destinations to visit, there are certainly many wildlife gems to be sought out and enjoyed by visitors to the Island. By accident, choice or the intervention of humans, many fascinating species now reside amongst its exotic landscapes.

During March and April around 15,000 Humpback Whales move past Bermuda as they head to their summer feeding grounds. If you're lucky enough to be holidaying between these times then ensure you join a boat trip to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Staying with the marine theme, why not also take the opportunity to discover one of the five different types of sea turtle that can be found around Bermuda’s waters. They are easy to spot as some grow up to four feet in size and weigh in at 400 pounds.

If you want to stay land based then you won’t be disappointed. The national bird of Bermuda, (featured on some of its bank notes), flies freely around the Island. The Cahow is white in colour and emits an unforgettable, distinctive chirp, which both help to locate this once thought to be extinct creature, as it prefers to be active at night. A smaller, but more colourful prospect to observe is the native Buckeye Butterfly, golden, intricate patterns adorn these delightful insects.

Activities in Bermuda

Bermuda is an island with an abundance of adventures and activities as well as picture-perfect beaches and warm, turquoise waters. It’s the perfect getaway from a romantic holiday for two, or a fun-filled family holiday. Explore the shipwrecks under the sea as you dive into the ocean, master the waves above with surfing, join hikes or cycle around the island and take in all the breath-taking sights – there is so much to do on this small island and something for everyone to enjoy.

Watersports

Diving in Bermuda

Diving is possible all year-round, but conditions change slightly with the seasons: though it rarely gets less than 80ft, visibilities at its prime is (sometimes as good as 200ft) between November and April, and though water temperatures hardly ever dip below 20°C, it is warmest between July and October. May and June tend to get the best balance of both and are the ideal time for diving.

But whenever you visit, you’ll be in awe of the underwater wonders. Hundreds of shipwrecks, centuries of history and the northernmost coral reef on the planet give Bermuda a sensational scuba and snorkelling scene. Even if you delved underwater 365 days of the year, you couldn’t cover every site - and with coral growth and tropical storms revealing hidden cargo from centuries ago, the underwater landscape is constantly changing. Bermuda is the capital of shipwrecks telling tales of ruthless reefs, pilfering pirates, and the infamous Bermuda triangle. The archipelago has over 300 wrecks to explore, many dating back hundreds of years. Dozens sit in the shallow waters, easy for snorkellers to explore, including the HMS Vixen, a gunboat that sunk in 1896 whose bow pokes above the water just off Daniel’s Head Beach. The biggest wreck out of them all is the Cristobal Colon, a 500-foot Spanish cruise liner that crashed on the coral seabed in the 1930’s and was then sunk during the WW2 bombing practise. The vessel’s split into two, with parts, from steam turbines to a bathtub, scattered over thousands of square feet. You could swim around it for days!

There are many, many more shipwrecks to explore, making this one of the best activities to do while in Bermuda.

Surfing in Bermuda

Another popular activity you can participate in whilst in Bermuda is surfing! The best time to do so is between August and November when there are the best surfing conditions, especially on the south shores.

There are multiple places where you can surf, including Isolated Surf Boards located in Hamilton. The surfboards re island made by owner and founder Cullen O’Hara who is an expert and offers lessons. He started surfing while in California during his university years and bought his experience and fascination for the sport back to Bermuda. Other places include Surf Sup, IN Daniel Head Park, Blue Hole Water sports in Hamilton and many others! Snorkel Park Beach also offer all types of rentals and it is worth checking them out.

The best places to surf include Hungry Bay, Southland’s beach Tucker’s town beach And Tucks point break on Windsor beach, big in the nineties, sand shifts changed it but rears its head.

Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Bermuda

Bermuda is not a place usually associated with the wind and kite surfing scene, but its charms and potential are beginning to become unlocked. It has beaches dotted around the whole of the Island which benefit from a variety of differing wind conditions and associated challenges. Between November and mid-April, a pleasant breeze is guaranteed, offering great conditions for beginners and experts alike.

Bermuda’s mix of differing wind and wave combinations provide ideal opportunities to take up wind and kite surfing or work on your techniques. Many diverse locations have become particularly popular in recent years: Somerset Long Bay, Elbow Beach, Cooper’s Island, Shelly Bay Beach and Achilles Bay to name but a few. Wherever you are based you will be sure to find some surfing fun available nearby.

Sailing in Bermuda

Sailing is another popular activity among both the locals and visitors alike on the island of Bermuda. Though a tiny cluster of islands, Bermuda even hosted the 35th America’s Cup in 2017 which was a pretty big thing!

K.S. WaterSports is Bermuda’s Premier Boat Rental company that offers he largest fleet of rental boats in Bermuda. Be your own captain as you cruise across Bermuda’s turquoise waters and explore the islands at your own leisure! K.S. WaterSports offers boat rentals across the island and departs from the three convenient locations: Hamilton, Southampton, and St. George, with a range of different sizes to suit you and your needs.

Other hire companies include Blue Hole Water Sports, which is located at the Grotto Bay Beach Hotel that provide an ideal starting point for a great day out on the water as well as H20 Sports which offers a wide range of different boats to rent depending on your group size and plans.

Fishing in Bermuda

Bermuda is surrounded by coral reefs which offer excellent spots for fishing and is a fisher’s paradise. Fishing can produce catches such as Barracuda, Little Tunny, Yellow tail snappers, grey snappers, and Bermuda Chub. Other common fish you’ll see include Tuna, and Marlin.

A great spot is shore fishing from West Whale Bay Beach. But it is best if you take a fishing charter boat as you are covered by the captain’s license and fishing in the deep sea is a special experience that you will not forget. You can also join a group fishing tour at a much cheaper per-person rate if that is better suited to your needs.

Canoeing & kayaking in Bermuda

Have your try at taming the ocean waters with kayaking. A fun, and adrenaline filled activity, and offered all along the shores of Bermuda. You can hire Kayaks from multiple vendors, for the whole day, or pay by hours and enjoy exciting moments as you master the sport. You can hire Kayaks from Surfsup on Daniel’s Head, from H2O Sports and Blue Hole Watersports where there is a great point for paddling to Whalebone Bay.

There are also one- and two-man kayaks and safari tours to Tom Moore’s jungle (in the Walsingham Park Nature Reserve), where you can power through tropical forest and leap into lagoons.

KS Watersports kayaks from their bases in Hamilton and St Georges, good way to explore harbours.

Land activities

Golf in Bermuda

Golf is an incredibly popular activity in Bermuda, and there are more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world! There are seven golf courses in total, five of which are championship standard and are open all year round, though be are there is a formal dress code.

Some of the courses include Belmont Hills Golf Club which is an 18-hole course (6017 yards, par 70), Mid Ocean Club in Tucker’s Town, another 18-holes (6548 yards, par 71) and the smallest course on the island, Ocean View Golf course in Devonshire with 9 holes and a stunning view.

Cycling & mountain biking in Bermuda

In Bermuda, they have a slightly different set of lingo that you might want to start familiarising with, so you don’t get too confused when you are there. In Bermuda, ‘bikes’ are motorised scooters, and bicycles your two-wheeled, pedal powered transportation.

There is a railway trail that is 18 miles long which operated for 17 years, between 1931 and 1948. Nowadays, it’s a great way to see the island, with bike trails and hiking trails. If you chose to cycle by bike, start off at Somerset for the easiest, and smoothest trails. Along the South Road, a 9-mile trail, it runs along the shore and overlooks the iconic beaches, giving you some great views.

You can rent bikes, hybrids or old-fashioned bikes from Oleander Cycles based in the Dockyard, as well as Elbow Beach Cycles.

The Bermuda Island tour centre offers bike tours and usually combines the railway trail with historic, scenic stop offs, giving you an immersive experience of the island. Fantasea also provide tours of the island as well as mountain bikes, helmets, and local knowledge – great for those looking for a tougher activity to do while in Bermuda.

Walking & hiking in Bermuda

Scooters only get you so far on beautiful Bermuda. Since it is a small collection of islands, it’s also easy to walk around and explore for yourself. Beach walks are one way of seeing the beautiful island, specifically Warwick Long Bay which has a scenic, sandy trail to Jobson’s Cove and is a nice, peaceful activity for everyone to join in on.

There is also the Bermuda railway trail, which is 18 miles of the original 22 miles where guides are available from the visitors’ centres. These trails are nearly all car free and goes from one end of the island to the other. There are nine different sections of varying difficulties as well as a set of shorter works. There is clear signposting along most of the trails meaning it is easy to follow and, if you’re lucky, during these trails, you might even stumble upon hidden beaches, rocky coves, historic forts, and wildlife.

To experience the tropical environment, there are multiple nature trails through Tom Moore’s jungle (aka the Walsingham Nature Reserve) in the parish of Hamilton. Mild hills, beautiful wildlife and flowers, and small grottos to swim in if it gets too hot, what more could you want! Take a break under a calabash tree and write poems like Tom Moore did!

There are many more trail paths and walks, including the Spittal Ponds reserve and Cooper Island Natura Reserve, with stunning views and a breath-taking atmosphere.

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Adults
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