Visiting Bermuda is not like visiting another Caribbean island. It’s pink sand beaches, rocky formations, and one, winding road around the entire island set it apart. The one thing about Bermuda that is much like the rest of the Caribbean is the crystal clear waters. But I’ll take that similarity any day.
Horseshoe Beach
If you’re visiting Bermuda by cruise ship, Horseshoe Beach is easy to get to. Whether your cruise is docked at the Royal Navy Dockyard or at one of the other ports, the good thing is that Bermuda is only 11 miles long. So wherever you are, it shouldn’t take too long to get to!
You can choose to take public transportation to the beach or hop in a taxi cab. If you’re on a budget, hopping on the bus is a much more economical option. From the Royal Navy Dockyard, it will take you about 25 minutes to get to the beach via cab.
Once you’re at the beach, take some time to wander around – there’s so much more than just the pink sandy beach itself! If you’re looking at the water, Horseshoe Bay is to your right. It’s a little cove with crystal clear water, multitudes of fish, and rocky formations that lead you to a cliff’s edge.
If you head to the left about a quarter of a mile, you’ll find yourself at Butt’s Beach (the picture above). This alcove isn’t as guarded by the blocks, so there are many more waves here. I found this out the hard way by getting soaked while taking photos! You can also adventure around some of the rocks, where the water takes on a life of its own. It’s pretty mesmerizing to watch. If you can, this is the perfect secluded area to bring a little lunch picnic to enjoy the sights. Be sure to clean up all of your trash to make sure this beach stays pristine for years to come!
Crystal and Fantasy Caves
Crystal and Fantasy Caves in Bermuda are located near the eastern end of Bermuda (the opposite side of the Royal Navy Dockyard). By taxi, it takes about 50 minutes to get here.
Although you can walk in to see the caves, it’s best to buy tickets in advance so that you don’t have an unexpected wait time. We got here and were immediately brought into the Fantasy Cave. However, we had to make ourselves busy for the next 2 hours before the next available tour for Crystal Cave.
While both are beautiful, if you only have time for one, definitely go to Crystal Cave. The white formations combined with the clear water that plunges further than 40 feet down will leave you in awe.
Hamilton
Hamilton, Bermuda is the capital of this beautiful island and for good reason. It’s not just the main hub for all business that goes on in Bermuda, but it’s also a huge hub for museums, restaurants, bars, and shopping. When visiting Bermuda, you can’t miss Hamilton.
If you have time on your trip to Bermuda since your time is limited via the cruise’s departure, you’ll want to explore the Botanical Gardens, the Cathedral, as well as all of the colorful streets and restaurants. If you only have a few hours, be sure to wander down Front Street, Reid Street, and Church Street. This is where you’ll find the majority of shops and restaurants.
Quick disclaimer – the prices of food and drinks in Bermuda are much like that of NYC prices. Be prepared with that before you go so you aren’t in shock like I was!
Tips for Visiting Bermuda
Before heading to Bermuda, there’s a few important things to know! These tips will make your trip much smoother.
- The time is an hour ahead of Eastern United States time
- The currency is the Bermudian dollar (which is equivalent to the U.S. dollar)
- Prices are expensive for food and drinks
- The ferry service is a more economical and quick way to travel around the island
If you head to Bermuda, let me know in the comments what you did and loved! I can’t wait to go back and explore on land to see more of the sights like the St. George’s Island Forts and the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse.