18 IDEAL Things to Do in Bermuda in 2023

According to a report done by the Bermuda tourism authority, Bermuda welcomed over 808,000 visitors in 2019. This was their third consecutive year of exceeding previous tourism numbers, with cruise ships being the main source of tourism.

If you have not visited Bermuda yet, you are missing out, as there are so many more things to do in Bermuda than just soaking up the golden sun and splashing in the tropical turquoise waters. 

No matter your interests, company, or abilities, the island nation has something to offer everyone. There are endless adventures, landscapes to explore, nature to experience, and mouth-watering cuisine to be enjoyed.

Related: IDEAL Bermuda Hotels for Cruise Ship Visitors

The only question is, what are the best things to do in Bermuda? With so many activities, how do you know which ones are the best?

Thankfully, we’ve created this ultimate list of the best things to do in Bermuda, so you don’t have to do all the research! Keep on reading to learn more.

1. Visit the Crystal and Fantasy Caves

The Crystal and Fantasy Caves are among the most spectacular natural scenes you will ever experience. Located near the Hamilton Parish, you can combine the two caves and see them both on the same day.

Within these caves, there are stalactites and stalagmites that form some of the most peculiar shapes, that will have you and your family laughing as you come up with names to describe them!

These caves form around a complex named Cahow lake, which is the most crystal clear lake you would ever set eyes on. As you stroll along the marked pathways, you will admire the chandelier-like formations above you and the calcified formations along the walls that seem like still waterfalls.

This is truly a remarkable experience and is one of the best things to do in Bermuda with kids. It is open between 9am and 5pm every day. 

2. Go Whale Watching

Whale watching in Bermuda is unlike whale watching anywhere else, there is plenty of sea life to experience and they are always putting on a show! 

If you are visiting Bermuda between March and April, you are in extra luck as this is their feeding time in the local waters near Bermuda. Book your tickets in one of the tourism booths or directly from the whale watching guides themselves, you won’t regret the price of this excursion as it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

3. Bermuda Botanical Gardens

Located near Paget Parish, the Bermuda Botanical Gardens are a spectacular scene for nature lovers and more. This location includes over 35 acres of perfectly-manicured gardens full of rare and exotic plants. 

This garden was established in 1898 and has been growing in size ever since with trees, flowers, and shrubs from around the world. You will find exotic fruit trees, cacti, hibiscus, banyan trees, orchids, and more. 

As you walk along the marked paths, take a seat at one of the many benches and listen to the songs of the local tropical birds. While you are there, you can also check out Camden house which is home to Bermuda’s premier. This house is full of incredible architecture and perfect for family photos. 

4. Go on the Bermuda Reef Explorer

If you are not much of a snorkeler or deep-water swimmer, you are in luck thanks to the Bermuda Reef Explorer. This is a double-leveled, glass-bottom boat that was custom designed to give you an experience like you were swimming yourself. Only this time, you do not have to get wet!

Those who want to snorkel can disembark the boat for a closer look at the thousands of tropical fish surrounding the reefs. You will also find sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and an 18th-century shipwreck. 

5. Check Out the Royal Naval Dockyard

The Royal Naval Dockyard was one of the main scenes for the British military during the war of 1812 and World War 2. What was once a place for war and terror is now a beautiful scene for families to explore and learn about the history of this impressive location.

There are shops to explore, cafes and restaurants, and the National Museum of Bermuda. If you are getting hot from all the exploring, there is a man-made beach on location with snorkeling and a nice beach to relax on. 

6. Relax at Jobson’s Cove

Jobson’s cove is more than just a beach, it is a small cove with pink sand, lots of sea life, and a perfect place to suntan for the day. You can find it on the South coast near Bermuda’s Warwick Parish, by Dockyard and Hamilton.

Because of the sheltered area of this beach, it makes it one of the best things to do in Bermuda with kids. The water is calm, there are plenty of places with shade (bring your umbrella anyway!), and there are places to eat nearby.

Worth Reading: Best St. Thomas Beaches for Cruise Visitors

7. Horseshoe Bay Beach

If you are craving some more relaxation, head to Horseshoe Bay beach near Port Royal cove. Once you get there, you will know why it is one of the most photographed beaches in all of Bermuda.

Here you will find glorious pink sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, lifeguards on duty, and some local birds that call this bay home.

8. See Historic St. George’s Town

Bermuda is also home to a very rich history, with deep colonial heritage and stunning colonial architecture. St. George is also one of the founding cities in North America and has much to see and explore.

If you are visiting during the peak tourism months, you will meet and greet historical actors who keep their persona as they walk through the streets entertaining guests. This location was also recently declared a UNESCO world heritage site. 

9. Go Play a Round of Golf 

For golf lovers, there is no better way to soak up the Bermuda sun than playing a round of golf on one of its five golf courses.

If you have the cash, begin with the prestigious Port Royal course, where you are destined to get some star sightings of celebrities and PGA players. This is also one of the best courses for advanced players, so if you are a beginner, this will be extremely challenging. 

If that is not your scene, then play at Turtle Hill Golf Club, Tucker’s Point, Belmont Hills, Ocean View, or Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club. 

10. Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo have been established since 1926, which makes it one of the oldest of its kind in the world. No matter your age or interests, there is something for everyone at this exciting location. 

Try out animal feedings, arts and crafts, delicious restaurants, guided snorkeling tours, animal storytime, and many educational moments. This location has over 200 species of rare birds, nearly 300 species of exotic tropical fish, and other sea life waiting for you to explore. 

After you finish at the aquarium, visit the National Museum of Bermuda for an educational experience and learn about mankind’s impact on the ecosystem of Bermuda. 

11. Go Deep Water Diving

If you are an avid diver, you are in one of the world’s best spots for scuba diving. This volcanic island is home to over 300 shipwrecks, exotic reefs, hundreds of species of colorful fish, sea turtles, sharks, and more.

If you do not have your PADI license, no worries! There are multiple diving schools on the island with excellent diving instructors waiting to teach you about the underwater world of our oceans

12. Take a Cruise to Bermuda

If you are not interested in booking flights, searching for the right hotel rooms, or hassling with finding restaurants, then cruising into Bermuda is a great idea for you. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean Cruise lines just added multiple new cruises from the Big Apple and Boston to Bermuda.

Taking a cruise to Bermuda is less stressful than other forms of travel because you can fully relax and have everything taken care of for you. We do suggest you do not get too comfortable to the point where you do not leave the ship, as Bermuda is an excellent place to explore!

Depending on your cruise line, there are three cruise ports in Bermuda. The Royal Navy Dockyard is the largest with two piers, “Kings Wharf”, and “Heritage Wharf”. Hamilton Port is located in the capital area of Hamilton and is the closest dock to the busy areas of Bermuda. 

St. Georges Port is located on St Georges Harbor, at the eastern end of Bermuda. This port can only take small to medium-sized ships because of the maneuvering required by the Captain to enter the bay. 

13. Experience Dolphin Quest

If you have a passion for animals and mammals, you would love the experience at the Dolphin Quest Center. Here you can have a physical experience with the dolphins as you play with them and even get a chance to feed them.

This is one of the best things to do in Bermuda with kids, as children ages 3 and up can have an interactive experience with the dolphins.

For adults, you can sign up for the ocean dolphin swim, where they take you on a deep water excursion with the dolphins. 

14. Play Some Water Sports

Nothing helps you soak up the bright blue seas of Bermuda than partaking in some fun water sports! There are endless options for watersports from jet-skiing to paddleboarding, kayaking, and even boat rentals. 

If you are unsure about how to operate the equipment, the guides can give you a lesson or take you out on a tour instead.

15. Check Out the Perfumery

Located near the area of historical St. Georges, is a famous perfumery known for their Lili Bermuda brand of perfumes. You cannot miss this location inside the bright colored Stewart Hall building, and capture the scents on the way there.

Here you can learn about the history of perfume making, how they are currently made, and even try to create your own concoction of perfumes to take home!

16. Go Shopping

While in Bermuda, it is important to support the locals by purchasing their handmade decor and crafts. No matter what type of interests you have, they will have something that will catch your eye to take home.

Check out the Bermuda crafts market with over 60 local artisans displaying everything from woodwork to ceramics, carvings, tapestry, quilts, candles, and more.

17. Drink Some Rum

Rum is the alcohol of choice for Bermudians, and it is also one of the must-dos on everyone’s list when visiting anywhere in the Caribbean. 

Head to one of the popular local spots to try a rum punch or other rum cocktails at Harry’s bar, the Pickled Onion, Cafe Cairo, or the Swizzle Inn which is home to the famous Bermuda Rum Swizzle cocktail.

18. See the Lighthouse

If you are looking for some exercise and a great view of Bermuda, head to the Gibs Hill Lighthouse, where you can climb over 185 steps to the top of the lighthouse where you can gawk at the views of the entire south shore.

If you are hungry from your exercise, you can eat at one of the many restaurants located at the bottom of the lighthouse.

Bermuda FAQs

There are always common questions about Bermuda, so check out these frequently asked questions and answers about Bermuda for more information.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Bermuda

If you are headed to Bermuda, please remember to travel with an open heart and an open mind. Different Cultures do things differently, so if you are open to learning, you will have a much better experience.

Also Read: 18 IDEAL Things to Do in Barbados

While you are there, try and spot the rare Bermuda Cahow bird, which is thought to be extinct.

Now that you know all the best things to do in Bermuda, it is time to pack your bags and head to Bermuda! If you have never been before, we suggest starting with a cruise so that you are comfortable with the area, then you can always come back!