Taking a Bermuda Cruise? 4 Things to Do in Port

Heading on a cruise that is visiting Bermuda? Whether it’s just a one day stop or the main destination of your cruise staying for 3 days, Bermuda is an island with so much to offer. 

From pink sand beaches, to shopping and activities, you’ll never run out of things to do when you visit Bermuda. The only limit is how far you are willing to venture from your cruise ship! 

Here are our top 4 things to do when visiting Bermuda as a port of call on your cruise. Remember, if you aren’t comfortable venturing out on your own, all cruise lines offer shore excursions that you can book as well. Just visit your booking portal for your respective cruise line to see a full list of choices. 

Explore the Royal Naval Dockyard

Most cruises that visit Bermuda dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard. It is the most visited site in Bermuda and is home to shopping, dining and events. It’s even sometimes home to world-wide water events. 

The newest of the ports in Bermuda, the Royal Naval Dockyard has been built up to be a destination in itself. Here, guests can visit the National Museum of Bermuda, swim with Dolphins at the Dolphin Quest, soak up the sun at Snorkel Park Beach and even do some golfing at Bermuda Fun Golf. 

Be sure to visit the Bermuda Glassworks and Rum Cake Shop. You can watch employees create glass work such as vases and jewelry and then pick up a piece of your own. The other side of the shop is also home to the Rum Cake Shop, where you can sample and purchase some uniquely Bermuda Rum Cakes. 

If your cruise is only spending a day in Bermuda and you don’t want to venture too far, the Royal Naval Dockyard is a wonderful choice to get a taste of Bermuda. All activities in the Royal Naval Dockyard are within walking distance of the cruise ship piers.

Visit a (Pink Sand) Beach

Now, this is a broad statement… visit a beach. But, if you’ve heard anything about Bermuda, you’ve probably heard about their pink sand beaches. Bermuda is lined with more than 30 beaches to discover. Some are off the beaten path while others are filled with family fun activities. 

As we previously mentioned, if you are looking to stay close to your ship, you can visit Snorkel Park, which is a straight walk down the road from the cruise piers. Snorkel Park is home to snorkeling, paddle boats and kayaks to keep every member of the family entertained. While this is a good option near the cruise port, keep in mind it does get pretty crowded. 

Other options for beaches include Tobacco Bay Beach and Horseshoe Bay Beach. Horseshoe Bay Beach is about a 23 minute ride from the Royal Naval Dockyard and is famous. Be careful when visiting since the water can be a bit rough.

Tobacco Bay Beach can be close to an hour ride since it is on the opposite end, St. George is also quite famous. This beach gets extremely crowded (we were almost sitting near the edge of the beach since the seats were gone), but it can be quite an experience. 

Take a Ferry to Hamilton

The capital of Bermuda, Hamilton is a bustling harbor town with pastel colored buildings and shops that line famous Front Street. 

For about $5-$10 per adult, guests can purchase tickets at the Royal Naval Dockyard and head on a ferry ride over to Hamilton. The ferry ride is about 20 minutes from one point to the other but offers amazing views of Bermuda from the sea. 

Once in Hamilton, guests can stroll the shops and pick up some souvenirs. Uniquely Bermuda shops are available like Lili Bermuda, a fragrance company founded in Bermuda in 1928 that bottles the essence of Bermuda, David Rose Studio, who produces jewelry using an extraordinary blue stone that is inspired by Bermuda and Bermuda Linens and Gifts. 

Once you’re done in Hamilton, return ferry rides are available whenever you are ready. 

Visit the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

Located near Horseshoe Bay, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is one of the most iconic spots to visit in Bermuda. Built in 1846, the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse ascends 185 steps to the top. 

If climbing all those stairs doesn’t interest you, that’s ok! You can take in an amazing view of Bermuda from the base of the Lighthouse. It overlooks areas such as the South Shore and Little Sound, Hamilton and the Royal Naval Dockyard. 

This location makes for some amazing photos during your trip! Once you’re finished you can also grab some food at a spot at the base of the Lighthouse that offers pizza, sandwiches and fresh seafood. 

Local transportation is available such as the local bus but you could also pick up a taxi or join a tour as well. 

Do you have any other must-do activities while visiting Bermuda? Let us know in the comments below! 


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