City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Bermuda
Famous for its blushing pink sand beaches, sapphire blue water and pastel-shaded architecture, Bermuda is a gorgeous island nation. It’s located in the Atlantic Ocean about 650 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Bermuda offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity and historical significance that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Photo: Wikimedia
The island is about 21 miles long from east to west and makes an excellent destination for snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, kayaking and simply sunning on the beach. The British island is popular with the sailing crowd and hosted the 2017 America’s Cup as well as a variety of sailing regattas, events and the oldest regularly scheduled race, the Newport Bermuda Race (a sailing race from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda). In the Antigua to Bermuda race, luxury yachts sail from Fort Charlotte, Antigua to Bermuda.
Let’s check out a few things to do and see from private boat dock rentals, hotels or marinas in Bermuda.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Photo: Ekem/Wikimedia/CC
Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With its pink sand, turquoise water and dramatic rock formations, it’s located on the south coast of Bermuda. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing as well as stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other local and equally beautiful beaches to enjoy from a private boat lift for rent include Elbow Beach, Tobacco Bay, Astwood Cove, Jobson’s Cove and Shelly Bay Beach.
Royal Naval Dockyard
Photo: Mike Viscardi/Wikimedia/CC
The Royal Naval Dockyard, at the western end of the island, is a historic site that served as the headquarters of the British Royal Navy during the 19th century. Today, it’s a vibrant cultural center that features museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops. There’s also a mini golf course, a trampoline park, an artisan’s area, and Dolphin Quest marine life experiences. Explore the National Museum of Bermuda, which showcases the island's maritime heritage, or take a tour of the Commissioner's House, a magnificent Georgian-style mansion that overlooks the sea. This area also has a cruise ship terminal.
St. George's
Photo: Public Domain/Wikimedia
Located on St. George’s Island, St. George's is a charming town on the east end of Bermuda. It’s popular for its colonial architecture, narrow streets and historic landmarks. Visitors can take a stroll through the town's quaint alleyways, pose for a pic in the stocks and pillory in King’s Square, check out the 1620 Bermuda Old State House, walk through the Unfinished Church, watch historic reenactments or visit St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Bermuda from private boat slip rentals.
Photo: David Broad/Wikimedia/CC
The nearby Fort St. Catherine is an excellent spot to visit from a private boat dock for rent. Built in the early 17th century, it’s Bermuda’s largest naval fortress and features a museum with lots of artifacts. Climb the towers, wander the tunnels and enjoy the views. There’s a nice beach beside it as well.
Crystal and Fantasy Caves
Photo: Captain Tucker/Wikimedia
The Crystal and Fantasy Caves are a network of underground caves that feature crystal-clear pools, towering stalactites and otherworldly rock formations. Discovered by two local boys in 1907, these caves offer a fascinating glimpse into Bermuda's geology and history. While visiting from private boat slips for rent, take a guided tour of the caves and learn about their formation and significance.
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
Photo: Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (Facebook)
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo is a popular attraction that features a wide range of marine and terrestrial animals that includes sea turtles, sharks, parrots and lemurs. The aquarium is home to more than 200 species of fish and invertebrates. The zoo features a variety of exotic and endemic species. Visitors can also explore the museum's exhibits, which focus on the island's natural history and biodiversity.
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
Photo: DB King/Wikimedia
The 117-foot-tall Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, built in 1846, is one of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world. Located on the highest point on the island, this lighthouse overlooks Little Sound and South Shore to offer excellent views of the Royal Naval Dockyard, the city of Hamilton and the Atlantic Ocean. The Dining Room, located at the base of the lighthouse, serves pizza, pasta, sandwiches and seafood. It’s a great way to refresh after climbing 185 steps up and back down.
Hamilton
Photo: Wikimedia
Hamilton is the capital city of Bermuda and a vibrant waterfront hub of culture, commerce and entertainment. Walk along the city's colorful streets, visit the Bermuda National Gallery, go shopping on Front Street, visit the 22-acre Arboretum or take a tour of the Botanical Gardens. Hamilton is also home to a wide range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that offer a taste of the island's culinary and nightlife scenes. During the summer, Front Street is the scene for Harbour Nights, which features street food, local crafts and Gombey dancers.
Whether you’re anchored at a hotel, marina or private boat dock for rent in Bermuda, be sure to check out some of these fun places to visit. Let us know your favorites!
