Bermuda is surrounded by some of the most beautiful blue waters in the world and there are few better ways to spend a vacation in this island paradise than engaging in water sports. Pleasure crafts are available for rental, or you can venture into the deep aboard a fishing boat to reel in some of the game fish that make the waters off Bermuda their home. Other water sports such as windsurfing, parasailing and water skiing are available from the many charter companies that operate in Bermuda. The waters near Hamilton Harbour are always a safe bet – they are scenic and offer exciting views of the city’s main

Aquarium

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) is Bermuda’s premier visitor attraction, dedicated to inspiring appreciation and care of island environments. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), BAMZ has more than 300 birds, reptiles and mammals from oceanic islands on display, and is committed to education, conservation and research through its support charity, the Bermuda Zoological Society.
The Aquarium houses more than 200 species of fish, and features the award-winning North Rock Exhibit, a 140,000-gallon replica of a living coral reef off Bermuda’s North Shore. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about Bermuda’s unique geology in the interactive Natural History Museum, where the island’s birth as an underwater volcano comes alive through audio-video displays. Children and adults are always delighted with the Zoo, which includes birds and other animals that are part of the Species Survival Plan, an international breeding programme for endangered creatures. The site includes manicured gardens, child-friendly paths, spectacular views of Harrington Sound, and fun highlights like Discovery Cove and Local Tails, where kids can enjoy hands-on learning.

Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
40 North Shore Rd
Flatts Village
Tel: (441) 293-2727

Botanical Gardens

No matter where you travel in Bermuda it is hard to miss the profuse array of flowers and trees that line the roadsides. Many trees native to the island produce scented flowers that fill the air with perfume. The Botanical Gardens in Paget is one of Bermuda’s major attractions. The 35-acre landscaped park contains hundreds of clearly identified flowers, shrubs and trees, including a vast collection of subtropical fruit, hibiscus, an aviary, banyan trees and a garden for the blind. A good way to see the expanse of gardens is to take the walking tour, which lasts for 90 minutes and stretches from the Point Finger Road, to Berry Hill and the South Shore Road. The Bermuda Botanical Society operates the Visitor Centre open from 9:30am to 3:30pm (except Holidays) and holds a walking tour of the Gardens on Tuesdays & Fridays 10:30 am year-round, weather permitting, beginning at the Visitors Centre. The Visitor Centre also has a wonderful Craft Shop with lots of unique gift items, and a place to have sandwich, coffee, tea or cool drink.

Caves

Crystal Caves

Floating pontoon pathways span a large 55 feet deep azure blue underground lake. Formations on the bottom are clearly visible.
The great American humourist, Mark Twain was one of the first to experience the mind-boggling profusion of pristine white stalactites, soda straws and helectite formations above the lake. Crystal Caves is by all accounts, a remarkable natural beauty!

Fantasy Caves

Fantasy Cave is a virtual jewel box filled from top to bottom with formations. Rare chandelier clusters of soda straw formations adorn the ceilings in great abundance. Entire walls are covered in calcite mineral deposits that resemble frozen waterfalls.
Deep pools of water hint at the underlying network of passageways connecting the cave with the ocean. Fantasy Cave is one of Bermuda’s “must see” natural wonders.

Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, last tour is at 4:30pm
They are located on Wilkinson Avenue, Bailey’s Bay and are accessible by bus on routes numbered 1, 3, 10 and 11 from the City of Hamilton and Town of St. George's.
For more information please call us at 441-293-0640

Churches

St. Peter's in St. George's was the first church to be built in Bermuda in 1612 and reflected the Anglican religion. Today the number of churches in Bermuda reflects the various religions in the world. A number of Christian denominations as well as non-denominational churches flourish in Bermuda. Bermuda has learned to worship the higher being in numerous ways.

Climbing Walls

Bermuda's first outdoor commercial climbing wall is open to all who enjoy active adventure. There is no experience necessary! Two full-time professional climbing instructors guide you safely through basic top roping and belaying. Utilising safety harnesses, premium climbing holds, ropes and top of the line equipment, test your skills, fitness and balance on 34 feet of beginner routes, moving to tougher overhangs, huecos, arretes, dihedrals, freeform pitches, cracks and slots. There's also a freeform boulder to practice on as well as a training wall to build your strength and endurance.

We are open 7 days a week, so you can climb daily, weekly, monthly and you do not need to be a member of the Olympic Club.

Monday - Thursday 6am-8pm
Friday - 6am-9pm; Friday Happy Hour 6-9pm
Saturday - 9am-6pm
Sunday - 9am-5pm

Call to schedule a time or just stop by! 292-4095
Located on 13 Dundonald Street in Hamilton.

Cycling

Back before the automobile was allowed to roam free, most Bermudians pedaled their bicycle to work. Bicycles can still be seen on Bermuda’s roads as the sport as a popular pastime for residents. Mountain biking and road racing is a big passtime in Bermuda.

Fantasea Cycling
This is a great tour for the active visitor to see some of the little known views of Bermuda, get a little exercise, and a well deserved beach break. Enjoy a shore line cruise to the exotic 9 Beaches Resort in the rural West end of Bermuda, where you will be provided a 21-speed mountain bike, riding instruction and safety information for a guided cycle tour along the original Bermuda Railway Trail. Commentary, point of interest, spectacular views, stunning seascapes, lush gardens with exotic flora and fauna are all part of the 5-8 mile journey. Along the route you will visit Fort Scaur or a 17th century family estate and at the end cool off in the Bermuda waters at 9 Beaches

- Fantasea Website >>

Devil's Hole Aquarium

The Devil’s Hole location has a rich historical background. Although it has now been developed into a multi-functional complex, in the early stages of its history it was simply a unique natural aquarium affectionately knows as the Devil’s Hole.
This was Bermuda’s first and oldest Tourist Attraction and has retained many of its original features that brought it into prominence. So, the Aquarium continues to be the main attraction at the Devil’s Hole Complex, delighting young and old alike as the they attempt to “fish without a hook”.

Phone: (441) 293-2072

Forts

All the forts known in Bermuda, of which there are 90, were built by the British and most are made of stone and very durable, which is why they are standing today. Many of these structures are in good condition, as they have been restored as historic sites maintained by the Government of Bermuda. Some are archaeological areas of remains needing further study. All defended Bermuda and its harbours for over three centuries, from 1612 to 1957. Many of the forts are now part of the World Heritge Site and will be preserved for future generations. Throughout history, Bermuda has been a strategic British Naval post for North America and Caribbean. Even during World War II it was an important position for Britain and the U.S.

Bermuda boasts eight spectacular courses on a 22-square mile island! Novice and accomplished golfers will find the course that is right for them. From a par-3 and mini golf facility to courses designed by Charles Blair MacDonald and Robert Trent Jones designs. Many feature picturesque and dramatically situated holes that rival others in the world, as well as the Tiff Eagle grass greens. There are three public courses and five private clubs; all can be played by the rules and tee time bookings vary, so check carefully.

- More information about Bermuda Golf >>

Horseback Riding

A lovely early morning ride along the beautiful South Shore beaches and sand dunes. If you are not a morning person then join for the later rides. All rides go through the scenic trails and sand dunes along the beautiful South Shore beaches. The trail rides are a great way to see beautiful Bermuda, and our experienced guides are always helpful whether you are a novice or experienced rider. Anyone can go... It's a great outing for the entire family.

There's nothing more romantic than our Private Trail Rides! We've even had couples use the Private Trail ride as a way to propose marriage!

Tel: 441-238-4241
Fax 441-238-6479

Lighthouses

Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse has been shining since May 1, 1846, after a rash of shipwrecks along Bermuda’s coastline. A popular sightseeing spot for visitors, who climb 185 stairs to the top, the structure is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world made of cast iron, and ships some 40 miles away can see its powerful beam. It offers panoramic views of the entire coastline and the City of Hamilton and beyond.

To the east and visible on a clear day stands the St. David’s Lighthouse, which was built in 1879 and stands at the top of Lighthouse Hill in St.David’s. It too offers panoramic views, which can also be appreciated from the top of the hill even if the lighthouse is closed.

Musea

No matter where you travel in Bermuda you are never too far from a museum. The island’s rich history is recorded in museums from St. George’s through the City of Hamilton and on to Somerset and Dockyard, highlighting everything from art, china, maps, paintings, carriages, stamps, maritime and underwater objects that highlight Bermuda’s turbulent seafaring days.

The Bermuda National Trust is a key player in the preservation of historic buildings, artifacts, and important gardens, parks and nature reserves. They offer guided tours as well as information to explore yourself. The Maritime Museum is another notable venue steeped in maritime history and a wealth of information in the Royal Naval Dockyard at the west end of the island. The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute focused on the understanding, appreciation and the knowledge of the ocean for the protection and preservation of the marine environment. The Bermuda National Gallery features historic European paintings, temporary exhibitions, art education and appreciation and entertainment.

Nature's Jewelry Box

Crystal Cave was found in 1884 by the Wilkinson’s, owners of the property where the caves are located. The magnificent crystal stalactites and stalagmites surrounding a clear blue azure lake were formed over 30 million years ago. Proper illumination has been installed and even the formations on the bottom of the lake are clearly visible. Fantasy Cave has been linked to Crystal Caves so both can be seen in one tour. Rare chandelier soda straw formations hang from the ceiling. Underground water passageways connect the cave “lakes” with the ocean. These caves are truly spectacular and not to be missed.

Open from 9am-5pm daily, with the last tour at 4.30pm. We are located in Bailey’s Bay, near the Swizzle Inn, accessible by bus from Hamilton or St. George’s.

Parks

Bermuda has a number of parks spread across the island with the Railway Trail being the largest running from St. George's to Somerset. The Railway Trail is used by locals and visitors for walking and cycling. Every May a major event, the Bermuda End to End, is held utilising the Trail as a community fundraiser for local charities. Development of the Trail and Parks system is ongoing. There are walking and cycling tours available or you can do it yourself! A fabulous guide book for the backroads of Bermuda is 'Hiking Bermuda' by Cecile and Stephen Davidson.

The Bermuda National Trust preserves and enhances many parks and nature reserves on the island. They also provide tours each Wednesday at its "Waterville" headquarters, with exquisite grounds as they were in the 19th century and The Rose Society’s Repository Garden showcases a national collection of old roses. The tour includes the Paget Marsh, the only surviving marsh in its pre-colonial state with ferns, mangroves, wading and migratory birds.

Snorkel park

The Snorkel Park is one of Bermuda’s newest and most exciting venues. Tucked away in the northeast corner of the Royal Naval Dockyard, we’re a destination not to be missed. A limestone tunnel is your entrance into a tropical oasis, complete with palm trees, white sand beach and a stunning view of the ocean.
We cater to all types of beach-goers, offering a variety of amenities and services. Our array of watersports equipment beckons all kinds of marine explorers. On shore, whether it’s a game of volleyball or just basking in a lounge chair, visitors will feel free to indulge their preferences. A large modern gazebo houses the “Hammerheads Bar & Grill” which offers tropical cocktail favourites on the upper level, and delicious snacks and menu items on our large deck on the lower level.

Evenings, they transform into a fabulous party venue featuring live music and entertainment most nights. Call 234-6989 for more information.

Swim with Dolphins

Take a journey into the intriguing world of the dolphin through amazing face-to-face encounters in which you can touch, feed, play, learn and swim with dolphins at extraordinary locations around the globe. Your journey of discovery transports you to a place where people and dolphins make lifelong connections and dreams of touching and swimming with these magnificent beauties of the ocean come true.

Dolphin Quest Bermuda
Bermuda Maritime Museum
15 Maritime Lane
Sandys, Bermuda MA 01
Tel: 441.234.4464
Fax: 441.234.4992

- Dolphin Quest Website >

Tours

So much to do! Enjoy the water, The Bermuda Railway Trail, parks, museums, taxi tours and more! Enjoy helmet diving in 10 feet of water and learning about the fish and surrounding reef life; kayak through ‘Paradise Lake’ in the middle of the Great Sound; learn about the history or geology of Bermuda’s parks; or cycle along the Railway Trail; spend the day on Nonsuch Island, a small piece untouched by man; the Maritime Museum is packed with history; the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo with animals from around the world to delight young and old; or the National Gallery featuring art & architecture in Bermuda.

- More information about Bermuda Tours >

Links & Sources:

• Frommers
• Wikipedia
• Bermuda.com