Drop anchor 650 miles off the North Carolina coast and step into 21 square miles of paradise unlike anywhere else. Bermuda blends British tradition, West Indian warmth, and American familiarity into a culture entirely its own, where cricket is a weekend ritual, rum swizzles flow freely, and Bermuda shorts are considered formal wear. Add world-class golf, sailing, and pink-sand beaches, and you have an island that surprises every first-time visitor.

Getting Around

The ferry is your best friend since it's faster and more scenic than the bus. A 1-day transport pass (~$19 USD) covers both ferries and buses and is available at the Visitor's Centre right at the dock.

• Ferry to Hamilton: ~20 min, departs every 30 min - the easiest way to reach the capital
• Ferry to St. George's: ~40 min (seasonal Orange Route)
• Bus 7 or 8 to Hamilton: ~1 hour, $4.50 but exact coin change required; no bills accepted
• Beach Shuttle to Horseshoe Bay: $16/person, runs 8am–3pm, last return 6pm
• Taxis: Cash only. Blue Flag taxis are certified guides and are great for a private island tour (~$50–60/hr, 3-hr minimum)
• No rental cars for tourists, only scooters and electric Twizys are available near the Dockyard

Recommended Excursions

• Catamaran Cruise Sail to a private cove, snorkel over shipwrecks, and enjoy a rum swizzle (or two). Departures conveniently located right at the Dockyard. This one is highly rates and one I have done myself (and loved!) Some operators include cliff jumping. Evening sunset options available.
• Crystal & Fantasy Caves Underground caves with dramatic stalactites hanging over crystal-clear pools. Tours ~45 min per cave. Book ahead in peak season — they sell out. (~$22 adults / $10 children)
• National Museum of Bermuda Right in the Dockyard so no transportation needed! Set inside a 19th-century fortress, covering Bermuda's maritime history and culture. Plan 1.5–2 hours. Dolphin Quest is also located here (great for families).
• Horseshoe Bay Beach Bermuda's iconic pink sand beach with stunning water, great beach bar. Take the beach shuttle directly from the Dockyard. Arrive early if multiple ships are in port the same day.
• St. George's (UNESCO World Heritage Site) The oldest continuously inhabited British settlement in the New World (founded 1612). Fort St. Catherine, Tobacco Bay beach, and the Town Square are highlights. Reachable by seasonal ferry or Bus #3 from Hamilton.

Where to Eat & Drink

At the Dockyard (walking distance from ship)

• Frog & Onion Pub — 18th-century cooperage setting, house-brewed Dockyard beers, classic pub fare
• Bonefish Bar & Grill — fresh seafood, harbor views, famous wahoo sandwich and rum swizzle
• Hammerheads Bar & Grill — casual waterfront, great fish tacos
• Café Amici (Clocktower Mall) — wood-fired pizza and pasta, good value
• Dockyard Pastry Shop — meat pies and banana bread to go

In Hamilton (20-min ferry)

• The Swizzle Inn — birthplace of the Bermuda Rum Swizzle. Order a second pitcher when the first arrives.
• Front Street has options for all budgets from casual lunch to upscale dining

Must-Try

• Dark 'n Stormy — Gosling's Black Seal Rum + ginger beer. Bermuda's national cocktail.
• Fish Sandwich — a Bermudian institution. Find it at a local spot, not a tourist restaurant.
• Rum Cake — a perfect edible souvenir, widely available
• Outerbridge's Sherry Peppers Sauce — uniquely Bermudian, great to bring home

Note: Bermuda is pricier than the Caribbean. Most restaurants automatically add 15–17% gratuity — always check before tipping more.

Shopping & Souvenirs

No sales tax in Bermuda — a genuine shopping advantage. The Dockyard has great options steps from the ship; Hamilton's Front Street has the best overall selection.

Worth Buying

• Gosling's Black Seal Rum — hard to find in the US; grab a bottle (or two) duty-free
• Bermuda Rum Cake — vacuum-sealed, travels well, great gift
• Bermuda Shorts — yes, they're actually from here! Look for quality linen versions
• Lili Bermuda Perfume — locally made island-inspired fragrances; shop at the Dockyard or the perfumery in St. George's
• Handblown Glass — Studio 8 at Clocktower Mall makes pieces on-site using Bermuda pink sand; watch them work
• Cedar Items — beautiful grain and distinctive aroma; carved items and jewelry at the Bermuda Craft Market
• Pink Sand Jewelry — pendants, earrings at Crisson Jewellers (Clocktower Mall + Hamilton)

⚠️ Do NOT collect pink sand from the beach — it is illegal and will be confiscated. Buy it in souvenir form instead.

Insider Tips

• USD works everywhere — no need to exchange currency. Bermudian dollars are 1:1 with USD.
• Leave your Discover card on the ship — it is not accepted anywhere in Bermuda.
• Taxis are cash only — always have bills on hand before leaving the ship.
• Don't cut return times close — ferry and bus schedules are approximate. Build in a buffer before all-aboard.
• Check how many ships are in port — when two ships are docked simultaneously, Horseshoe Bay and Crystal Caves get noticeably crowded.
• Bermuda is NOT the Caribbean — it's in the North Atlantic. Weather, culture, and vibe are noticeably different (and a bit more British).
• Pink poles vs. blue poles — when taking the bus, pink poles = toward Hamilton; blue poles = away from Hamilton.
• Dockyard evenings — the area often hosts festivals and live entertainment in summer months. Don't assume you have to be back onboard right after dinner!
• Bermuda Shorts are business attire here — worn with blazers and ties by professionals. Don't be surprised!
• Portuguese man o'wars can appear in the water — their sting is painful. Heed any beach warning flags.