We earn a commission from third-party booking links, at no extra cost to you
Bermuda Eco & Adventure Tours
Most of these tours are designed with the idea of giving you an intimate experience with the nature in Bermuda and giving you an experience with some of the best kept secrets of the island. The popular commercial tours do not cover these attractions and as a result most tourists do not get to experience or visit places which are covered by these tours.
Some operators have carved out a niche in this space and offer such tours that are usually run in small groups so that you get maximum attention and guidance.
Blue Hole at Tome Moore's Jungle
Photo: Hidden Jems Bermuda
These tours are mostly conducted in an Eco-friendly manner, i.e. by using natural non-motorized means like hiking or walking, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, bicycling etc which cause least disturbance to the nature around.
The walking and hiking trips take you to explore jungles and caves, kayaking and paddle boarding tours let you explore the beautiful shoreline of the western end, cycling tours take you along the historical and beautiful Railway Trail and so on.
Here are some of the best Eco and Adventure tours offered in the island:
Tour by Hidden Gems
Hidden Gems of Bermuda is one of those tours that goes well beyond the usual sightseeing circuit. Rather than taking you to the island's well-known landmarks, it focuses on places that many visitors would never discover on their own.
The experience is led by Ashley Harris, a fourth-generation Bermudian whose passion for Bermuda's natural environment is immediately evident. Having interacted with her over the years, I found her knowledge of the island's flora, history and hidden landscapes to be both extensive and genuine. She personally guides most of the tours, making the experience far more engaging than a typical coach excursion.
The tours are intentionally kept small, usually with no more than ten guests, allowing plenty of interaction with the guide and enough flexibility to enjoy each stop at a relaxed pace.
Depending on the season, the itinerary changes to make the most of Bermuda's weather and natural attractions. During summer, the tour ventures into the lush
Blue Hole Park, where you'll explore caves, grottos and crystal-clear pools before heading to secluded beaches and offshore reefs for swimming and snorkeling.
Cave Swimming at Tom Moore's Jungle
Photo: Hidden Jems Bermuda
Winter tours replace the water activities with visits to historic hilltop forts and secluded estates that reveal a quieter side of Bermuda rarely seen by tourists.
Another aspect I particularly like is that these are all-inclusive excursions. Lunch, snacks, drinking water and the equipment needed for the day's activities are provided, so you can simply concentrate on enjoying the experience.
If you're looking for an authentic introduction to Bermuda's hidden natural beauty rather than another standard island tour, this tour offers one of the most rewarding ways to explore beyond the obvious.
The Tour operates from the Royal Naval Dockyard although they have various other pick-up locations. You can book the tour through Island Tour Center located at the dockyard (Phone: 441-236-1300 or Email:
[email protected]).
Bike and Beach Tour
This guided cycling tour is an excellent way to discover the quieter western side of Bermuda while combining gentle outdoor activity with history, nature and some of the island's finest coastal scenery. Starting from the Royal Naval Dockyard, you'll first travel by shuttle boat (or occasionally by bus) to a beachside location at Ely's Harbour in Somerset.
If you arrive in Bermuda by cruise ship, the dockyard departure point makes this excursion particularly convenient. The boat transfer itself is an enjoyable part of the experience, offering scenic views of Bermuda's sheltered waterways while the guide points out places of interest along the route.
At the beach venue you'll be fitted with a 21-speed mountain bike and helmet before setting off on a leisurely ride along the western section of Bermuda's scenic Railway Trail. Covering around five to eight miles, the route is mostly flat and suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Along the way, the guide stops frequently to explain the history behind several landmarks and share interesting stories about the island.
Highlights include Heydon Trust Park, home to Bermuda's oldest surviving chapel dating back to 1620, the hilltop Fort Scaur with its impressive harbour views and military history, and the historic Mott family estate, along with several other picturesque viewpoints and coastal landscapes.
The tour ends back at the beach where you can cool off with a refreshing swim before returning to the dockyard. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks are included, making this a well-rounded half-day excursion.
The tour lasts about three and a half hours and includes bike and helmet, narrated transfers, refreshments and the services of a professional guide. Just remember to bring your own towel and be prepared for an enjoyable ride through one of Bermuda's most scenic and historic regions.
You can book the tour though Island Tour Center (located at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Sandys). Phone: (441) 236-1300; Email:
[email protected]
Kayak Adventure Tour
This guided glass-bottom kayak tour offers a wonderful combination of gentle adventure, coastal sightseeing and marine exploration. Since it starts from the Royal Naval Dockyard, it is especially convenient for cruise ship passengers who want to experience Bermuda's natural beauty without travelling far.
The excursion begins with a short shuttle boat ride to a beachside launch site, and this is much more than a simple transfer. As you cruise through the calm waters, the guide provides an engaging commentary about the surrounding countryside and points out several places of interest, including the partially submerged wreck of the MS Vixen.
After reaching the beach, you'll receive a safety briefing, a life jacket and a two-person kayak equipped with glass-bottom viewing panels. These transparent sections allow you to look directly into the clear waters beneath your feet and observe Bermuda's colourful coral formations and marine life while paddling.
The exact kayaking route depends on weather and sea conditions, although it usually follows the island's scenic western coastline. Along the way you'll pass rugged limestone cliffs, tiny uninhabited islands, secluded coves, hidden beaches and sea caves that are difficult to reach by land. The guide explains the landmarks throughout the journey and even points out several waterfront homes owned by well-known personalities.
From time to time you'll be asked to pause and look through the glass panels. Besides tropical fish and coral gardens, lucky paddlers may even spot one of Bermuda's green sea turtles gliding gracefully below.
The tour concludes back at the beach where you can cool off with a refreshing swim before returning to the dockyard. This 3 and a half hour group excursion includes the guided boat transfer, kayak, life jacket, complimentary soft drinks and professional guide. Bring your own towel, and if you plan to swim afterwards, wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes.
You can book the tour though Island Tour Center (located at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Sandys). Phone: (441) 236-1300; Email:
[email protected]
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour
This is another 3.5 hours tour similar to the kayak adventure. You will be first taken to a beachside venue at the western part of the island by a short boat ride. Here in a calm shallow water the instructor will give you initial lessons on paddle boarding.
Photo: Dimitris Vetsikas, Pixabay
After that you will be taken along the western coastline on paddle board to explore the water area. On your return, you can have a cool off swim before your transfer back to the dockyard.
Wild Herbs and Plants Tour
You will be taken to an area in the island full of edible wild herbs and plants. You will also hear about the folk tales and stories about natives who used such wild herbs and plants in their diet as a method of healing.
You are then taken to one of the oldest kitchens (at Mitchell House) in St. George Bermuda built in 18th Century. Here you will join the experts and participate in a cooking demo that includes wild herbs and plants of the island, and finally have a delicious lunch out of such preparations.
The tour includes transportation, cooking demo, lunch, bottle of water, a complimentary pack with indigenous tea, soap cookies etc. The entire tour takes about 7 hours and is held on certain days of the week.
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
Learn more about Raj Bhattacharya
Related Articles
|
Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Diane Glatts (June 2015)
We are taking a cruise to Bermuda in July. My husband and son want to go zip lining. Can you tell me if there is somewhere to go by taxi or bus? Thanks.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) June 2015
Hi, Bermuda never had a zip line. Only recently the company Twilight Entertainment has brought in a mobile zipline of 100 to 300 ft length. It operates from a makeshift tower of height 34ft which has a spiral stairs to reach to the top platform. It does not yet have a fixed location. You may find it at the dockyard itself.
Linda Rabeiro (October 2014)
I am going on a cruise to Bermuda 7/11-7/16 and we will be in Bermuda for 2 days and I am looking to see if they offer ziplining for my family. There will be about 12 of us.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) October 2014
Hi, there are no zipline operators in Bermuda.... not enough demand I guess.
Deb Beeny (September 2013)
Hi Raj, Love your web site - very informative. Does Bermuda have a geocaching tour? We see there are 20 caches hidden on the Bermuda Island and wonder if we could participate in this specialized tour. Thank you,
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) September 2013
Hi, Although it's known as Bermuda Geo Tour, it's essentially a self guided tour to find the geocaches. There are 20 of them that have been placed by Bermuda Department of Conservation all across the island. If you can find all 20, then you get a geo coin. However, you need to first collect or download the Geo Tour passport where you will need to write down the code of each cache (printed inside of the lid) or punch it with a hole puncher placed inside the cache box. If you like to accompany other geocachers, you can write to the following organizers:
Bermuda Island Geocachers (BIG)
Note: There are actually lot more geo caches in Bermuda (over 250) which have been hidden by the Bermuda Island Geocachers. So your adventure can continue well beyond what Bermuda Conservation offers.
|
