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Best things to do in Bermuda
Updated: July 2026
Whether you already know the type of experiences you enjoy or you're simply looking for Bermuda's must-see highlights, this guide will help you choose.
Start with Things to Do by Interest if you already know what appeals to you. Otherwise, browse our Top 17 Things to Do for the experiences that best capture Bermuda.
➤ Explore This Guide
Photo: Captain-tucker, CC by SA 4.0
Island Tours
A minibus tour is one of the easiest ways to see Bermuda's highlights in a single day. Knowledgeable local guides share the island's history and culture while taking you to popular landmarks, scenic viewpoints and hidden gems.
A private taxi tour lets you explore Bermuda at your own pace. Experienced drivers know the island inside out and can tailor an itinerary to match your interests, whether you enjoy history, beaches or scenic photography.
If you prefer exploring independently, the dedicated self-guided section helps you discover Bermuda using public transportation while avoiding the cost of organized tours. They're based on years of exploring Bermuda and careful route planning.
Boat Tours
Some of Bermuda's best snorkeling lies offshore, where colorful coral reefs, tropical fish and historic shipwrecks await. Guided snorkel cruises usually visit two different sites during a relaxed two-hour trip.
A glass-bottom boat lets you enjoy Bermuda's underwater world without getting wet. Watch colorful coral reefs, tropical fish and, on many tours, a partially submerged shipwreck while remaining comfortably on board.
Seeing Bermuda from the water is an experience every visitor should have. Relax aboard a sailboat or catamaran, enjoy spectacular coastal scenery, and watch the sun set while listening to stories about the island from your captain.
Water Sports
Bermuda offers some of the finest snorkeling in the Atlantic. Calm, crystal-clear waters reveal colorful reefs, tropical fish, abundant marine life and many fascinating shipwrecks.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Bermuda's dive sites offer spectacular reefs, historic wrecks and abundant marine life. Explore coral reefs, historic wrecks and thriving marine life with experienced local dive operators.
Helmet diving lets you walk along the ocean floor while breathing normally, making it ideal even if you've never scuba dived or don't know how to swim.
A guided Jet Ski tour combines speed, adventure and sightseeing. You'll skim across Bermuda's turquoise waters while discovering secluded islands, sheltered coves and beautiful harbors.
Kayaking offers a peaceful way to explore Bermuda's quiet coves, mangroves and coastline. Some evening tours even use LED-lit kayaks, allowing you to watch marine life beneath the water after sunset.
Golf at Port Royal
Bermuda is one of the world's most scenic golfing destinations. Championship courses such as
Port Royal Golf Course and Mid Ocean Club are known for their dramatic coastal holes, while Turtle Hill and Belmont Hills provide enjoyable challenges for golfers of every skill level.
With excellent course conditions and year-round play, many golfers return to Bermuda year after year.
Scenic Trails
Following the route of Bermuda's former railway, this 18-mile trail passes through woodlands, coastal cliffs and quiet bays, with many sections offering spectacular views of the north shore.
This scenic coastal walk links several of Bermuda's most beautiful pink-sand beaches, including Horseshoe Bay, Chaplin Bay, Stonehole Bay, Jobson's Cove and Warwick Long Bay.
Wander through the cobblestone streets of Bermuda's UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover centuries of history, colonial architecture and some of the island's most important landmarks.
Take an Architectural Walking Tour
I highly recommend taking a leisurely walk through the local neighborhoods to admire the island's signature style. As you stroll, you will notice houses painted in vibrant pastel colors, topped with the iconic white, stepped limestone roofs uniquely designed to catch rainwater.
To truly appreciate this heritage that dates back to the 17th century, step away from the main commercial streets to see these classic estates, traditional chimneys, and Gothic churches up close.
To understand the unique building styles you will encounter along the way, read our guide to
Bermuda's Architecture. If you want to actually step inside and experience the historic island lifestyle, explore our curated list of
Traditional Homes.
Shop for Local Art and Island Specialties
Bermuda has a large pool of local talent creating wonderful handcrafted items. Spend an afternoon browsing for exquisite handmade glass items, jewelry, charms, rag and banana leaf dolls, cedar artwork, and pottery.
You can also pick up authentic Bermuda shorts or seek out fresh, island-inspired fragrances made right here in St. George. While you will find plenty of imported cosmetics and apparel across the island, locally made souvenirs are the best keepsakes to take home.
To plan your retail route through the boutiques of Hamilton or the Clocktower Mall in the Dockyard, check out our complete guide to
Shopping in Bermuda.
Taste Traditional Bermudian Cuisine
Tasting Bermuda's local food is one of the best ways to experience the island's culture. From traditional fish chowder and fresh seafood to the island's famous rum swizzle, there are plenty of local specialties to try.
Whether you choose a waterfront restaurant, a neighborhood pub or a casual cafe, you'll find something to suit every taste and budget. Our guide to
Local Food of Bermuda will help you discover the island's signature dishes, popular drinks and the best places to enjoy them.
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Not sure where to begin?
If you already know the kind of Bermuda experience you're looking for, you may find these guides even more useful:
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Top 17 Things To Do in Bermuda
If you're visiting Bermuda for the first time, these are the experiences I recommend most. Some are world-famous, while others are places many visitors overlook. Follow the links for practical information, local tips and detailed guides.
1. Walk the South Shore trail and explore the hidden Coves
The
South Shore Trail is one of the finest ways to discover Bermuda's famous pink-sand beaches and hidden coves. This scenic 1.25-mile coastal walk through South Shore Park begins at Horseshoe Bay Beach and passes Chaplin Bay, Stonehole Bay and Jobson's Cove before ending at Warwick Long Bay.
Stop along the way to swim, snorkel or simply soak up the breathtaking ocean views.
South Shore
Photo: Kansasphoto, flickr, cc by 2.0
2. Descend into ancient underground caves
For a truly unique experience, you can walk deep underground to see crystal clear lakes and incredible limestone formations. Going into the
Bermuda's Caves is a perfect activity for a hot afternoon or a rainy day.
Photo: Scott Heaney / Shutterstock
3. Get up close with Atlantic marine life
To understand the ocean ecosystem without getting wet, spend a couple of hours observing the 140,000-gallon North Rock tank at
Bermuda Aquarium. It gives you a diver's perspective of live corals and tropical fish native to the surrounding waters.
Photo: Brian Gratwicke, cc-by 2.0
4. Take a boat tour that you will cherish
You haven't truly experienced Bermuda until you've seen it from the water. Cruise along its spectacular coastline, look through a glass-bottom boat at colorful reefs and tropical fish, enjoy a sunset sail with a cocktail, or snorkel over historic shipwrecks and coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Photo: Restless Native
5. Hike a picturesque section of the Railway Trail
The
Bermuda Railway Trail is one of the best ways to experience the island's natural beauty at a leisurely pace. Following the route of Bermuda's former railway, this 18-mile walking and cycling trail passes through lush woodlands, coastal cliffs, quiet bays and spectacular ocean viewpoints that are inaccessible by road.
You can do one or more sections, as you want. One of the most scenic sections starts close to the Bermuda Aquarium in Hamilton Parish and stretches up to Coney Island.
Photo: slgckgc, CC by 2.0
6. Snorkel and watch the sunset at Tobacco bay
If you're spending an evening in the East End, I recommend heading to
Tobacco Bay. Spend the late afternoon snorkeling around the unique rock formations, where the calm, shallow water makes it easy to spot colorful parrotfish.
As evening approaches during the high season, the vibe completely shifts. Grab a drink from the beach bar and pull up a spot by their beach campfire to watch the sun dip below the horizon. For more incredible places to end your day, check out our guide to
Great Sunset View Spots.
7. Hike through a lush jungle and swim in hidden grottos
Instead of just visiting a park, you can spend a morning hiking the uneven limestone trails at
Blue Hole Park. Bring your water shoes, as you can actually jump into the deep blue grottos and swim in the cool, clear water surrounded by dense forest.
Photo: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD, CC by SA 3.0
8. Meet and Play with Dolphins
Meeting a dolphin up close is one of Bermuda's most memorable family experiences. At
Dolphin Quest, located within the National Museum of Bermuda at Royal Naval Dockyard, you can watch these intelligent marine mammals, learn about their behavior from expert trainers, and even join an interactive program to feed, touch and play with them.
Photo: Dolphin Quest
9. Climb Bermuda's Historic Lighthouse
Climbing
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse rewards you with one of the finest panoramic views in Bermuda. The world's oldest cast-iron lighthouse overlooks the Great Sound, the South Shore and much of the island, making it a favorite stop for photographers and sightseers alike.
After climbing the spiral staircase to the top, you'll also discover how its historic beacon guided ships safely through Bermuda's treacherous reefs for generations.
View from the top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
10. Play a round of golf at Port Royal Golf Course
Playing a round at
Port Royal Golf Course is a memorable experience for golfers visiting Bermuda. Perched on dramatic coastal cliffs in Southampton Parish, the championship course combines rolling fairways, challenging holes and spectacular Atlantic Ocean views.
Its reputation is matched by its pedigree, having hosted major international tournaments including the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
Photo: Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda
11. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic St. George
You can easily spend half a day exploring the narrow, cobblestone streets of St. George, Bermuda's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
My
St. George's Guide maps out a walking route that takes you to St. Peter's Church, where the wooden ceiling was built to resemble the upside-down hull of a ship, the haunting ruins of the Unfinished Church, and, if you wish, the massive ramparts of Fort St. Catherine. It's the best way to experience Bermuda's rich colonial history at your own pace.
Photo: Charles Lewis, Shutterstock
12. Experience the Harbor Nights Street Festival
If you are visiting during the summer months, I highly recommend keeping your Wednesday evening open to attend
Harbor Nights. The city closes down Front Street to traffic, transforming the Hamilton waterfront into a lively, pedestrian-only street festival.
It is the perfect opportunity to taste local street food, shop for handmade crafts from local artisans, and watch the energetic, traditional Gombey dancers perform live to the beat of island drums.
Photo: Bermuda Tourism Authority
13. Discover the secrets of the deep ocean
If you are curious about what lies beneath the Atlantic, spend a few hours interacting with the exhibits at
Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. You can step into a simulated shark cage dive and explore dedicated exhibits that break down the myths and facts of the Bermuda Triangle.
Photo: BUEI
14. Try Bermuda's Famous Fish Sandwich
One of Bermuda's most famous local foods is
the fish sandwich. Some visitors go so far as to say it's the best fish sandwich they've ever eaten.
Fresh local fish, usually wahoo or snapper, is lightly fried and served with tartar sauce and coleslaw, often between slices of raisin bread for its distinctive sweet and savory flavor. Art Mel's is the island's best-known place to try one.
Photo: Art Mel's Spicy Dicy, Bermuda
15. Go fishing in the deep sea
Bermuda is one of the world's premier destinations for deep-sea fishing. The deep Atlantic waters surrounding the island are home to prized game fish such as blue marlin, white marlin, yellowfin tuna and wahoo, attracting anglers from around the world.
Experienced charter captains provide the boat, equipment and local knowledge needed for a memorable day on the water, whether you're an experienced angler or trying deep-sea fishing for the first time. You'll find the best charters, fishing seasons and what to expect in our guide to
deep-sea fishing in Bermuda.
Photo: Grander13, cc by-sa
16. Dive into the maritime history of Royal Naval Dockyard
Start at the
National Museum of Bermuda for a full day of historical exploration. You can walk the massive stone ramparts of the Keep Fortress, explore the dark tunnels, and see shipwreck artifacts. Make sure to leave time to browse the local craft markets located in the old stone warehouses nearby.
Photo: Sean Salamon, cc by-sa 3.0
17. Raise a Glass at Bermuda's Most Famous Pub
The Swizzle Inn, Bermuda's oldest pub, is the birthplace of the island's famous Rum Swizzle, a refreshing blend of Goslings Black Seal and Gold Rum, orange and pineapple juices, and bitters. Loved by both locals and visitors, it's the perfect place to enjoy Bermuda's signature cocktail in a relaxed island setting, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
While best known for its drinks, the pub also serves satisfying favorites such as the Swizzleburger, fish and chips, conch fritters, and crispy chicken tenders. The Swizzle Inn is located in Hamilton Parish.
Photo: djLicious, flickr, cc by 2.0
Things to Do by Season and Month
Bermuda offers something worthwhile throughout the year, although the experience changes with the seasons. Summer brings warm ocean water, beaches, boat tours and lively festivals, while winter is quieter, making it an excellent time for sightseeing, walking, golf and exploring the island's historic attractions.
Choose your month below to see which events are taking place, and the best things to do during your visit.
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
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Viewers' Reviews
Krystal (May 2018)
Hello, I am sure you get so many of these emails so I understand if you don't write back. My husband and I are going to Bermuda beginning of September and are so excited. We will be on a cruise ship that will be docked in Bermuda for 3 days. We want to do one beach day (probably will try one of your secluded beach suggestions) and then the other 2 days take in the attractions, history, culture, food, etc. What are your top suggestions on things we just can't miss? Really appreciate it! Thank you,
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) May 2018
Hi, here are some suggestions for your remaining two days in the island (pick and choose, and arrange them as per your convenience):
Visit Crystal and Fantasy Caves in Hamilton Parish
Visit Swizzle Inn (short walk from the caves) ... Bermuda's oldest pub and creator of the popular island drink Rum Swizzle.
Visit Hamilton City... take a stroll along the harbor, Front Street and alleyways... Front Street is lined up with shops, restaurants, cafes etc. Walk down to Cit Hall and Arts Center.
Try out the fish sandwich at Art Mel's Spicy Dicy located at the outskirts of Hamilton.... arguably the best fish sandwich in the island.
Visit St. George (this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and steeped in history)... some places to visit includes Kings Square, St. Peter's Church, St. Catherine's Fort, Tobacco Bay Beach (close to the fort) etc. Try out Gojo's Coffee Shop at Kings Square ... their own Cowboy sandwich is popular... so are codfish cakes and lobster salad.
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