Admiral's Cave Bermuda: Cliff Jumping and Cave Swimming

 

 

Updated: September 2026 

You have seen the videos. Someone leaps off a jagged limestone cliff into impossibly blue water, then swims directly into a dark, rocky cavern. You search online and find "Admiral's Cave." 

 

But if you punch that into your GPS, you might end up staring at a terrifying, pitch-black sinkhole in the middle of nowhere. Let me clear this up right now. 

 

At a Glance

 

 

 

The Great Confusion: Which Admiral's Cave Are You Looking For?

 

There are actually two caves bearing this name. The Original Admiral's Cave is located in Hamilton Parish on Coney Island Road. Hardly anybody goes there because, frankly, nobody has the guts to explore a wild, unlit underground labyrinth without a guide. 

 

The spot you actually want is the man-made cave system at Admiralty House Park in Pembroke Parish. This is the famous location for cliff jumping at Clarence Cove. This is exactly what we are discussing here. 

 

Locals and tourists constantly mix these two up, leading to a lot of ruined afternoons. 

 

Who This Is For and Who Should Skip

 

 

For: Thrill-seekers, strong swimmers, teens, and young adults looking for a serious adrenaline rush. 

 

Skip: Families with toddlers, travelers with mobility issues, or anyone afraid of heights and deep water. The rocks are sharp, and the steps inside the cave are incredibly slippery. 

 

The Pembroke Cave: Admirals and Secret Rendezvous

 

In the 1850s, British convicts carved these tunnels directly into the limestone cliffs at Clarence Cove. The official story is that they were built for military communication and underground storage. 

 

The real local story is much more scandalous. These private, hidden tunnels were actually commissioned so the Admiral could hold highly discreet meetings with his "private lady" away from visitors' prying eyes. Today, you are swimming through a 19th-century secret rendezvous spot. 

 

The Cliff Jumping and Cave Swimming Experience

 

You stand on the edge of the cliffs at Clarence Cove, looking down at the deep Atlantic. The drop ranges from 15 to 25 feet depending on where you stand and the current tide. 

 

The best and safest spot here is known as Canon, where the rock face forms a distinctive arch-like formation visible from the water. The jump from this spot is about 20 feet. 

 

Canon, Admiralty House Park 

 

 

Once you hit the water, the real magic begins. Instead of climbing up the sharp exterior rocks to get back to the top, you swim directly into the mouth of the dark cave opening at sea level. 

 

Inside, you will find a set of rock-cut stairs leading right back up through the tunnels to the park above. It is a continuous loop of jumping, swimming, and exploring. 

 

What Surprises Visitors the Most

 

The immediate temperature drop is jarring. You go from baking in the 85-degree Bermudian sun to swimming into a damp, echoing cavern that feels 15 degrees cooler. 

 

The smell changes instantly, too. It shifts from a fresh, salty ocean breeze to the heavy scent of wet limestone and stagnant sea moss. 

 

Common Mistakes and Safety Warnings

 

Do not jump at dead low tide. The water depth drops significantly, and hidden coral heads become a serious hazard. Always watch a local jump first to gauge the safe landing zones. 

 

Wear water shoes. The rock-cut stairs inside the cave are coated in a slick layer of algae and ocean slime, and barefoot climbers slip here constantly. Never jump alone, as there are no lifeguards on duty at this park. 

 

Pro-Tip: The Tide Check 

Always check the local Bermuda tide charts before you leave your hotel. Aim to arrive exactly at high tide for the deepest water and the safest cliff jumping conditions. 

 

Practical Details (Access and Logistics)

 

Getting there is straightforward. Take Bus #4 toward Spanish Point and ask the driver to let you off at Admiralty House Park. If you are driving an EV mini-car rental, there is a dedicated parking lot right near the main entrance. 

 

Entry to the park and the caves is typically free. To avoid heavy crowds, skip visiting on local school holidays or weekends during the peak summer months. 

 

Road Map 

 

For a complete breakdown of the park amenities, beach access, and picnic spots, check out my full guide to Admiralty House Park. 

 

A Quick Look at the Original Cave (Hamilton Parish)

 

What about the other cave? The original Admiral's Cave on Coney Island Road is a massive, dry sinkhole. It is famous for a giant stalagmite that was stolen in the 1800s and shipped to a museum in Scotland. 

 

Later, in the 1990s, a Smithsonian expedition found extinct Bermuda bird fossils deep inside its chambers. Today, it is completely unmanaged and largely ignored by the public. 

 

There are no handrails, no lights, and the drop-offs are severe. If you decide to peek inside the entrance, bring a high-powered headlamp, heavy boots, and extreme caution. 

 

Fascinated by the geology and history? Read our complete deep-dive into the wild, dry Original Cave in Hamilton Parish. 

 

Alternatives: If This Isn't For You...

 

Does cliff jumping and slippery rocks sound more stressful than fun? Head over to Blue Hole Park (often called Tom Moore's Jungle) for smaller, beginner-friendly jumps into a calm mangrove pool. 

 

If you want to see spectacular underground formations without getting wet, book a guided walking tour at Crystal and Fantasy Caves. You get all the subterranean beauty with zero physical risk. 

 

Related Articles

 

Check out Bermuda Caves to know about the other great caves in Bermuda. 

Cliff Jumping in Bermuda 

Check out Things to do in Bermuda. 

Check out Hamilton Parish to know about other great attractions in the parish. 

 

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