Cruise Port Guide · Bermuda
Things to Do in Bermuda
Bermuda is famous for its pink sand beaches, turquoise coves and pastel cottages. Most cruise ships dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard (King’s Wharf) on the island’s west end, and many sailings from New York and New Jersey stay two days, often with an overnight. One day is definitely not enough!
Bermuda at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
Amy & DeeAnn
“What a fantastic day in Bermuda! One day is definitely not enough!” – Amy
Top Things to Do in Bermuda
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Take a full island tour
Amy and DeeAnn started their day with a full island tour, and it’s the best way to see how much Bermuda packs in. They toured the island all morning, stopped for a snack, toured some more, stopped for a drink and finished with two beach stops: Warwick Beach and Horseshoe Bay. Their guide, Howard, was so knowledgeable and answered Amy’s endless questions with humour and patience.
- Amy’s tour
- A full morning
- Stops
- Snack, drink, 2 beaches
- Pickup
- At the Dockyard
- Book
- Ask us, we’ll arrange it
Horseshoe Bay and Warwick beaches
Bermuda’s south shore beaches are famous for their soft pink sand and turquoise water, and Horseshoe Bay is the most famous of all. Amy and DeeAnn finished their island tour with stops at Warwick Beach and Horseshoe Bay. The water is stunning and the sand really does have a pink glow, especially in the sun.
- From the Dockyard
- Bus #7 or a taxi
- Bus fare
- $5 cash, exact change
- Day pass
- $19, buses and ferries
- Calmer water
- The little cove to the right
Have a Rum Swizzle at the Swizzle Inn
When in Bermuda, you must Swizzle! The Rum Swizzle is Bermuda’s national drink, and the Swizzle Inn says it was first made right there. Amy and DeeAnn stopped in for a round of Swizzles during their island day. Opened in 1932, it calls itself Bermuda’s oldest and most famous pub, with a cozy bar inside and a patio out front.
- Where
- Bailey’s Bay, Hamilton Parish
- Since
- 1932
- Order
- A Rum Swizzle
- Also
- Pub food: burgers, pizza and more
Hop on the ferry
Bermuda’s ferries are an easy, scenic way to explore on your own from the Dockyard. The fast ferry to Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, takes about 15 to 20 minutes, much quicker than the bus. From May to October, a ferry also runs to the historic town of St. George’s, about 45 minutes away.
- To Hamilton
- About 15 to 20 min
- To St. George’s
- About 45 min, May to Oct
- Fare
- $3.50 to $5 cash
- Pass
- 1 day $19, 2 days $31.50
Take a selfie at the Bermuda sign
Bermuda is full of colourful photo spots, and the big, bright Bermuda letters are a must. Amy had to stop for a selfie! It’s a fun, free souvenir of your day, and the perfect photo to share once you’re back on the ship.
- Cost
- Free
- Time needed
- A few minutes
- Best light
- Bright, sunny midday
- Good for
- Everyone
More Things to Do in Bermuda
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Grab a Dark ‘n StormyThe Dark ‘n Stormy, made with dark rum and ginger beer, is Bermuda’s other signature cocktail. Amy grabbed one by the Dockyard just before getting back on the ship, the perfect way to end the day!
Stop for a snack and a drinkAmy and DeeAnn’s tour included a snack stop and a drink stop, a great way to try some local flavour between sightseeing.
Find a quiet coveBermuda’s coastline is full of little coves with crystal clear turquoise water. Amy and DeeAnn spotted plenty on their island tour, perfect for a quieter swim away from the busy beaches.
Free Things to Do in Bermuda
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
Explore the Dockyard fortificationsStroll the grand old fortifications and historic buildings of the Dockyard, then browse local gifts and artwork at the Bermuda Craft Market.
Swim at Horseshoe Bay BeachBermuda’s most famous pink sand beach is a public beach in Southampton, easy to reach from Dockyard by public bus or taxi.
Know Before You Go in Bermuda
- No rental cars: Visitors can’t rent cars, so plan on ferries, buses, taxis or a tour.
- Exact change: Buses take exact cash only, or buy a transportation pass.
- Currency: The Bermuda dollar is equal to the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Bermuda FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
Where do cruise ships dock in Bermuda?
Most ships dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard (King’s Wharf) on the island’s west end. Ferries, buses and taxis leave from right there.
What are some free things to do in Bermuda?
Some of our favourite free things to do in Bermuda are explore the Dockyard fortifications and swim at Horseshoe Bay Beach. Stroll the grand old fortifications and historic buildings of the Dockyard, then browse local gifts and artwork at the Bermuda Craft Market.
How do you get to Horseshoe Bay from the cruise port?
Take bus #7 from the Dockyard or a taxi, or book an island tour that ends at the beach like Amy and DeeAnn did.
Can you rent a car in Bermuda?
No, visitors can’t rent cars in Bermuda. Ferries, buses, taxis and tours are the easiest ways to get around.
Do I need a passport for a Bermuda cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with tours, pre-cruise hotels and transfers.
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