Going to Bermuda in 2 weeks any recommendations on must do things whilst I'm there?

Question

Me and my partner are taking 6 Sea Cadets to Bermuda for 2 weeks, the local cadets have organised some outings for us but all suggestions welcome

Answer 1

Bermuda is my favorite place in the world – I have been 9 times in the last 7 years. There is a reason my username is 12BNBDA.

There are no rental cars on the island, so you have 2 choices: rent a moped, or get a bus pass. Definitely get the bus pass – public transportation is very efficient, clean, and if you tell the driver where you want to go, he/she will let you know when you get to your stop. Just remember that pink pole stops go into Hamilton (the capital – see below), blue pole stops are going out of Hamilton. Make sure you get a schedule/map – very easy to read. The pass is also good for the ferries that go between Dockyard and Hamilton (and in the summer, they run a special ferry from St George to Dockyard a couple of days a week that offers a good view of the “outside” of the island). I highly recommend that you do NOT rent a moped, unless you are used to riding a motorcycle on the wrong side of the road. I have seen a newlywed husband spend his entire honeymoon pushing his wife around in a wheelchair because of a moped accident, and the vast majority of accidents involve tourists. I did it once, but that was in the middle of winter when there was nobody on the island. Trust me, the bus and a few minute walk is better than having to have your relatives fly in just to get you onto the plane (saw that, too). If you are going to go out at night, I would suggest a cab, as the bus service cuts back after about 6:00. Also, during the high season, buses tend to fill up with cruise ship passengers, so don't take it personally if a bus goes right past the stop you are waiting at - there's just no more room. Be patient, take some pictures, smell the flowers - another bus will be by soon enough.

There are 3 “main” areas of the island – Hamilton, St. George’s, and Dockyard. All 3 have cruise ship docks, and this is where the bulk of the tourists will be. Cruise ship season is basically from April through October.

Hamilton is the capital and the only true city on the island. Start on Front Street. There is lots of shopping - but to be honest, there really is not a whole lot there that you can’t get at home – and since they have to import everything, some stuff can be pretty pricey – but there are a few things that are unique to the island and worth purchasing. Definitely check out the Island Shop – it is on Queen Street, which intersects with Front Street at the birdcage (where the policeman directs traffic – you’ll know it when you see it). It has a lot of really nice things, and I feel that it is the best place for gifts. For gifts/souvenirs, also try AS Cooper (they are building a mega-store, so their shops/departments are scattered throughout). For jewelry (or jewellery, as they spell it), your best bet is probably Crisson (best quality with lots of BDA-themed items) or Astwood-Dickinson. For T-shirts, my favorite is Flying Colours (next to the Island Shop).
Also in Hamilton, definitely go to the Cathedral – it is a beautiful, gigantic gothic cathedral – you can pay a couple of dollars and climb to the top of the tower – the view is worth it.
During tourist season, on Wednesday nights, they have Harbour Nights - do not miss this - Front Street is closed to vehicular traffic and the street comes alive with sparkling lights, vendors offering the best in local arts and crafts, and music.

St George’s is the old capital and a pretty little town. There are several things to do there as well. St Peter’s church is oldest continually used Anglican church in the western hemisphere (or something like that), and is a pretty little church, made with lots of Bermuda cedar. I suggest getting ice cream at Temptations Ice Cream Shoppe next door, and eat it on the steps in front of the church. Fort St Catherine is pretty much what it says it is – a fort – it’s pretty large, and they have turned it in to somewhat of a museum – if you have some time, go, but it’s a pretty good walk – the bus does not go up to the fort – you might want to take a cab. There is also a little town square where they do a reenactment daily – I believe it is around 11:30 or so – of public punishment – it’s actually pretty amusing, and I try to see it whenever I get the chance. They also have stocks, which I guess is always good for a family photo. There’s some shopping, but it is mostly just a good little town to walk around in – quaint alleys, etc. – there is also a good size beach in Tobacco Bay – it has a snack shop, etc – but it is also a good walk (about 20 minutes from the dock). On Tuesday nights, they hold Heritage Nights - similar to Harbour Nights in Hamilton, but on a smaller scale. They also do the punishment re-enactment during Heritage Nights.

Dockyard is the old naval dockyards – and there are really only 3 things to do there: the Maritime Museum/Dolphin Quest, the Dockyard Mall, and a snorkel park that is actually quite nice. My personal opinion of the best thing to do in Dockyard is to get on the bus and head up to the South Shore. This is where you will find the absolute best beaches, famous for their pink sand. Horseshoe is the most famous beach; but not my favorite. It will be jammed with people, particularly if there is more than 1 ship docked (which there usually will be). If you need a beach that has refreshments, changing rooms, etc, then it would be fine. Beware – it is a heck of a hike back up the hill from the beach, but in-season, there is a mini-bus that charges a dollar to take you to the top. If you do not need changing rooms, etc., try Warwick Long Bay. I think it is more scenic and it is definitely less crowded. Elbow Beach is also pretty nice. There are lots of other little beaches along the way. All of the public beaches are part of the national park system and are clearly marked. If you get on the bus at Dockyard (which is the end of the line), take the 7 bus, and make sure you sit on the right side of the bus – it has the better view. Dockyard is not the best place to be at night - they are starting up an event similar to Harbour and Heritage nights, but as a general rule, I would stay away from Dockyard at night. It seems that the rare instances of crime tend to happen around here. But it is perfectly safe during the day.

Other places to go:
Flatts: This is one of my favorite places on the island. There is a nice Aquarium/Zoo, and a cute little Harbor. Not much to do other than the Aquarium, but it is just a nice quiet place to explore.
Bailey’s Bay: this area has what is arguably the most famous restaurant in Bermuda, the Swizzle Inn. It’s been around forever, and it just seems to be "the" place to go. Make sure you take a business card or two to tack up on the wall, and of course, you must have a Rum Swizzle or a Dark 'N Stormy. Bailey’s Bay also has the best ice cream/sandwich shop - Bailey’s Ice Cream. Bailey’s ice cream is great (and also what they serve at Temptations in St George). Get a cone and walk around the corner to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves – an underground cavern that is pretty cool.
Gibbs Hill lighthouse: make sure that you check with the Tourism Board office to see if this has reopened – the railing was damaged by a hurricane a couple of years ago, and it was closed – but if it has reopened, it is definitely worth the climb to the top – the views are awesome.
Verdmont: if you’re into the historical preservation thing, this is one of the oldest houses on the island, furnished with 17th or 18th-century items.

Take lots of film or a big memory card, and I always take an underwater camera or two – great for snorkeling

Answer 2

I could never top the answer given above by 12BNBDA. This woman knows her Bermuda.

I totally agree on the bus pass, it's a must. It's so easy to get around the island and they are so very convenience and very inexpensive.

There are a number of sites were you can find more information. A friend of mine has a "fun" site that he's been working on www.bermudasecrets.com and it has forums where you can ask questions. There are some ideas which might help you there too.

Answer 3

I have been to Bermuda and it is great! Rent scooters and see the island on your own time. Take the little side streets and coves and find the private beautiful beaches! Also go to your library and get a Frommers guide and maps, this way you know where you are going and don't get lost!

Answer 4

Avoid the Triangle.

Answer 5

Why not explore the Triangle - many have, but they have not returned to tell us what they have found!

Answer 6

VISIT