There are some destinations that are beautiful in photographs, and then there are the places that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Bermuda is one of those places for me.
I’ve had the opportunity to visit Bermuda, and it remains one of my favorite islands. Yes, the famous pink-sand beaches are every bit as beautiful as you’ve heard. But Bermuda is so much more than its famous beaches. There’s something about the island that keeps drawing me back — from its beautiful coastline and crystal-clear water to its colorful architecture, interesting history, friendly locals, and distinctly Bermudian character.
One thing to know before you book Bermuda: it is not an island built around all-inclusive resorts. You won’t find the long rows of sprawling resort properties or the typical all-inclusive experience you’d find in many Caribbean destinations. Instead, Bermuda has a more intimate, local feel, with charming hotels, smaller resorts, restaurants and shops woven into their island communities.
If you’re looking for a tropical escape without going all the way to the Caribbean, Bermuda deserves a spot on your list.
The Beaches
Let’s start with the obvious: Bermuda’s beaches really are spectacular.
Horseshoe Bay is the island’s most famous beach, and for good reason. Its crescent-shaped shoreline, pink sand and brilliant turquoise water are the picture-perfect Bermuda you’ve probably seen.
But don’t stop there. Warwick Long Bay is quieter and beautiful for a walk, while Jobson’s Cove feels like a little secret tucked between rocky cliffs, with calm turquoise water and pink sand that sparkles in the sunlight, and Elbow Beach offers another beautiful stretch of pink sand and clear water and is a lovely spot to spend a few hours simply enjoying the beach.
And these are just a few of the beaches you’ll find around Bermuda. Take some time to see more of the island, and you may just discover your own favorite little stretch of sand and sea.
St. George’s & Bermuda’s History
Bermuda isn’t just beaches and beautiful water.
The historic town of St. George’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in the New World. Its narrow streets, colorful buildings and historic architecture make wandering around town feel like stepping into another era.
Give yourself time to walk around King’s Square, St. Peter’s Church and the Unfinished Church, and then stop along the waterfront for a leisurely lunch at Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio for some freshly caught fish and seafood.
And while you’re there, make time for Tobacco Bay. Its sheltered waters make it a popular spot for snorkeling, and it’s an easy place to spend a relaxing afternoon by the water.
Beneath the Water
Bermuda’s beauty doesn’t stop at the shoreline.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is home to numerous shipwrecks, making it a wonderful destination for snorkeling and diving. Church Bay is a popular snorkeling spot, while experienced divers can explore some of Bermuda’s historic wrecks beneath the surface.
Not a snorkeler or diver? A glass-bottom boat tour is an easy way to experience the underwater world without getting wet.
And then there are Bermuda’s famous caves. Crystal Cave is filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, and the clear underground water makes exploring Bermuda’s caves a completely different experience from anything you’ll find above ground.
Hamilton & the Royal Navy Dockyard
Bermuda’s capital, Hamilton, is a great place to spend some time exploring. Stroll along Front Street, take in the colorful pastel buildings along the waterfront, and browse the shops and boutiques.
Hamilton is also a great place to enjoy some of Bermuda’s food scene. Portofino and Little Venice are longtime favorites for Italian cuisine, while the Bermuda Rum Cake Company is worth a stop if you have a sweet tooth — and makes a pretty delicious souvenir to bring home.
At the opposite end of the island, the Royal Naval Dockyard offers a fascinating look at Bermuda’s maritime history, along with shops, museums, restaurants and opportunities to get out on the water. For a casual meal and a cold pint, Frog & Onion Pub is a fun stop while visiting the Dockyard.
Both areas are worth visiting, but you don’t need to pack your day from morning to night. Leave yourself some time to wander, find a pretty spot along the water, and simply enjoy being in Bermuda.
A Few More Ways to Experience Bermuda
Golfers will find several beautiful courses with spectacular coastal views. Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, built in 1846, offers panoramic views of the island after climbing its spiral staircase.
During spring, Bermuda is also a wonderful place for whale watching, when humpback whales pass through the surrounding waters during their annual migration.
And when the sun goes down, look up. Bermuda’s relatively low light pollution makes the night sky surprisingly beautiful — a perfect excuse to end the day somewhere quiet with a drink and a view of the stars.
When to Visit Bermuda
Bermuda’s main travel season generally runs from April through October, when temperatures are warmer and the island is at its best for swimming, boating and enjoying the beaches.
The shoulder seasons can be especially appealing if you prefer fewer crowds and a quieter experience. Bermuda’s climate is a little different from the Caribbean, though, so it’s worth keeping in mind that the island can be noticeably cooler outside the summer months.
Why Bermuda Stays With Me
There are plenty of islands with beautiful beaches. But Bermuda has always felt like something more to me. You can spend the morning wandering through a centuries-old town, the afternoon swimming in impossibly blue water, and the evening enjoying a Rum Swizzle while watching the sun go down. And if you’re up for something a little different, you can even take a swim inside one of the island’s caves — just be prepared for some seriously chilly water!
Another thing I love about Bermuda is the variety. You get a wonderful mix of beach and city time, with plenty in between. It’s easy to get around the island, and everywhere you look there are beautifully manicured lawns and gardens, colorful homes and gorgeous scenery.
And then there are the people. The locals are genuinely friendly and welcoming, which adds so much to the visit. The island feels safe, well cared for, and inviting, which makes it easy to understand why it made such an impression on me.
It’s an island I’ve visited, loved, and would happily return to — and that’s probably the best endorsement I can give it.
Become a Mosaic Shores Travel Insider
Sign up for our newsletter to receive destination inspiration, travel news & tips, and special offers.
The ship is 5 levels and has 15 sea-facing suites.
Onboard kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment are provided.
Expert-led excursions are provided that explore the most bio-diverse marine habitats, witness rare native bird species, and embrace centuries old history and culture.
Ships Decks have Outdoor Seating and Dining, Barbecue,Jacuzzi, Spa and Exercise Zone, Indoor Lounge Bar,Library and TV Room.
Best time to travel is October-February.
Highlights:
Visit the Ambon and Spice Islands: Go trekking Gunung Banda Api volcano, go snorkeling and diving, visit a local market, watch a kora-kora war canoe display, and see Pulau Manuk, a lone volcanic crater island.
Visit the Raja Ampat Islands where deep blue waters turn to turquoise and mushroom-shaped islets right before your eyes.The calm waters are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.Or take a tender boat tour to discover magnificent limestone formations and find a private beach to call your own. You could also climb the stairs to Pindito summit to capture the unforgettable and iconic vista of the island cluster.
Visit Cape Kri to witness nature in full motion in a single dive or snorkel, with species such as whales trying to feed on smaller fish, or see manta ray cleaning stations, where these massive creatures queue up to get their skin, gills and teeth cleaned by parasitic copepods and a variety of small cleaner wrasse species — an amazing sight to behold.
They offer an authentic, lifetime experience, both on board and on shore.
Offer 5 or 7 might cruises.
All-inclusive experience. Including, all meals onboard, unlimited drinks packages, select excursions, onboard entertainment, and gratuities.
Highlights:
Corfu is the mythical home of the Olympian God, Poseidon, and the island on which Odysseus was shipwrecked in Homer’s epic,The Odyssey. Tour the Vlacherna Monastery and catch a breathtaking sunset here.
Visit Paleokastritsa and see endless olive groves,rolling hills and secluded coves.
Visit Katakolon which is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. While here, explore the bayside area and picturesque streets before heading into one of the many tavernas and cafes to meet the locals and sample exquisite Greek cuisine.
Patras has attractive squares, fun-filled streets, a lively nightlife and plenty of great restaurants and bars.
Experience romantic Venice and ride a gondola, stroll around St Mark’s Square, visit the Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco, cross the Rialto Bridge, explore the maze of winding alleys and hidden narrow backstreets and have lunch by the Grand Canal.
Visit awe-inspiring Dubrovnik and tour the ancient city walls, ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car, enjoy homemade cuisine,and visit the Game of Thrones filming locations.
Visit Split, where its coastal mountains are the perfect backdrop to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. Visit Diocletian’s Palace which is home to world’s most impressive Roman Monuments.
Kotor is a medieval maze of stunning architecture, lovely churches,& squares, sprinkled with cafes and Venetian Palaces. Think blue seas and rolling mountains drenched in the heavenly scent of lemons, oranges, mimosas, and camellias.
