The challenge with planning things to do in Bermuda on a cruise isn’t a lack of options. It’s choosing what fits into your time in port.
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We’ve been to Bermuda more than once, and every time we leave, our list for the next trip somehow gets longer. That’s part of why Bermuda works so well by cruise when your itinerary gives you more than one day. But a one-day stop is a very different plan from two and a half days, so it helps to narrow things down before you go.
While we love cruising to Bermuda, I already know a land vacation is in our future. There’s too much we still want to go back for. This guide starts with sample Bermuda cruise itinerary ideas, then breaks down the things to do in Bermuda so you can plan around your schedule.
Plan Around Your Time in Bermuda
Before you start picking beaches, caves, and lunch spots, take a look at your cruise itinerary and figure out how much time you’ll actually have on the island. Bermuda is small, but travel time, ferry schedules, and ship departure times can limit how much you can realistically fit into a day.
A one-day Bermuda cruise stop is very different from an overnight stay. If you only have a single day, I’d focus on one main area or experience rather than trying to see everything. You’ll enjoy Bermuda a lot more if you’re not rushing from one end of the island to the other.
With two days or more, you have enough time to mix beaches, sightseeing, and a little exploring. That opens up options like visiting St. George’s, spending time in Hamilton, touring the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, relaxing at Horseshoe Bay, and checking out the Royal Naval Dockyard without trying to squeeze everything into a single day.
If you’re visiting Bermuda on a land vacation rather than a cruise, you can use the same ideas below. Just spread them out over more days and move at a more relaxed pace. Lucky you.
Sample Bermuda Cruise Itinerary Ideas
Use this as a starting point and adjust it around your cruise schedule, how you plan to get around, and how much you actually want to fit into each day.
The more stops you add, the more transportation matters in Bermuda. If you’re using buses and ferries, build in extra time and keep each day focused. If you’re using taxis, a tour, a private driver, or an electric car, you’ll have more flexibility to add stops.
If your cruise only stops in Bermuda for one day, do not try to copy all of this. Pick the day that matches what you care about most.
Day 1: Crystal and Fantasy Caves, St. George’s, and Tobacco Bay
Start with the caves, then head to St. George’s for lunch and a walk through town. If timing works, finish with beach time or snorkeling at Tobacco Bay. You could also add the Swizzle Inn if it fits your route.
Day 2: Horseshoe Bay and the South Shore
Make Horseshoe Bay the anchor for this day, then add nearby stops based on your transportation and timing. Warwick Long Bay, Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, or Glass Beach can work as add-ons, but I wouldn’t force all of them into the same day just to say you went.
Day 3: Royal Naval Dockyard
Keep the short final day close to the ship. Explore the National Museum of Bermuda, the Clocktower area, Island Outfitters, and the Bermuda Craft Market, then grab lunch before getting back on board. If you want easy beach time near the pier, Snorkel Park Beach is nearby, but check the current entry fee before you go.
Things to Do in Bermuda
Spend Time at Horseshoe Bay Beach
Horseshoe Bay is one of Bermuda’s most popular beaches. Bright blue water, soft pink sand, and dramatic rock formations give it a look that stands out from many other beaches on the island. There’s also plenty to explore if you feel like walking around instead of staying in one place.
It does get busy, but the beach is expansive enough that you can walk around and find a quieter area. We kept going past some of the rocks and coves and found a spot with only a few people around. We lay beach blanket down and had our own little pocket of Horseshoe Bay for a while.
At the main part of the beach, you’ll find chair and umbrella rentals, along with facilities that make it easier for cruise passengers. Families may like Horseshoe Bay Cove for calmer water. Shade is limited, so bring sun protection either way.
🏖️ Getting to Horseshoe Bay from the Dockyard: The easiest option for most cruisers is usually a beach shuttle or minibus near the port. They go directly to Horseshoe Bay, making it a straightforward way to get there. Taxis and public buses are also options. Just check the current schedule and give yourself enough time to get back to the ship.
Tour the Crystal and Fantasy Caves
Crystal and Fantasy Caves are a good pick if you want something unique to Bermuda, which is known for its 150-plus limestone caves. The tours take you underground to see clear blue water, limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. It gives the day a completely different feel from the beaches, and you can always fit in some beach time afterward.
The guides also share the story of how the caves were found, which makes the visit more interesting than just walking through and taking photos.
Just know that visiting the caves means going down and back up a lot of steps. Fantasy Cave is the tougher climb, with about 88 steps each way, but the guides take it slowly and give the group time to move through. Keep that in mind if anyone has mobility issues, knee problems, or gets tired easily in the heat.
We visited the caves on our first Bermuda cruise and took our family back on their first visit to Bermuda with us. You can choose to tour just one cave or buy a combo ticket for both, then pair the stop with St. George’s, Tobacco Bay, or the Swizzle Inn since they’re all on that side of the island.
Walk Around St. George’s
St. George’s gives you a different side of Bermuda beyond the beaches. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage town with narrow streets, colorful buildings, old churches, small museums, shops, and waterfront spots that make it easy to wander once you’re there.
Start around King’s Square, then work your way toward St. Peter’s Church, the waterfront, and lunch. If you have more time, you can also visit the Unfinished Church, but know that it’s up the hill from the main part of town. It’s not hard to reach with transportation, but I wouldn’t rush through St. George’s just to squeeze it in.
We paired St. George’s with the caves and Tobacco Bay, and that worked well for a full day. They’re all on the eastern side of the island, so you’re not crossing back and forth more than you need to. Give yourself enough time to explore the town and enjoy the atmosphere rather than rushing through it.
Snorkel or Relax at Tobacco Bay
Tobacco Bay is a great spot for beach snorkeling if you want calm water without booking a full snorkel excursion. The water is incredibly clear, making it easy to spot fish and other marine life right from shore. It can also work well for families or anyone easing into snorkeling since the water is usually gentle and close to shore.
We brought our own snorkel gear and saw plenty of fish right from the beach. You can rent gear and chairs there, and there’s also a beach bar and restroom facilities on-site. Water shoes are a good idea because there are rocks.
Stop by Fort St. Catherine
Fort St. Catherine is Bermuda’s largest fort and a good add-on if you have time while you’re already around St. George’s or Tobacco Bay. Travelers tend to mention the ocean views, old cannons, tunnels, and the chance to add a little history without giving up the whole day.
I’d treat it as part of an east-end itinerary, not a standalone reason to cross the island on a short cruise stop. If you’re walking from St. George’s, know that it can feel longer and steeper than it looks on a map, so be prepared for warm weather and keep an eye on your timing.
Visit John Smith’s Bay for a Quieter Beach Stop
John Smith’s Bay was one of those stops our driver added on our last Bermuda cruise when we asked where we could go with the kids and away from the crowds. Honestly, I almost want to gatekeep this one. When we went, the beach was nearly empty, and the sand was the pinkest I’ve seen on any other beach in Bermuda up to that point.
It has bathroom facilities and chair rentals available, but we didn’t need much. We just laid out our beach blanket for our group and enjoyed having so much space to ourselves. I wouldn’t put it in the same category as Horseshoe Bay for a first-time Bermuda beach day, but it’s absolutely worth considering if you want a quieter South Shore stop.
Explore Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Cove
Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Cove are right near each other, which makes them a good pair if you want to see more of Bermuda’s South Shore in one stop. Warwick Long Bay gives you the longer stretch of pink sand, and when the water is calm, the reefs and rocks offshore can make it a good snorkeling spot.
Jobson’s Cove is smaller and more sheltered, with rock formations that make it feel tucked away from the rest of the coast. It’s the better pick for a quick swim, photos, or calmer water, but because it’s small, it can fill up faster.
Elbow Beach is another South Shore beach you may see mentioned when looking beyond Horseshoe Bay. I’d treat it as one more option to compare with Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Cove, but check current access, facilities, and transportation before making it your main beach plan from the cruise port.
Climb Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse
Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse is for the views, but you don’t have to climb all 185 steps to enjoy the stop. Even from below, you get a wide look over Bermuda, and if your ship is docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard, you should be able to spot it from here.
If you do want to climb the lighthouse, there’s a fee you’ll pay at the small gift shop, which also has souvenirs. This pairs well with Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, or other South Shore stops, but I’d treat it as a quick sightseeing break rather than planning a whole day around it. I think it’s a great stop on a tour or drive.
Visit Cooper’s Island, Clearwater Beach, or Turtle Bay
Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve has a mix of beaches, walking trails, wildlife, and an observation tower in one east-end stop. Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay are nearby, with calmer, shallower water that works well for kids or anyone who wants a gentler swim.
This area takes more planning from the Dockyard, but it’s a good pick if you want something quieter and more spread out than the busier beach stops. Bring snorkel gear if you have it, but I’d treat fish or turtle sightings as a bonus, not the whole reason to go.
Explore Tom Moore’s Jungle, Walsingham Nature Reserve, or Blue Hole Park
Tom Moore’s Jungle is the name many people use for Walsingham Nature Reserve and Blue Hole Park, a greener side of Bermuda with trails, caves, mangroves, and swimming-hole views. This is the kind of stop to consider if you want something more outdoorsy than another beach day.
The Blue Hole is a big reason people go, but this is not a polished beach stop with chair rentals and easy sand entry. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water shoes if you plan to swim, and check any posted signs before getting in the water. I’d pair this with an east-end day rather than trying to squeeze it into a short Dockyard plan.
Visit Hamilton and Front Street
Hamilton is Bermuda’s capital, but it feels more like a lively waterfront town than a big city. Front Street is the main place to start, with colorful buildings along the harbor, shops, restaurants, bars, and a pleasant waterfront walk.
This works well for lunch, drinks, shopping, or a ferry ride from the Dockyard if the schedule lines up. While exploring Hamilton, you can also plan to visit local attractions like the Bermuda National Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Park, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, or Fort Hamilton.
If your cruise stays overnight and you’re in town on a Wednesday during the summer, check for Harbour Nights, when Front Street turns into an evening street festival with food, music, and local vendors.
⛴️ Bermuda Ferry Tip: The ferry can be one of the easier ways to get from the Dockyard to Hamilton or, when the seasonal route is running, St. George’s. The St. George’s ferry typically runs during Bermuda’s warmer cruise season, often from spring into fall, but dates and service days can change. The views are a nice bonus, but this is still transportation first, not a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing loop. Check the ferry schedule before building your day around it, including both your outbound and return times, particularly for St. George’s.
Consider BUEI or the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo
BUEI and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo are good options when you want something indoors, kid-friendly, or not centered around the beach. BUEI is in Hamilton and focuses on the ocean, shipwrecks, the Bermuda Triangle, and interactive exhibits, so it’s an easy addition if you’re planning to be around Hamilton.
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo is in Flatts Village and gives you a mix of marine life, animals, and Bermuda’s natural history in one stop. It’s a good choice for families, rainy weather, or a slower day when you still want to do something beyond shopping and lunch.
Try a Rum Swizzle or a Dark ’n Stormy
A Rum Swizzle is the Bermuda drink most visitors hear about first. It’s fruity, rum-based, and easy to like when you want something tropical with lunch or by the water. You’ll see it on menus all over the island, with The Swizzle Inn being the famous stop for it.
On our last trip, our driver told us the Dark ’n Stormy is more of the local drink of choice, while Rum Swizzles are more popular with visitors. I’ve tried both, and I think I prefer the Dark ’n Stormy. It’s simpler and less sweet, and what stood out to me was the smooth flavor of the dark rum.
Either one is worth trying while you’re in Bermuda. Just be aware that Rum Swizzles have a reputation for sneaking up on people.
🍹 Fun fact: Locals explain “Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out” as meaning you might leave walking a little differently than when you arrived. After a few Rum Swizzles, the slogan makes a lot more sense.
Make Time for Local Seafood or a Fish Sandwich
If you have more than a day in Bermuda, plan at least one local meal off the ship. The Bermudian fish sandwich is the classic order, usually served on raisin bread with fried fish, tartar sauce, and coleslaw. I know the raisin bread sounds questionable, but I finally tried it with the local catch of the day, and it was better than expected. The bread’s slight sweetness surprisingly balanced the buttery, tender fish and tangy toppings.
Fish nuggets are another local staple to look for. They’re easy to share or order as an appetizer, and they were a hit with our group at Wahoo’s Bistro in St. George’s, especially with homemade tartar sauce. If you’re already planning time in St. George’s, this is a good place to slow down for lunch instead of rushing straight from one stop to the next.
Take a Jet Ski or Boat Tour
A jet ski or boat tour lets you see a different side of Bermuda. You can cruise along the coastline, pass through clear blue water, spot shipwreck areas, and reach views you won’t get from walking around town.
We went on a jet ski tour with BDA Watersports during one of our Bermuda cruises, and it ended up being one of the most fun things we did. The water was choppy that day, so riding double was harder than expected once we were wet and sliding around. Next time, we’d each get our own jet ski.
Walk or Bike Part of the Bermuda Railway Trail
The Bermuda Railway Trail follows parts of the island’s former railway route and stretches across Bermuda in separate sections. People walk, hike, and bike different parts of it. You do not have to treat it like one long trail you need to finish.
If you’re coming from the Dockyard, the closest access to look into is around Somerset Bridge. Without bikes, you can take a bus or taxi to a nearby access point and walk a section from there. If you rent bikes near the Dockyard, you’ll ride on the road before reaching the trail, which is better for confident riders or anyone booking a guided bike tour.
Tour Idea:
Bermuda Railway Trail Guided Bike Tour [book here]
Visit the National Museum of Bermuda
The National Museum of Bermuda is one of the easiest things to do near the Dockyard, which makes it a good choice for a short final day in port. It’s set inside the old fort area, with exhibits on Bermuda’s history, shipwrecks, slavery, maritime stories, and island culture.
Commissioner’s House is the large building perched up on the hill that you can see from the cruise ship. If you’ve ever looked over from the deck and wondered what it was, this is your chance to go explore it.
We saved this for our last morning in Bermuda, and that timing worked well. You can spend a couple of hours here without leaving the Dockyard area, and the views over the harbor and cruise ships are part of the experience.
Explore the Royal Naval Dockyard
The Royal Naval Dockyard is the area to focus on when you want to stay close to the ship, especially on a short final day in Bermuda. It’s not where I’d spend my whole trip, but it works well when you want an easy morning, lunch, shopping, or one last walk around before getting back on board.
If you want beach time without going far, Snorkel Park Beach is nearby. I wouldn’t put it ahead of Bermuda’s bigger beach stops, but it can make sense if you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or do not want to deal with transportation.
For shopping and wandering, head toward the Clocktower area, the Bermuda Craft Market, and Island Outfitters near the cruise pier. Island Outfitters has souvenirs, British candy, a mailbox by the entrance for sending postcards, and the red phone booths outside that make an easy photo stop.
Visit Sea Glass Beach
Sea Glass Beach, often called Glass Beach by visitors, ended up being one of the surprise favorites from our last Bermuda cruise. Our driver took us there on a more off-the-beaten-path route around some work being done in the area, and our group of little treasure hunters loved it almost immediately.
It’s small and rocky, so this is more of a quick stop than a beach where you’d plan to swim or spend hours. The sea glass is connected to the area’s old Dockyard history, when discarded glass and other materials ended up near the shore. After years of waves and saltwater, those broken pieces became the smooth, colorful glass you see scattered along the beach.
You can walk there from the Dockyard, but check the route before you go and be ready for uneven access near the beach. Just don’t take any sea glass with you. It’s part of what makes this stop interesting, and it should be left there for the next treasure hunter to find.
Use Snorkel Park Beach as a Close-to-the-Ship Backup
Snorkel Park Beach isn’t the kind of place I’d build a whole Bermuda trip around, but it works if you just want some quick beach time without leaving the Dockyard. It’s right by the cruise pier, so it’s easy for a short last day, families with kids, or anyone who doesn’t feel like dealing with taxis or buses.
Just keep in mind there’s an entry fee, so check the current price before you go. If you have the time, I’d still choose places like Horseshoe Bay, Tobacco Bay, John Smith’s Bay, or other South Shore beaches first. But if your ship leaves early or you want something simple and close, Snorkel Park does the job.
Bermuda Excursions to Look Into Before Your Cruise
Some experiences are easy to do yourself as long as you have figured out the logistics. For others, it’s best to book a guided tour.
How I’d Narrow Down What to Do in Bermuda
If this is your first trip to Bermuda, I’d start with the places that feel the most different from a typical beach day. Horseshoe Bay, Crystal and Fantasy Caves, St. George’s, and at least one local meal off the ship would be high on my list.
From there, plan by area instead of bouncing all over the island.
- South Shore: best for pink-sand beaches like Horseshoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay, Jobson’s Cove, John Smith’s Bay, and Elbow Beach. You can also pair this area with Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse or Glass Beach if you have transportation set.
- East End: good for Crystal and Fantasy Caves, St. George’s, Tobacco Bay, Fort St. Catherine, Cooper’s Island, Clearwater Beach, and Turtle Bay.
- Hamilton and Central Bermuda: better for Front Street, food, shopping, BUEI, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, and ferry connections.
- Dockyard: easiest for a short final day, with the National Museum of Bermuda, Clocktower area, Island Outfitters, the Bermuda Craft Market, lunch, and last-minute shopping close to the ship.
Bermuda is small, but it still takes time to get around. Driving from one end of the island to the other takes about an hour, so the more you try to cram in, the more rushed the day feels.
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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
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