The tiny island territory of Bermuda may be small and remote, but it has become a popular cruise travel destination in recent years. This island may only be home to 64,000 people, but it's a virtual oasis filled with incredible history, gorgeous beaches, and some of the nicest people you've ever met.
Approximately 30% of those living in Bermuda are expats, many working in finance. Interestingly, Bermuda is a significant hub of finance, commerce, and insurance industries, with finance making up approximately 85% of their gross domestic product per year. Tourism makes up the next most prominent part of their GDP at 5%, with much of that coming from the regular cruise ships visiting the island nation. The locals and expats are used to frequent cruise ship tourists and are often willing to lend a helping suggestion, should you ask!
If you are preparing to go on a cruise to Bermuda or are considering booking your ticket, these are the best activities and places to go during your few days at port!
You simply cannot go to Bermuda without seeing at least one of its world-famous beaches. Horseshoe Bay Beach is probably the most famous, but it's also the busiest and most tourist-filled due to its proximity to the cruise port. It's also well equipped, with swimming and water sports rentals, bathrooms, and lifeguards on duty at certain hours. For a less touristy experience, check out Warwick Long Bay Beach, Tobacco Bay Beach, Church Bay Beach, or Jobson’s Cove.
Don’t forget to bring your beach essentials from the cruise ship! Remember that shopping in Bermuda is quite limited and, as previously mentioned, extremely expensive! Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen, your favorite cooling towel, a water bottle, and everything your family will need for a lovely day at the beach.
Seals, and koalas and flamingos, oh my!
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo is a delightful experience. With tickets only costing $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors, this wonderful animal excursion is one of the best and most affordable things to do in Bermuda. They even have boat charters if you and your party want an unforgettable experience on the water.
Scooters are a popular way for locals and visitors alike to get around the small island. Scooter rental places are right next to the cruise port, making it a convenient and Incredibly fun way to see what life is like in Bermuda. Just be careful, as traffic is a near constant on Bermuda's few main roads, and it's easy to get lost in the winding streets.
Because Bermuda’s main island is quite small, you can realistically see most of the island on a scooter within a few hours. Bermuda has tons of adorable little shops and restaurants, and the local architecture is delightfully bright and colorful.
Just make sure you wear your helmet!
If taking a scooter around the island isn't quite your speed, hop on the local bus! Not only is it a much better bargain than taking a taxi, the bus gives you an on-the-ground view of Bermuda, and you get to engage with the locals. Whenever anybody gets on the bus, they give the entire bus a friendly “Hello!”
There are conveniently placed bus stops right by the main cruise port, and the bus goes all over the island. You can even buy a day pass, allowing unlimited access to the buses and ferries that service the island.
Bermuda has two popular caves, the Crystal Cave and the Fantasy Cave. Each cave offers a unique and fascinating geological experience that will delight your entire family. With underground lakes and ancient rock and crystal formations, this unique experience cannot be beaten.
Experienced tour guides are available to take you through these marvelous natural wonders. There are areas for refreshments and a tourist shop, including a well-stocked crystal and gem section.
If you love seafood, you will love Bermudian food. Tuna, snapper, and cod fish are popular ingredients in local cuisine, and the Bermuda fish chowder is not only a popular dish among locals, it's also the official national dish!
Salads are also popular choices in Bermuda thanks to the myriad of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Check ahead to see if your trip coincides with Bermuda’s regular food festivals and Taste of Bermuda events.
Visiting Bermuda on a cruise is a delightful and once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. During your time in Bermuda, make the best of it and see as much as you can of this superbly idyllic little island. Bermuda truly has some of the nicest people in the world, some of the best beaches you've ever seen, and lots of fun things to do tucked away in this charming little country.
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
