Bermuda is a Hidden Gem!

 

Tobacco Bay Beach

There are not enough words to describe the beauty of Bermuda.  Simply WOW! I can't believe I am just discovering this hidden gem!  This was my first time visiting this British island and I would highly recommend it to anyone.  This small island offers beautiful beaches, caves, gardens and nature reserves, luxurious golf courses, water sports, history and culture, shopping and Bermudian cuisine. It is a great vacation for singles, couples, families, weddings and honeymooners.

I traveled to Bermuda by taking a 7 day round trip cruise from Manhattan to Bermuda using Norwegian Cruise Line. While I was in Bermuda, I bought a two day bus pass which can be used all day on the buses and ferries to get around the island.  The Bermudians are very friendly and helpful people  The bus drivers helped me get around the island very easily.  The buses and ferries are clean and safe and I would recommend it.  You can also get around the island by renting a scooter or mini car, but they drive on the opposite side of the road (from the U.S.), and I didn't feel comfortable doing that.

From the Naval Dockyard I took a ferry to St. George to visit Tobacco Bay Beach and Fort St. Catherine.  The ferry took about 45 minutes.  Once I arrived in St. George, I went to Tobacco Bay Beach, which offers a bar, outside restaurant, bathrooms and changing room.  You can rent snorkeling equipment, a lounge chair and umbrella if you want. All the beaches in Bermuda are free.  

Fort St. Catherine in St. George, Bermuda

Afterwards I walked to Fort St. Catherine and went inside the museum and took the tour of the fort.  It was built in 1614 and it was renovated at least 5 times.  The fort is on the northern tip of the island and was used to defend against the Spanish and the Americans.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

The next day, I visited Horseshoe Bay Beach which is in the Southampton Parish area of Bermuda.  Most of the people on this beach stayed near the entrance.  I would highly recommend walking down the beach past the crowd to explore the boulders and rock formations.  You can still swim in these areas too, it is just not as crowded.  This area has a restaurant, restrooms and changing rooms, and you can also rent lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Hamilton, Bermuda

Visit Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda.  Lots of history in this city.  Just be sure you walk across the streets at the crosswalks since there is a lot of city traffic in this area.  Hamilton has many retail stores and restaurants on and/or near Front Street.  The official point of the Bermuda Triangle is in Hamilton.   The other two points of the Bermuda Triangle are Miami and Puerto Rico.  

Hamilton, Bermuda

There are a lot of historic buildings in this area such as Fort Hamilton, which was closed, The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, the Old State House, St. Theresa's Cathedral, Bermuda Historical Society Museum, Bermuda National Gallery, Sessions House, and the Old Rectory, which unfortunately I did not have time to see.  One icon that is on Front Street for police to direct traffic is The Birdcage.

Clocktower Mall at the Naval Dockyard, Bermuda

The Naval Dockyard is a major cruise ship port in Bermuda.  It offers a ton of things to do.  You can take a walking tour of the grounds and learn the history of the dockyard, walk to Snorkel Beach, rent wave runners, catch a taxi, bus or ferry, go shopping in the Clocktower Mall, or get a bite to eat.  Regardless, there are a lot of things to do in this area. 

I was in Bermuda for 3 days and did so much. These are just a few things I wanted to share with you.  However,  I would highly recommend visiting Bermuda and exploring for yourself.  I know I will be going back in the future. 

If you have any questions or if you need assistance with planning a vacation, feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to help you create the priceless memories of a lifetime.  A wise man once said, "work to live, don't live to work!"

Some Quick Facts about Bermuda

Bermuda is approximately 21 miles long, 1.75 miles wide, at its widest, has 3 main roads, South Road, Middle Road, and North Shore Road, about 650 miles east of North Carolina, is on Atlantic Daylight Time Zone, (1 hour ahead of EST), and it takes about 1.5 hours to drive by car or scooter from one end of the island to the other end. It is a small island but it offers so much.  It is rich in history with its many forts and Naval Dockyard, offers many water activities, and not to mention its beautiful beaches all around the island.