Whether you’re visiting on a cruise or just find yourself on a quick trip to Bermuda, you’re in luck! Bermuda is such a beautiful island with a rich history and lots to explore. While one day is certainly not enough to do it all, you can definitely hit the highlights and get a taste of what the island has to offer. Here’s how to spend one day in Bermuda!
Morning: Horseshoe Bay
If you go to Bermuda and don’t go to Horseshoe Bay, did you even go to Bermuda?! Horseshoe Bay is THE iconic beach on the island. This is where you’ll find the soft pink sand, and crystal clear waters. It’s the place to be- and for a very good reason!
Since this beach is anything but a secret, you’ll want to get here and soak in as much sun as you can before the crowds roll in. I arrived about 9:30 am and, while there were already a good amount of people there, there was plenty of room to spread out and have your own space. This is the perfect time to take photos without others in them, and enjoy some calm time in the water or laying on the beach. The nice thing about Horseshoe Bay is that there are restrooms, a café, and equipment rentals right on site. Makes for a stress-free visit, that’s for sure!
However, don’t forget to explore more than just the main beach! While pretty well known, Horseshoe Bay Cove is a little hideaway tucked in to the right side of the beach. It’s a picture-perfect spot with shallow, calm waters. It’s perfect for those (like me) who love getting in the water but don’t want to worry about waves and currents! You’ll also want to make sure you explore the other side of Horseshoe Beach too! Opposite of Horseshoe Bay Cove, you’ll find other hidden beaches like Butts Beach, Middle Beach, and (the farthest down) Hidden Beach. Of course, the farther down you walk, the fewer crowds so it’s definitely worth it! On these beaches, you’ll find more secluded areas with the large iconic rocks, but the same pink sand and clear water. It’s truly paradise!
Afternoon: Crystal Caves and Swizzle Inn
After your morning on the beach, it’s time to make your way to Bermuda’s famous Crystal Caves! Touring these caves was an absolute highlight of my trip to Bermuda and I’d recommend it to anyone! Even those who find themselves claustrophobic in tight spaces will find these caves to be wide open and spacious.
Getting There
To get to Crystal Caves from Horseshoe Bay, you’ll want to take the public bus. But don’t worry- it’s a lot easier than it sounds, but definitely plan for about an hour and a half to get there. Right at the entrance to Horseshoe Beach on South Road, you’ll find the bus stop. Here is an exact pin to the bus stop, and a visual to help. You will want to cross the street and get on the #7 bus heading into Hamilton. Stand by the stop with the pink pole.
In Bermuda, bus stops have one of two colors: pink and blue. Pink poles mean the bus that stops there is heading into the capital city of Hamilton, and blue poles mean it’s heading away from Hamilton. Super easy! You can pay your driver the $5.00 fare in cash when you board, and you’ll ride it right into the city of Hamilton. Once at the Hamilton Bus Terminal, ask your driver for a transfer ticket. You’ll then transfer to either the #1, #3, #10, or #11 bus for free. They all take about the same time, so just get on whichever one is leaving next! Whichever route you take, it’ll be a beautiful and scenic ride. The busses will drop you right at the entrance to the Crystal Caves!
Crystal Caves
Once you arrive at the Crystal Caves, you’ll buy your ticket and will be given an entry time. I got lucky and was able to jump in with a group that was about to leave, because I was traveling solo. Win! I also feel that since I was visiting in shoulder season, I got lucky with being able to buy tickets at the door. If you’re visiting during peak times in the summer, I’d recommend making a reservation! Annoyingly, reservations can only be made by phone and all the details can be found here. It costs $24 per person to enter the Crystal Caves, and $35 if you wanted to pair it with the Fantasy Caves. My opinion? Just do the Crystal Caves. It’ll save you a little time and money, and you’ll still feel incredibly fulfilled!
The tours last about an hour and it takes you down 83 steps into the caves. Once inside, you’re greeted instantly by the brightest, clearest water you’ll ever see! Because the water is in a cave (where there is no sunlight), there are no fish or living plants in the water. Making it crystal clear! You’ll walk along floating docks over the waters and through a big room surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites. The guides are a lot of fun, and this is well worth your time!
Swizzle Inn and Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream
Right across the street from the entrance to the Crystal Caves is the famous Swizzle Inn! This is arguably the most famous bar/restaurant on the island (and Bermuda’s oldest!), and it serves up the famous Rum Swizzle! This drink is famous on Bermuda and is a blend of Black and Gold Seal rums with orange, pineapple, and lemon juices. Grab a glass or a pitcher (or two) and unwind a bit. Be warned- they are STRONG. They say “you Swizzle Inn, but you stumble out!”. They also have an extensive food menu and, while seafood is not for me, they are also famous for their Wahoo Burger.
After lunch, make your way across the street to Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream Parlor. Everyone I met who had been to Bermuda told me this was a must stop. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited. It appears to close during off and shoulder seasons, and opens in the summer. I was super bummed, but now it just gives me an excuse to go back!
Evening: Exploring Hamilton
Right outside the Swizzle Inn and Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream is the bus stop to ride back into Hamilton. Remember, stand at the stop with the pink pole to bring you back to the city! Any of the #1, #3, #10, or #11 bus will do the trick, and will bring you right back to the Hamilton Bus Terminal in the center of town. Couldn’t be easier!
From there, you can spend your evening strolling and shopping in Hamilton. This tiny capital city is very easy to navigate, and I felt very safe the whole time. Definteily take some time to walk down Front Street. There are tons of shops and restaurants, including the famous The Pickled Onion, which was recommended to me by both locals and visitors! My favorite part of walking down Front Street was popping into the hidden alleyways that connect Front and Reid Streets. Some of my favorites included Chancery Lane (with a bright rainbow painted staircase) and Old Cellar Lane (tons of brightly painted murals). Keep your eyes out for them!
Another highlight of my one day in Bermuda was visiting the Hamilton Princess hotel. You don’t need to be staying there to explore the property, so long as you are respectful! I loved walking through their courtyard and admiring the pink hotel (and so many other pink details!). A cute photo op can be found out on the docks here, where a pastel pink London-style telephone booth can be found. While it’s not visible in that view on Google Maps, you’ll have to trust me that it’s there now!
Other Points
Other points of interest in Hamilton include the Greetings from Bermuda mural (found here, on the side of the Dorchester House), the beautiful Bacardi Building, Fort Hamilton, and Queen Elizabeth Par-La-Ville Park. If you arrived by cruise ship, you can even get your passport stamped at the Customs House. There’s so many new places to explore in Hamilton, but spending an evening in the city will definitely give you a good taste of what it has to offer!
Traveling soon? Check out my Travel Tips page to help you score good deals on flights, packing tips, tools to help you plan, and more!
No Comments