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Bermuda activities – relax, play, explore and learn
Whether you enjoy spending time on the water, discovering our island on land, exploring nature or immersing yourself in Bermudian history there is an activity that you will enjoy.
The Reefs' Front Desk is always happy to provide information and arrange activities tailored to your interests. Simply call (441) 238-0222 or email FrontDesk@TheReefs.bm.
Active pursuits
Golf
With more golf courses per square mile than anywhere in the world, Bermuda is known for its spectacular golfing.
- The PGA Grand Slam takes place at Port Royal golf course, the newest and most popular course on Bermuda. This Robert Trent Jones course follows lush greenery and oceanside cliffs to provide a truly unforgettable golfing experience.
- Riddell's Bay is built on a 600-acre peninsula with holes placed perilously close to the ocean. While it may be a shorter 18-hole course Riddell's Bay is sure to be a challenge to even the most skilled golfers.
- Fairmont Southampton is just up the road and is perfect for a quick afternoon round. This 18-hole, par 3 executive golf course provides heavily bunkered greens and water hazards to offer challenging short
play focusing on accuracy rather than power.
Cricket
An island favorite, cricket is a game played with balls, bats and wickets. From April through mid-September there are cricket games held across the island. The highlight of the season is the annual Cup Match Cricket Festival played since 1902 and held on the Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August. Cup Match is a two-day public holiday as most people in Bermuda come out to show support for their team. Crown and Anchor is a gambling game that is legal only during Cup Match.
Biking
A great way to explore Bermuda is on two wheels — either a scooter or bicycle. For your convenience, directly across the road from The Reefs is an Oleander scooter rental shop. Bermuda's speed limits are never above 32 kilometers per hour (20 miles per hour) but remember we drive on the left!
Horseback riding
Start off your day with a scenic horseback ride along the Bermuda railway trail to the South Shore beaches — Warwick Long Bay, Jobson's Cove, Chaplin Bay and Stone Hole Bay. There are breathtaking ocean views and there will be stops for photo opportunities!
Group rides (6 riders) last approximately one hour and 15 minutes and are $80 per person. Private rides are great for couples, singles or friends and are $160 per person for an hour and 30 minute ride. Close-toed shoes and long pants are strongly recommended!
On the water
Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
See the ocean like you've never seen it before! With many different exciting, informative and interactive exhibits, you will leave with a new understanding and appreciation of the world’s ocean. Learn about the creatures who live in the water column and depths of the ocean. Try on scuba gear and discover how the human body reacts to extreme pressures of the deep. And if you're brave enough, experience a Great White Shark attack and leave without a scratch!
Scuba diving
With over 300 shipwrecks and 200 square miles of untouched reef around the tiny islands, Bermuda has the most northerly coral reef in the world. And since all of our diving is shallow (average 45-50 ft) there is plenty of "bottom time" so you can explore.
Reef snorkeling
Site back and relax for a 45-minute catamaran cruise out to the beautiful reefs that surround Bermuda where you will experience some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the Caribbean. Masks, fins, snorkels and floatation devices are provided. Immerse yourself in crystal clear waters and explore the great expanses of pristine reef.
Glass-bottom boat tours
Discover the beautiful underwater life without getting wet on a glass bottom boat. The 4x8 foot glass bottom provides a thrillingly intimate reef viewing experience and small groups (no more than 14) guarantee you will be able to see through the glass. Follow colorful fish sometimes less than a foot from the glass as the captain educates you on what you see.
Reef fishing
Spend an afternoon aboard a 32-foot fully equipped fishing boat with the opportunity to catch chub, grouper, snapper, porgy, trigger fish, shark and barracuda. All bait and tackle is provide and you get to decide if you want to keep your catch or release it.
Explore nature
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
See more than 100 species of indigenous fish in ocean and reef environments, including the spectacular 145,000-gallon North Rock exhibit. Visit the new Natural History Museum, which is an interactive haven for visitors of all ages. Animals from the Caribbean, Australia, Asia, Madagascar and the Galapagos keep it lively in the zoo.
Dolphin Quest
Touch, swim with and even kiss a dolphin! At Dolphin Quest in Dockyard, you have the opportunity to interact with dolphins in a unique environment, while also learning about the vital role humans play in conserving their marine home.
Bird-watching
With more than 300 species of birds spotted in our nature reserves and along the coast, Bermuda is a location where bird-watchers will be able to cross off several birds from their "list." Longtails and bluebirds are spotted at the beginning of the spring season and every island golf course hosts numerous bluebird boxes. You can spot belted kingfishers, great egrets, sandpipers, great blue herons and the dozens of warbler species in our nature reserves.
Nature reserves
One of our most spectacular open spaces, the 64-acre Spittal Pond reserve is part of a necklace of wetlands along the South Shore. It provides a diversity of habitats and an amazing variety of birds, especially during the migration seasons. Warwick Pond is a nine-acre nature reserve and with the second largest freshwater pond on Bermuda acts as an important sanctuary for both resident and migratory waterfowl. Some of the island's largest allspice trees flourish here, along with a number of our last surviving endemic cedars. The park's eastern hillside, part of an extensive woodland belt, borders the entire length of the Bermuda Railway Trail.
Botanical Gardens
For a heavenly scent of Bermuda, follow your nose to the Botanical Gardens. This impressive 36-acre paradise is the best place to enjoy and identify our island's delightful flora. Highlights include a palm garden with native palmetto trees, subtropical fruit garden and greenhouses with orchids, bromeliads, a miniature forest, an aviary and a variety of flowering houseplants.
Crystal and Fantasy Caves
Centuries ago, two boys searching for their cricket ball discovered dramatic underground cave formations. Now you are able to witness these spectacular natural wonders for yourself. First, explore Crystal Cave and cross floating pontoon pathways across a large 55 feet deep azure blue underground lake — the formations on the bottom are clearly visible.
It is a much more challenging climb down into Fantasy Cave, with a steep climb back to the top. Be inspired by the virtual jewel box filled from top to bottom with formations. Rare chandelier clusters of soda straw formations adorn the ceilings in great abundance. Entire walls are covered in calcite mineral deposits that resemble frozen waterfalls. Deep pools of water hint at the underlying network of passageways connecting the cave with the ocean.
Relive history
Historic houses
Remarkable centuries-old homes have survived the years, illuminating our island's rare architectural traditions and historical development. Some of the most popular historic houses you can tour include the Bermuda National Trust Museum in the Globe Hotel, Springfield, Tucker House Museum, Verdmont House Museum and Waterville. Bermuda-made cedar furniture and plantation-style Bermudian architecture.
Bermuda Railway Trail
A 22-mile-long railway served Bermuda from 1931 to 1948 and was the only form of transportation as there were no cars on Bermuda. The constant use, especially from British and American soldiers who were stationed in Bermuda during World War II, began to wear down on the bridges and tressels, and since it ran on gas instead of steam, it was the most costly railway per mile in the world.
In 1984, almost 40 years after the Bermuda Railway closed, the Bermuda Government transformed most of the remaining trail to be accessible for walkers and cyclists. The trail runs past scenic landscapes and seascapes connecting coves and inlet and much of it is well away from the continuous noise of traffic on the main roads. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the trail making it very safe for a leisurely walk to explore parts of Bermuda that may otherwise be missed.
Bermuda National Gallery
Art enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Bermuda National Gallery to view Bermuda's national art collection. The Gallery is aimed at being the leader in artistic expression, display and interpreation in the island of Bermuda. Through the various exhibitions and educational programing, the Bermuda National Gallery is pushing the boundaries of the Bermudian aesthetic.
Bermuda Maritime Museum
Located in the Keep, a six-acre fortress at the edge of the Royal Navy Dockyard, a tour of the Bermuda Maritime Museum includes admission to eight historic buildings such as old munitions warehouses, the Commissioner's House, the Bermuda Slavery Exhibit and Dolphin Quest.
Royal Navy Dockyard
Located on the far west end of the island, the nineteenth century fortress that was once a naval installation is now a collection of charming shops and restaurants. Witness live glassblowing demonstrations, sample our famous rum cakes, swim with dolphins, snorkel at the Snorkel Park or explore the historic Maritime Museum. Catch the ferry for a quick ride to Hamilton where you can continue your shopping excursions.
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