Welcome to a tiny slice of paradise that is just a quick trip away from New York! Turquoise waters, and white (and pink!) sands await in the middle of the Atlantic, without having to go so far away. You can visit Bermuda on a cruise right from Manhattan, or take a direct flight to this stunning island!
Having worked on cruises, and also going on family vacations out of New York, Bermuda is a place that we have visited many times, and truly love. Due to its convenience and sheer beauty, it is no wonder it is such a popular places for Americans to visit.
In this guide we're going to share everything we have learned while visiting on our various trips. Whether you plan to visit Bermuda on a cruise, or fly there, we're here to share the best recommendations on things to do, and share those hidden gems that we always seek out wherever we go.
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Where is Bermuda on a Map?
Have you ever heard of the Bermuda Triangle? Well, this infamous area is between Miami, the Caribbean, and you guessed it- the island of Bermuda.
Being a popular cruise destination, most people actually assume Bermuda is part of the Caribbean. Actually though, this beautiful island is in west of the Atlantic Ocean, 650 miles east from the coast of North Carolina.
Which Country is Bermuda in?
When counting our countries, we have mixed feelings about whether we should be counting Bermuda or not. While locals consider it their own country, technically it is a British overseas territory. This means that it is park of the United Kingdom, but it is self-governing.
Is Bermuda Considered the Caribbean?
While Bermuda shares a lot of physical characteristics with the Caribbean, it is actually 900 miles north of it! So no, Bermuda is not considered the Caribbean.
Bermuda is located in the west of the Atlantic Ocean.
How do You Get to Bermuda from the US?
Bermuda is one of the easiest vacation destinations to visit from the US, especially from New York or Miami! You can either visit Bermuda on a cruise, or you can easily fly there on your own.
Flying to Bermuda
Bermuda has one international airport, which I have flown into once to start one of my contracts working on a cruise ship. The airport is very small, and super easy to fly into.
Bermuda International Airport is formally known as L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), and is located in the parish of St George's, which is the north of the island.
You can find flights to Bermuda from either the US, Canada, or the UK. The cities that fly direct to Bermuda include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Farmingdale, Fort Lauderdale, London, Montreal, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Teterboro, Toronto, Turks & Cacios, and White Plains.
Bermuda is a beautiful place to fly into.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can use the calendar option to see which are the cheapest dates for flying to Bermuda from your city.
Search for a flight to Bermuda:
Visiting Bermuda on a Cruise
Visiting Bermuda on a cruise is definitely one of the best ways to experience this island, especially if you are in the NYC area, Boston, or near Miami. Companies that cruise to Bermuda include Carnival, Celebrity, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent Seven Sea, and Royal Caribbean.
We normally go on Royal Caribbean's ship out of Bayonne, NJ, or from one of NCL's ships straight out of Manhattan (this one has incredible views sailing out!).
The shortest cruise to Bermuda you can find is 5 nights, leaving from Bayonne, Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Baltimore, giving you 2 days/one night in Bermuda. The most common itinerary is a 7-day cruise, which has 3 days/two nights in Bermuda, which is the one that we recommend.
You can also find longer cruises up to fifteen days, on the more luxury ships of MSC or Oceania. These cruises leave from NY or Boston, and pair Bermuda with Caribbean islands on the itinerary.
Visiting Bermuda on a cruise is very popular from the US.
Entry Requirements for Visiting Bermuda on a Cruise
Visiting Bermuda on a cruise and visiting via flight have different requirements, so here is everything you need to know.
What do U.S. Citizens Need to Travel to Bermuda?
US citizens who are flying to Bermuda will in fact need their passport.
Do You Need a Passport to go to Bermuda on a Cruise Ship?
If you are visiting Bermuda on a cruise ship, you actually do not NEED a passport (although we recommend it). In the case that you do not have a passport, forget it, or it is expired, you can bring your birth certificate along with your driver's license.
When you get off the ship, you will need to bring a government-issued ID with you. We suggest bringing your license, and leaving your passport on the ship.
Are There Any Covid Requirements for Bermuda?
All Covid-related requirements have now been lifted for visiting Bermuda. If you are going on a cruise, be sure to double-check with your cruise line if they require anything. Most of them by now do not require vaccinations or a negative Covid test. However, it's important to check, as every cruise line is different.
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Visiting Bermuda on a Cruise: Local Adjustments
Whenever you travel somewhere new, there are things to keep in mind such as differences in language, electrical outlets, tipping, and water potability. Here are some of the things to keep in mind if you are visiting Bermuda.
What Language is Mostly Spoken in Bermuda?
The official language in Bermuda is English. The accent is actually quite unique, as it feels like a mix between the British and the American accent.
Currency Used in Bermuda
Despite being part of the UK, Bermuda does have its own currency, which is the Bermudian dollar. It is equal to the USD, so every price you see will be the same in local currency or in US dollars.
Can You Use US Dollars in Bermuda?
Being frequented by so many Americans, it is pretty common that US dollars are accepted, so you will not need to exchange your money. However, if you use USD, a lot of times change will be given in Bermudian dollars. We would suggest using your credit card when you can, and bringing small bills with you if you are paying for anything in cash.
What Type of Plug is Used in Bermuda?
Bermuda uses the same electrical outlets as the UK, which is the for the plug that has three rectangular prongs in the shape of a triangle.
If you are taking a cruise to Bermuda, the cruise ships typically have both European and American outlets, but if you are visiting Bermuda by flight, you'll need to get a travel adapter.
Is the Water OK to Drink in Bermuda?
The water in Bermuda is clean, and is perfectly safe to drink from the tap. We would suggest bringing a reusable water bottle, and filling it up rather than purchasing plastic water bottles.
Is Tipping Expected in Bermuda?
The tipping culture in Bermuda is actually more similar to the US than it is to the UK. It is pretty common to tip between 15-18% or up to 20% if you've had great service.
There are many restaurants that will add a service charge to the bill, so check this before adding an extra tip on top.
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Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise
Now you know almost everything you need to know about visiting Bermuda. If you plan on visiting Bermuda on a cruise, you will be limited on time, so will need to narrow it down to what exactly you'd like to do! Here are the best things to do in Bermuda:
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Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #1: Check Out the Iconic Horse Shoe Bay
If you are visiting Bermuda on a cruise for just one day, then this is a typical go-to decision for cruisers.
Horse Shoe Bay is the most iconic beach in Bermuda, and is definitely a must-see! It has those quintessential turquoise waters, paired with Bermuda's stunning pink sands, and gorgeous cliffs surrounding it.
Growing up going on cruises to Bermuda, this is the exact spot that my family would go each year. You can easily spend the day enjoying this beach swimming in the calm waters, exploring the small coves, and jumping off the cliffs.
Just be ready for the crowds, as this is the number one tourist spot on the island! This time, we decided to go there for sunrise to escape those crowds, and actually doing that this is the time you will find all of the locals enjoying it!
Horse Shoe Bay is an incredible place to witness for sunrise.
Want to know more about visiting Horse Shoe Bay? We have a full guide coming up!
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #2: Relax at Tobacco Bay
Another one of the most popular beaches in Bermuda is located in the north of the island, in St Georges. Tobacco Bay features stunning hues of turquoise waters, and is actually one of the best places to snorkel on the island!
With unique rock formations and amazing waters, it's no wonder this spot has become so popular amongst tourists.
You can rent a chair and umbrella, or simply sit on the rocky areas for free. There is a restaurant as well, and you can rent snorkel gear to check out all of the unique marine life in this stunning cove!
Tobacco Bay is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Bermuda.
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #3: Hop Around the Lesser Known Beaches
While most people flock to Horse Shoe Bay, there are actually so many stunning beaches around Bermuda! I personally prefer to go to the smaller beaches, as this is where you'll find less crowds, and some true hidden gems.
Some of the beaches that you can add to your list are actually right near Horse Shoe Bay! Warwick Long Bay, Jobson's Cove, Stonehole Bay, and Chaplin Bay are the neighboring beaches with pinker sands, less people, and some really stunning rock formations.
Want to know a few other hidden gems? Buy us a coffee and we will reveal all of the gorgeous spots from the pictures below!
One of the most fun things to do in Paraty is to visit a Cachacaria.
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #4: Go Jet Skiing
As an avid cruiser, jet skiing is one of my favorite activities. While most places in the Caribbean will rent out jet skis by the hour, in Bermuda they actually do jet ski tours. So rather than just riding around, you go on a tour of some of the coolest coastal spots on the island!
Jet skis can easily be found right on the pier of Kings Wharf where the cruise ships dock, making it a super accessible activity to do, and definitely one of the most fun things to do in Bermuda.
Jet skis are definitely not the cheapest excursion, but neither are most activities on this island, so it is definitely worth the splurge!
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #5: Charter a Boat
If there is one thing that we loved the most during our time in Bermuda, it was this!
Sailing around Bermuda is an incredible experience, and if you have a big group, then this is truly a must. Most cruise ships offer boat trips, and you can also find them right inside the port area. However, do not do these ones! They are short 1-2 hour cruises that are jam-packed with people, and run anywhere from $90-$120/person.
For that price you can actually charter a private boat for as many hours as you'd like! We did 5 hours, but definitely could have used a few more.
Here are a couple of boat charters you can use:
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #6: Go Snorkeling
There is a ton of marine life in Bermuda, so snorkeling is definitely something that you'll want to add to your list of things to do in Bermuda.
You can bring your own snorkel gear and explore the coves of different beaches, you can rent equipment at most beaches, or you can sign up for a boat tour that includes snorkeling.
If you happen to do a charter cruise, then chances are they will offer you the gear to snorkel, so it's a two-in-one. However, if you are traveling with a small group, you can find some fun boat trips that include snorkeling. We still suggest doing this outside of the cruise line, as they are cheaper online, and the tours tend to be longer.
Bermuda has incredible waters for snorkeling.
Here are a few excursions we found that include snorkeling in Bermuda:
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #7: Visit Hamilton
Hamilton is one of the cities in Bermuda worth checking out, featuring pastel-colored colonial buildings, museums, and high-end shops. The city is just an easy ferry ride away from Kings Wharf, and is a lovely place to spend some time in the evening.
Hamilton is one of the most vibrant towns in Bermuda.
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #8: Experience Harbour Nights
If you plan on visiting Bermuda on a cruise in the summertime, then visiting Hamilton is a must! Every Wednesday from mid April til early September Hamilton has their famous Harbour Nights.
Starting at 7 pm and going until 10 pm there is live music, dance performances, and parades along Front Street. There are also local shops with kiosks to get handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, as well as a variety of food stalls to try Bermudian food and drinks.
Harbour nights are full of music, dancing, and food.
This is definitely one of the top things to do in Bermuda, so don't miss out!
Ferries tend to fill up very quickly, and don't run so often. Make sure to get there early so that you get a spot! The ferries you can choose from are the 5:45, 7:00, or 8:00, and are a half hour to get to Hamilton.
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #9: Explore the Crystal Caves
While most of the top things to do in Bermuda have to do with the beaches, that's not all the island has to offer!
The Crystal Caves and Fantasy Caves are two stunning spots to experience, and tours to visit are at the same location. You can either visit one, or you can have a combo ticket to save a bit if you decide to visit both.
The caves are open from 9 am to 5 pm, but you must take a tour. The first tour is at 9:30 am, and the last tour is at 4:30 pm for either of the caves, and 4:00 pm is the last tour for the combination of visiting both caves.
Walk ins have very limited availability, so we highly suggest booking your tour in advance. You can do your reservation right on their website, or if you'd like transportation included, you can book a tour separately.
The Crystal Caves are one of the top things to do in Bermuda other than the beaches.
Here are some tours that include the crystal caves in them:
Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise #10: Discover Hidden Caves
While the Crystal Caves and Fantasy Caves are the most famous caves on the island, Bermuda actually has an extensive cave system, with quite a few cool ones to visit around the island!
Head over to the Blue Hole Park and you will find an area with cliffs and caves to explore, completely free of charge. You can also check out Admiral's cave, which is where you'll find people walking through a passage to a window cave, as well as cliff jumping right next to it.
Finally, there is another incredible cave called Cathedral Cave. It is located on the property of a resort, but they let us in with no issues. It's the perfect spot for a cool dip, and is truly a unique spot for free of charge!