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We opted to just visit the Crystal Caves, and it was really incredible. You have to be able to walk about 88 steps, but it’s well worth it to see the magical formations as you walk along a floating bridge on the crystal clear water. The tour guide pointed out some iPhones and cameras resting 40 feet below the water. You will find plenty of taxis right near your cruise port and other popular places of interest.
Bermuda Cruise Tips
There's plenty to see and do at Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard - Travel Weekly
There's plenty to see and do at Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard.
Posted: Sat, 16 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The Frog and Onion Pub is an excellent choice if you are looking for a place to eat that is somewhat close to the ship. It has been claimed that the greatest way to experience Bermuda is from the water. There are a variety of exciting adventures available, such as wave runners, glass bottom boats, snorkelling from a catamaran, and more. The year 2008 marked the first time that my husband and I cruised to Bermuda, and it was also the first time that we stepped through this Moongate. Since that time, we have been had to go through it on each and every one of our subsequent visits.
Island Tour Center
If you’re planning a day, consider coming here for a casual lunch or dinner after visiting Crystal Caves or another sight. In the parish of Hamilton, you’ll also find some of Bermuda’s oldest historic churches. In particular, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity is worth a visit. On weekdays it’s open to guests who wish to climb the tower, where you experience incredible views of Hamilton city. Just a ferry ride away from Royal Navy Dockyard is Hamilton, the capital city of Bermuda. If you enjoy history, consider spending a day in Hamilton to see the sights.
Shop and dine in Hamilton
There are several ways you can get to Horseshoe Bay Beach, including public bus (which is safe and a great way to travel), scooters and mini electric cars, mini-buses or shuttles or taxis. My mission is to inspire and help you plan your future Tasty Itinerary with our cruise and travel tips and guides. With 20+ years of coordinating logistics and travel planning, I've taken that expertise to plan our cruise, food, and travel experiences. Look for Bermuda’s free activities, including hiking and biking trails, public parks, and open-air markets. You can find plenty of creative ways to save money with a little research and planning.
Accessible from the Dockyard via ferry, St. George’s Town in the East End is Bermuda’s former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is full of British colonial architecture, history, and culture. Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital since 1815, was officially incorporated in 1793 and named for Governor Henry Hamilton. With just over 1000 residents, Hamilton is one of the smallest world capitals. The city is primarily a business district, with office buildings, shops, and restaurants dominating the landscape. Although a viewing platform has been built inside the caves, they aren’t accessible to those with mobility challenges.
Here, you can soak in scenic views of Hamilton Harbor, observe the graceful arrival and departure of boats and cruise ships, and take leisurely strolls along the charming harborfront promenade. Passengers can tour the former colonial era naval base known as Dockyard. The sandy colored, limestone buildings have been beautifully restored and now contain a number of shops and restaurants.
I’ve been to Bermuda on a number of cruises, so I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of the very best activities that can be enjoyed in Bermuda while on a cruise. You are in luck if you are thinking about taking a cruise to Bermuda. Bermuda is an island that boasts a colourful past, warm and welcoming locals, and natural beaches with pink sand.
Best Attractions in Dockyard, Bermuda
Arguably the most famous beach in Bermuda, Horseshoe Bay Beach is about a 15 minute drive from the Royal Naval Dockyard cruise port. You’ll see long stretches of blush pink sand and striking rock formations, jutting out from the turquoise waters close by the shoreline. Remember that your ship will be docked at the cruise port for a night or two, depending on your itinerary.
The island of Bermuda has become a popular cruise destination for numerous reasons. A self governing British Overseas Territory, Bermuda has a comfortable sub-tropical climate. However, Bermuda’s location is just 700 miles away from North Carolina, in the Atlantic ocean.
Starting from King’s Square, the historic and charming town is best explored on foot. Walk the narrow lanes, visit the museums, St. Peter’s Church, or sample some local food while listening to the Town Crier. It is worthwhile to visit the nearby Fort St. Catherine, an impressive military defense built in 1614. A great way to travel to Hamilton (the capital of Bermuda) is to take the ferry from the port area. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda’s most iconic beach, is located on the picturesque South Shore. With soft white sand and aqua blue waters, it is a great place to swim and play in the waves.
This is an excellent way to pass a few hours, particularly if you or your children take pleasure in learning about the history of Bermuda and observing relics recovered from sunken treasures. Children under the age of 16 are not need to pay to enter the museum that is housed in the Keep of the Royal Naval Dockyard; however, there is a fee for adults. Check out their website to learn more about their pricing and opening hours. Dolphin Quest may be found in the immediate vicinity of Snorkel Park. It is possible to swim with dolphins and learn about them within walking distance of the ship, which is perfect if you or your children have always wanted to fulfil a childhood fantasy.
You can see the ferry pick-up is on the right side of the above image, and you can pick up a day pass in the building right near the ferry. Known as the finest mini-golf course, Fun Golf in Bermuda has miniaturized versions of some of the best golf holes in the world. The views Fun Golf are fantastic as well, as it sits on one acre that rises above the island.
You may bring back some locally made fudge from the Bermuda Fudge Company or some rum cakes from the Bermuda Rum Cake Company. Other shops in Dockyard include one that sells rum cakes and another that specialises in glass blowing and hosts demonstrations of the process. Some of the best apparel boutiques in Bermuda contain items with a nautical motif, as well as jewellery, candles, and other collectibles that are manufactured in Bermuda. You have the option of renting snorkelling equipment from them, or you can bring your own. Renting options are available for canoes, paddleboards, and other water sports gear.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of the United States, Bermuda is an especially popular destination in the summer months when temperatures hover at 80 degrees. Crowds flock to this tourist-friendly, sub-tropical island for pink sand beaches and famous golf courses, while taking in its charms at the Hamilton, St. George's and King's Wharf ports. Many cruises dock for three days, which gives you even more time to explore or simply relax. Only smaller cruise ships dock at Hamilton’s cruise port today, but the city is an easy trip by ferry from the Dockyard. If you want to indulge in some luxury shopping and fine dining, be sure to visit Hamilton—just don’t do it on a Sunday or national holiday because most shops will be closed. If you’d like to book a watersport activity, whether it be catamaran snorkeling, jetskis or a sunset cruise, you’ll likely find it at the Island Tour Center.
What are the things you’ve most enjoyed and recommend in the Royal Naval Dockyard? If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below. There are several restaurants to either eat a meal or grab a snack or drink in Dockyard. I have to admit that even with good intentions, we often got so busy while in Bermuda on a cruise, that we have not yet eaten at any of the restaurants in Dockyard. If you’re looking for gifts for cruisers or to take home to friends and family, you just may find something interesting here. I’ve never seen visiting the Royal Naval Dockyard’s Moongate on any lists of “what to do in Bermuda”, but it should be!
Tobacco Bay beach can be reached by taking the Orange Ferry from Kings Wharf to St. George. If your cruise ship is docking at Kings Wharf or Heritage Wharf, the Snorkel Park Beach is your closest option. There is a $5 admission fee, chairs, and umbrellas available to rent.
