Three perfect days in beautiful Bermuda. While our fantastic cruise ship, the Norwegian Escape was in port at the Royal Naval Dockyard on the far West End, that was how much time we had to explore. So, with a fair amount of research and chats with friends who have been there before, we made some tough choices and picked an itinerary from a long list of adventures. The good news: it was all good!

1. Charter a boat. Bermuda is surrounded by a coral reef that protects its waters and creates those stunning shades of blue and turquoise that we all dream about. While the more experienced might be their own captain, others may opt for a guided tour. For us, best of both worlds was a private charter from ‘Thinking of Bermuda’. Our Captain Sonny and his sidekick Henry (an adorable Jack Russel puppy) took us everywhere we wanted to go…all we had to do was snorkel, swim and take it all in.
   First stop were the Shipwrecks – The Constellation and Montana. The coral reefs that protect the island were not so kind to the 300 shipwrecks to be explored around what was once called ‘the ‘Isle of Devils’.

The clear shallow waters allow snorkelers to see what might otherwise be reached only by divers.

Next we pulled up to beautiful, healthy reefs, teeming with colorful fish. Captain Sonny knew the spot as we were the only boat in sight, having this bit of paradise all to ourselves.

Stop number 3 was a shallow bay with sea turtles everywhere! The efforts to protect them are paying off, as they are making a happy, healthy comeback.

Lastly, we were invited to take a jump off a bridge, which our son took the plunge…a bit much for Mom and Dad! All in all, memories were made…so first and foremost, get out on the water!

2. Royal Navy Dockyard If you are on a Cruise ship, your room sits right alongside this major attraction. The historic buildings house a shopping, dining and entertainment complex featuring everything from the Goslings Rum store to the Dockyard Brewery and the Frog and Onion restaurant, set inside a mid 18th century cooperage.

Explore the shops, family funplex, and even take a slide into the ocean from the pirate-ship themed bar, the Calico Jack’s Floating Bar. There’s really something for everyone here.

3. Hamilton Bermuda’s bustling capital is a port city where smaller cruise ships and a fleet of boats and yachts dock. Along Front Street and up the narrow side streets are restaurants and shops to be discovered.
Take it all in from a balcony table at the Pickled Onion, and treat yourself to a ‘Dark and Stormy’, Bermuda’s signature drink, a mixture of Goslings Dark Rum, Ginger Beer and a slash of lime. Of worthy mention is the Rum Swizzle… originating from the Swizzle Inn, a bit further inland, Bermuda’s oldest pub has been serving this potent, tasty concoction since 1932.
If you are on a cruise ship docked on the West End, take the scenic ferry ride, which was spectacular at sunset. Do be warned that the shops close early, all around 5pm, so plan accordingly.

4. St. George’s Island Again, if staying on your West End cruise ship, this is the furthest point at the tip of Bermuda’s 22 miles of 138 connected islands. While that may seem an easy distance to cover by taxi or bus, know that the narrow roads and connecting causeways turn this into an hour-plus, hundred-dollar plus ride. If you can get the early ferry, take the cool, scenic route. The ferry drops you off right in the historic center of town, where you can easily walk to many attractions, including the the territory’s first English settlement.

Colonial buildings on and around central King’s Square include the 18th-century town hall. Nearby, the Tucker House Museum is a typical home from the 1700s, with displays of crystal, silver and period furniture. Other notable landmarks include St. Peter’s Church, founded in 1612.
I absolutely love the pastel colored buildings and especially the Bermuda’s tiered limestone roofs, built to withstand hurricanes and collect precious rainwater.
While in St. George, don’t miss our favorite restaurant in Bermuda, the Wahoo Grille, right on the water, where you can feed the fish while you eat.
Take in all the local favorites…fish cakes, conch fritters, fish chowder and the freshest Rockfish and Wahoo from local waters.

5. Tobacco Bay This is a true gem of a destination, not to be missed. The beach is small, and does get crowded, so arrive early, get a prime spot to take in the clearest turquoise water you’ll ever see, snorkel and swim through other-worldly rock formations and caves.
Shoot a game of pool in the water, play volleyball with new friends, and have a (don’t say I didn’t warn you) potent rum Swizzle delivered by your beach attendant while you’re swimming!
This place is the real deal, laid back, authentic and a feast for your nature-loving eyes.

6. The Pink Sand Beaches Perhaps Bermuda’s most spectacular attraction, found along the island’s south shore. The most famous stretch from Warwick Bay to the most Popular Horseshoe Bay.Horseshoe Bay has now been built up with creature comforts including chair and umbrella rentals, full restaurant and bar, changing facilities and a bus stop. But that won’t distract you from the ultimate natural beauty of your surroundings.Walk to the right as you enter the wide stretch of sand for crystal clear waters, teeming with tropical fish, waiting to be discovered in caves and coves. The beaches are connected by a trail, which regrettably we didn’t have time to explore, opting for relaxing swimming and sunbathing on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

So there you have it…how we spent our all too short 3 spectacular days in paradise. Yes, we love cruising and the fun days and nights at sea, but a lengthy stay in Bermuda is at the top of our list for a return visit to this one-of-a-kind island destination. There’s much more to see and do than listed here, and we hope this serves as a starting point to plan your great adventure. The people. culture, food, drink, architecture and natural beauty ranks Bermuda as one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. We’ll be back!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin