There are several reputable tour operators in Bermuda. Even if you book though a tour company, many of the excursions are conducted by very knowledgeable taxi drivers who have received the "blue-flag" designation for their expertise as guides. (You can also hire these drivers directly.) Local tours are offered to major attractions, such as the Government House, the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo, the Town of St. George or the Royal Naval Dockyard.
You can also take tours of the Bermuda National Trust properties and nature reserves (call 441-236-6483); the Bermuda National Gallery Thursdays only at 10:30 am (call 441-295- 9428); and snorkeling tours with local boating companies.
Day By Day
Because Bermuda is so small and logistics are no problem, the days on the itinerary below can be reshuffled, depending on the traveler's schedule and mood.
Day 1—Arrive Bermuda. Explore the hotel grounds and visit the beach.
Day 2—Take a ferry tour around the harbor and the Great Sound, and then spend a few hours exploring Hamilton. Visit Fort Hamilton for its botanical moat garden or head to a beach.
Day 3—Tour the Harrington Sound area, stopping at the Devil's Hole and the historic Town of St. George. Swim at Tobacco or Achilles Bay.
Day 4—Tour Somerset and the Royal Naval Dockyard on the western end of Bermuda. Take a ferry back to Hamilton or to St. George's.
Day 5—Head for one of the south-shore beaches. After swimming and snorkeling, take a cliff walk and watch out for longtail birds, which swoop in and out of the coastline.
Day 6—Spend a half-day shopping in Hamilton and the rest enjoying the water. If you have the energy, try snorkeling, scuba diving, going out on a cruise or deep-sea fishing.
Day 7—Swim at John Smith's Bay in Smith's Parish on the south shore. Then explore the Blue Hole Park, situated off the western end of the Causeway—famous for caves and trails through a cherry-tree jungle.
Day 8—Depart Bermuda.
Day Plans
We've designed four specific itineraries for Bermuda visitors.Day Plans
PLAN AAround Hamilton
Before heading out, make reservations for dinner. Then pack your swim gear and put on comfortable walking shoes. Start the morning with a stroll along Front Street, where you can browse for gifts. Continue exploring up to Reid Street and then Queen Street, where you can board a clean, comfortable bus (Bus 7) for the south-shore beaches (or hire a taxi for about Bd$30 one-way).
Although there are many beaches with soft, pink sand, the most famous is Horseshoe Bay (a half-hour ride by bus). Once you get off the bus, it's a 10-minute walk down the lane to the beach (or catch the small minibus to take you there). At the beach, there are changing facilities, a fast-food restaurant and a shop where you can rent beach and snorkeling equipment. Keep in mind that this is Bermuda—don't wear swimsuits off the beach.
Take a taxi (there are plenty in the beach parking lot) up to Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, a short distance from Horseshoe Bay. After enjoying the view from the top of the lighthouse, have lunch in the tearoom below.
After a short walk down the hill, you can catch a bus back into Hamilton (bus stops are marked by a pole painted pink at the top). Once in Hamilton, a leisurely walk will lead you back to the waterfront. If it's Wednesday, spend time on Front Street during Harbour Night, when the street is closed off to traffic, and local arts and crafts are sold amidst music and entertainment.
PLAN B
Nature at Its Best
After making reservations for the evening, take a taxi or Bus 1 or 7 to the Bermuda Botanical Gardens. Explore the beauty of these delightful gardens, and then go to Fort Hamilton. Arrange for the taxi to return for you in about an hour. There are spectacular panoramic views, a moat and a pathway winding past dozens of different tree and plant species.
From the fort, take the taxi (or the half-hour walk) to the ferry terminal area. Have lunch in one of the outdoor cafes overlooking the harbor—try the Waterloo House or Harley's at the Fairmont Hamilton Hotel (both just west of the ferry terminal).
Board the 2 pm ferry for a roundabout trip to the Royal Naval Dockyard and enjoy the natural beauty of the islands scattered along the Great Sound. You can get off the ferry and tour the dockyard before returning to Hamilton for dinner.
PLAN C
St. George's and East End
Reserve an evening meal at the Carriage House or Cafe Gio before packing your swim gear and donning comfortable walking shoes. Sightsee around historic St. George's first. You can pick up a map from the visitors center at King's Square for a detailed walking tour, which begins on Ordnance Island. Then hire a taxi or take Bus 10 or 11 to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo in Flatts Inlet on Harrington Sound (a half-hour ride by bus).
After you've admired the brightly colored fish, connect with Bus 3 to the Crystal Caves. Take Bus 1 or 3 from the caves back to St. George's in time for dinner.
PLAN D
The Dockyard and West End
Make reservations for dinner at Beethovens restaurant or the Frog and Onion before packing your swimwear. Explore the craft market and Maritime Museum at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Then hire a taxi (about Bd$10) or take Bus 7 or 8 to Somerset Village. This quiet little community has a few shops to browse in, and you can stop for lunch at the Somerset Country Squire.
Next, stroll along the Railway Trail from the village to Somerset Bridge. This beautiful walking route leads along the Great Sound (great vistas, especially from Scaur Hill Fort Park) and passes through limestone cuts under a canopy of trees.
Catch a bus back to the Dockyard or take the 2:30 pm ferry from Somerset Bridge. Enjoy a walk along the ramparts or on the pier, and watch for gulls and terns.
