10 Must Do Things to Do in Bermuda
Snorkelling in turquoise waters, the Crystal Caves, pink-sand beaches and the Gombey: these are the 10 essential things to do in Bermuda.
Miriam4 min readVerified · June 2026
By now you'll have heard me say more than once that Bermuda is one of our favourite places in the world. This little archipelago of pastel-coloured houses and turquoise waters has something special: in fact, we even lived there, so I'm speaking with the fondness of someone who truly knows it.
Here are the 10 essential things to do in Bermuda so you don't miss a thing, along with the tours that are genuinely worth it. Coming along?
1. Take a boat and snorkelling tour in crystal-clear waters
Explore Bermuda's underwater beauty on a boat trip. You'll be able to go snorkelling over stunning reefs, swim among colourful fish and admire shipwrecks. And even if you don't get in the water, the clarity of the sea will leave you speechless.
You can book the catamaran snorkelling tour here.
2. Say hello to Johnny Barnes, the happiest man in Bermuda
Johnny Barnes became a local icon thanks to his daily routine of warmly greeting everyone who passed the roundabout in Hamilton. He passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on and you can visit the statue raised in his honour. A heart-warming tradition.
If you'd like to get to know him, watch this tribute video on YouTube.
3. Visit the rum factory and try the Rum Cake
At the Royal Naval Dockyard you'll find the rum factory where, as well as sampling different varieties of the spirit, you can taste the delicious rum sponge (Rum Cake). Don't leave Bermuda without stopping by; you can even take home an authentic Bermuda Rum Cake as a souvenir.
4. Chat with a Bermudian about their Bermuda shorts… and long socks
One of the most charming curiosities is seeing locals wearing Bermuda shorts and long socks. Ask an islander about this custom and the answer may surprise you: it has to do with their British heritage.
5. Have a Rum Swizzle at the Hog Penny pub
The Rum Swizzle is Bermuda's signature cocktail, and there's no better place to try it than the iconic Hog Penny Pub, in Hamilton. A cosy pub where the food is great too.
6. Explore the Crystal Caves
The Crystal Caves will take your breath away: a cave system with turquoise lakes and stalactites that's among the most impressive sights in the archipelago. The walkways make the visit very easy.
You can book your combined ticket to the Crystal Caves here.
7. Visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ)
In Flatts Village you'll find this small but comprehensive educational complex, home to more than 300 species: turtles, birds, seals and much more. An enjoyable visit for nature lovers. You'll find more information on its official website.
8. Relax on the pink-sand beaches
Did you know Bermuda's sand is pink due to coral erosion? The most beautiful beaches are Horseshoe Bay, Stonehole Bay and Astwood Cove. Horseshoe Bay is the most famous, with small coves alongside and calm waters for a lovely swim.
9. Enjoy a Gombey show
The traditional dance of the Gombey blends African, Caribbean and English roots. Their colourful costumes and drums are thrilling to watch. You can catch them at local celebrations and festivals.
10. Wander around St. George's, the historic old town
To finish, don't leave without losing yourself in St. George's, founded in 1612 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: it's one of the oldest surviving English-founded towns in the New World. Cobbled lanes, colourful houses and plenty of history to explore at a leisurely pace.
What shouldn't you miss?
If you're short on time, for us the must-dos are the snorkelling tour, the Crystal Caves and an afternoon at Horseshoe Bay. Add the Flatts aquarium and a stroll around St. George's and, if you can, try to catch a Gombey show to soak up the local culture.
Let me let you in on a secret: in Bermuda I met the love of my life — not a millionaire, not in the slightest, haha. Maybe that's why these islands of pastel houses and turquoise water will always hold a little piece of my heart. I hope you fall for them as hard as we did.
Keep planning your trip to Bermuda
Once you know what to do, the next step is deciding where to sleep: I cover it in where to stay in Bermuda: the best areas and recommended hotels.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bermuda?
The beach season runs from May to October, with warm temperatures and a pleasant sea; high summer is the busiest. Spring and autumn combine good weather with fewer crowds.
Why is Bermuda's sand pink?
Because of fragments of coral and tiny reddish organisms (foraminifera) that mix into the sand. It's especially noticeable on beaches like Horseshoe Bay.
Is Bermuda expensive to visit?
Bermuda is a pricey destination: accommodation and restaurants are expensive, partly because it's a major financial centre. It's worth booking ahead and planning your budget carefully.
Do you need a car to get around Bermuda?
Tourists can't rent conventional cars. You get around the island by bus, ferry, taxi, moped or the small electric rental cars.
