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| SWIMMING |
Numerous beaches and coves punctuate our coastline. Some are private
but many are not. Most popular are Horseshoe Bay and John Smith’s Bay
on the South Shore, both of which have lifeguards during the summer season,
as does Clearwater Beach in St. David’s. Elbow Beach in Paget is also
popular. And Port Royal Beach, next to Horseshoe Bay, Jobson’s Cove in
Warwick, Shelly Bay in Hamilton Parish and Tobacco Bay in St. George’s
are excellent for toddlers and children not yet confident in the water.
It’s perfectly possible to swim year round although traditionally Bermudians take their first dip of the year on Bermuda Day, 24 May. But at any time of the year watch out for rip currents, especially on the South Shore. Should you be caught, don’t panic. Let the current carry you parallel to the shore and you will catch the waves that will take you back to shore. In addition, always wear sunscreen even on hazy days when the sun can still burn.
Do bear in mind that birds also love our beaches. February to September look out for the white longtail birds, with black markings and twin tail feathers swooping in and out of the cliffs. Sanderlings and ruddy turnstones like to scuttle along wet sand.
| SNORKELLING |
If you just want to relax in the cool of the water and gaze at the clouds, well fair enough. But in fact there’s a lot to see under the water, particularly if you don mask and snorkel. On the South Shore, especially at low tide, the reef is within reach of the shore and therefore the ideal venue for watching fish: the turquoise parrotfish, the four-eyed butterfly fish, the wrasse and the sergeant majors, to name but a few of the creatures that glide around corals and sea fans. Moray eels, octopi, sea puddings and urchins are possible too. For serious snorkellers and strong swimmers, Church Bay on the South Shore in Southampton is an especially rewarding venue for watching a wide variety of fish. However, it’s possible to snorkel in shallower waters around rocky formations where fish like to congregate. Tobacco Bay is one such location, as is Turtle Bay, next to Clearwater Beach.
It’s not necessary to bring your own equipment. Watersports centres throughout the Island rent out masks, snorkels and flippers and give instruction and or supervision if needed. In addition, some cruise operators will take you out to the reef for an extended snorkelling trip. If you want a close encounter with the fish but can’t swim, then a trip on a glass bottom boat is the answer.
Instructors or tour guides will share their fishy knowledge with you while giving ecology and safety tips at the same time. They will tell you that standing on or touching coral will kill it, and that jelly fish should be avoided as they can sting. The inky long tentacles of the Portuguese-men-of war jelly fish are particularly dangerous. But the guides will also tell you about the idiosyncrasies of the angel fish, for example, which apparently do behave like angels since they mate for life. And they’ll explain how four eyed butterfly fish actually have just two eyes. The ‘extras’ are markings by their tails to dupe their predators.
| SCUBA DIVING |
Historically, the 50 miles of barrier reef surrounding Bermuda were so hazardous,
16th and 17th century sailors would try to avoid them like the plague of
their time. And during the 18th, 19th and 20th century ships often
came to a sticky end, thanks to the weather or the reef or both. Indeed,
over 400 shipwrecks (that are known about) have been found around the
reef line. Some are in relatively shallow water, which means they can
be reached easily. In fact, the Department of Tourism and Bermuda’s
dive operators have devised the Bermuda Shipwreck Certificate Programme,
which focuses on 12 of the wrecks, chosen for their historical interest,
accessibility and photogenic opportunities. So you can, for example, dive
down to the Marie Celeste, a Confederate paddle-wheel steamer that sank during
the Blockade. Or you can explore the SS Pollockshields that in 1915
sank on the reef facing the Elbow Beach Hotel during a howling hurricane.
Captain Marshall, a local whaler, saved the crew by rowing them in towering
seas to shore. Unfortunately, the
Of course, Bermuda’s reef, the most northerly coral building reef in the northern hemisphere, is fascinating for its natural beauty and for the ecosystem it supports. As well as the array of fish, coral sponges, anemones, coralline algae and purple sea fans are all on display in the caverns and tunnels carved under the sea. Thanks to conservation policies, the reef is a national underwater park.
Local licensed scuba instructors offer instruction and supervised dives. Equipment, including wet suits can be hired. All local dive operators are licensed by the Bermuda Government and their air is tested each year.
| CRUISES AND WATERCRAFT |
When Bermuda feels too small, the answer is to take to the water for a sense of space and peace. You can take a snorkelling or sightseeing motor cruise with one of the Island’s cruise operators to see a different Island perspective during the day. And during the evening, cruises are a great way to enjoy a Bermuda Moonlight Sonata. The white roofs of the houses, the silhouettes of the trees and the shrubs have a special magic under the stars and in the moonlight. But, if you prefer independence, you can rent your own Boston whaler from one of the local marinas, along with coolers, snorkelling gear and fishing lines. On the western end of Bermuda you can explore the Great Sound, go under Somerset Bridge, the smallest drawbridge over the Atlantic, explore the bays and beaches of Sandys Parish, and see Royal Naval Dockyard from the water. Or on the Eastern end, you can explore Castle Harbour and the islets, home to former fortifications, and glide into the harbour of the old capital, the Town of St. George. Which ever end you pick, you can anchor near a beach or mid water to picnic, or you can tie up the boat in the dock of one of Bermuda’s waterside restaurants before having lunch.
Paddling rented kayaks can be even more peaceful as you glide around mangroves into inlets and bays. If water frolic and fun are the order of the day, then jet skis, skidoos, windsurfers and sunfish are easily rented. Waterskiing and parasailing are possible too.
| SHORE, REEF AND DEEP-SEA FISHING |
Fishing has always been a serious livelihood. in Bermuda. After all, when crops were poor in the past, people could always depend on fish as part of their diet. During the Second World War, when imports were drastically reduced and rationing a reality, Bermudian fishermen were vitally important. One St. David’s Islander, Mr. Geary Pitcher, for example, kept the British Army supplied with fish for the duration of the War. As a result, he was able to build his own houses with his savings.
Today, as in the past, you can often see locals line fishing off the coastal rocks or from bridges. If you want to participate in this time honoured activity, you can rent equipment through water sports centres or your hotel or buy it from local tackle shops. Pompano, bonefish and snapper are common catches.
But reef and deep-sea fishing are easily available for the more adventurous. A license is not a problem since you are covered by your captain’s license when you join a boat charter for a day or half-day’s fishing. All boats have lifesaving equipment, the latest fishing gear, fighting chairs, tackle and bait. When reef fishing (i.e. staying within the reef line) you’re likely to catch Bermuda chub, grey and yellow tail snappers, groupers and hinds. On deep-sea fishing trips you go beyond the reef line, feel the deep swell of the Atlantic and hope for black fin and yellow fin tuna, wahoo, shark, barracuda and dolphin (mahi mahi). Catch policies are at the captain’s discretion although most will give you enough for your party to eat. Marlin, both blue and white, are definitely possibilities but generally the tag and release policy promoted by the Government means you’re encouraged to let these fish go, as well as any others not good to eat. But you will receive from the captain a signed certificate recording the type and weight of the fish you caught.
| SAILING |
Bermudians have long been famous for their sailing skills and for their unique
Bermuda Fitted Dinghy, which can carry anywhere between 300 and 1,400 square
feet of sail. The annual Dinghy Races are held at Mangrove Bay in Somerset,
Hamilton Harbour and St. George’s from May 24 to the middle of September.
They are great spectator sports because they’re so unpredictable although
the one prediction you can make is some of the sailors will most likely end
up overboard. Check our Calendar for dates, times and locations for the Races.
The Newport-Bermuda and Marion-Bermuda yacht races alternate every June. But
whatever the race, the yachts anchored in the harbour bring colour and excitement
to Hamilton.
Other local races organised by Bermuda’s various sailing clubs are held almost every weekend in the Great Sound. Most of these clubs have a complete sailing schedule available and can give visitors details of what events are taking place and when.
If sailing in a yacht appeals, yacht charters are available for small and larger groups.
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| If you’re looking for a fun day on the water let the friendly professional staff at Blue Hole Water Sports show you how. Bermuda is at its best when experienced from the water and there is no better way to do that than in your own boat! We rent 13ft Boston Whalers (max 4 people) outfitted with steering consoles and bimini tops. Complimentary snorkel gear and coolers included. We are in close proximity to some lovely beaches and secluded islands. We also offer Sunfish sail boats, Windsurfers for the beginner and advanced and single and double kayaks all at Bermudas best rates. Give us a call today! |
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| Grotto Bay Beach Resort, 11 Blue Hole Hill | 441-293-2915 | more info |
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| The Snorkel Park is a multifaceted beach and entertainment complex, providing its own distinct contribution to the uniqueness of the Royal Naval Dockyard. Tucked away in the northeast corner of the Dockyard, it’s a destination offering a host of recreational activities, amenities and services. A limestone tunnel is the entrance into a tropical oasis, with white sand beach, palm trees, and a panoramic view of the Atlantic. Marine explorers can discover the beauty and wonder of the surrounding coral reefs, bask on the beach with a refreshing beverage, or enjoy a game of volleyball. |
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| 31 Freeport Road | 441-234-6989 | more info |
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Triangle Diving is a 5 star gold palm Padi dive centre and offers for world class diving. It is the only dive shop on the eastern side of the island. Easy access to the largest ship wrecks in Bermuda and the largest fully intact ship wreck in Bermuda, The King George. Triangle Diving has built a reputation for diverse dive sites and friendly service. Triangle Diving boasts the most comprehensive club memberships on the island offering unlimited free diving including night dives, monthly club dinners and other various club events. |
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| 11 Blue Hole Hill | 441 293-7319 | more info |
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Explore the beauty of Bermuda by renting your own boat at Windjammer Water Sports. Ideally located at Cambridge Beaches in the west end, our experienced staff is ready to advise you on the cruising itinerary best suited for you. Our fleets of motorboats include 17’ Twin Vee centre consoles with 30 hp electric start motors. Stable and spacious enough for up to six passengers, each boat includes a binimi top and ladder. |
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| Cambridge Beaches | 441.234.3082 | more info |
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Step aboard the Ellen B for a half–day of fishing and you get much more than that. Captain Michael Baxter has been showing anglers Bermuda’s beautiful reefs for over twenty-five years. His job isn’t done till everyone has fun, in fact he guarantees’ it! Both the novice and experienced angler can expect to catch a wide variety of fish under Captain Mike’s guidance. Baxter’s reef fishing is a family business out to make sure everyone on board has the greatest time fishing in Bermuda. |
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| 15A Pinetree Lane, Sandys | 441.234-2963, Mobile 441 334-9722 | more info |
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Step aboard the Ellen B for a half–day of fishing and you get much more than that. Captain Michael Baxter has been showing anglers Bermuda’s beautiful reefs for over twenty-five years. His job isn’t done till everyone has fun, in fact he guarantees’ it! Both the novice and experienced angler can expect to catch a wide variety of fish under Captain Mike’s guidance. Baxter’s reef fishing is a family business out to make sure everyone on board has the greatest time fishing in Bermuda. |
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| 5 Albuoys Point, Hamilton | 441.236.1300 | more info |
This Week in Bermuda | Email: info@thisweekinbermuda.bm | Phone: 441-295-1189 | Fax: 441-295-3445
