Visit Bermuda 2021/22 | Activities Guide

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

ACTIVITIES GUIDE Featuring Attractions, Watersports and Land Sports

Bermuda 2021/22

V I S I T B E R M U D A N O W. C O M

Image courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

By A nd re a M i l a m

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PARADISE T H R I L L S E E K E R S , H I STO RY B U F F S , VI S I TO R S WH O C R AVE C U LTU R E ,

FA M I L I E S AND COUPLES IN SEARCH OF ROMANCE WILL ALL FIND PLENTY TO DO AMONGST BERMUDA’ S ABUNDANCE OF ACTIVITIES AND AT TRACTIONS .

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Adventure anyone?

The island offers plenty of adventure for everyone.

In a setting that rivals Bermuda’s famed beachy beauty, the Crystal and Fantasy Caves beckon visitors with their otherworldly beauty. Dramatic, shimmering stalactites descend from above, mirrored below by an ocean-fed lake.

There are other caves to explore in Bermuda, and interactive ecotours company Hidden Gems of Bermuda can take you there. They’ll bring you to the heart of the island’s only jungle, where you can explore dry caves or go cave swimming. Hidden Gems’ other tours will take you to the island’s forts, or the beautiful natural setting known as “The Vines,” where you can see the island’s largest banyan tree grove.

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Whilst you may have escape rooms and mini golf back home, they surely don’t offer the unique type of experiences you’ll find here in Bermuda. Escape Room Bermuda in the City of Hamilton will have you scheming with your travelling companions as you seek to escape the mind control police, discover the secrets of a mad scientist or recover stolen gold. They even offer an out-of-this-world experience that challenges you to save Earth with the help of a space station’s super weapon.

Enjoy a more relaxed bonding experience with a round at the world’s finest mini golf course.

Bermuda Fun Golf in Royal Naval Dockyard brings the beauty and challenge of some of the most exciting holes inspired by those on courses in Bermuda, Scotland and the U.S. Panoramic ocean views, waterfalls and ponds swimming with fish level up the typical putt-putt experience.

Image courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

Pedal Power With about 18 miles of non-motorised pathways stretching along the length of the island, former railway tracks have been revitalised over the years and turned into trails suitable for hiking and biking and are a great way to take in some of the dazzling vistas. The trail winds through all nine of the island’s parishes, so lace up your trainers (sneakers) or rent a cycle to explore all of the hidden gems these trails have to offer. If you need a little more power in your pedal, electric bikes and scooters make an exciting way to explore the island, particularly some of the more off-the-beaten-path areas. There are guided bicycle and electric scooter tours available that will provide all the insider knowledge on some of the best places on the island to discover.

Image courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority

One with Nature The island’s natural beauty is a big draw amongst visitors, and Bermuda offers plenty of ways for you to soak it all up. Visit wildlife from around Bermuda and from around the globe at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) in Flatts Village.

With exhibits of species from the Caribbean, Australasia and Madagascar, where you’ll find the adorable ring-tailed lemurs that roam freely, a day at BAMZ gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with birds, reptiles, mammals and marine life in a setting that’s both educational and fun.

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s Ocean Discovery Centre allows you to reach new depths with exhibits focused on the beautiful yet mysterious seas. Unlock the secrets of the Bermuda Triangle, see human impact on the marine environment or explore the island’s famed shipwrecks without getting so much as a hair on your head wet.

Look to the Past Bermuda’s history is as unique as its isolated midAtlantic location; often, the two are intertwined.

Learn about the various influences that have impacted the Bermuda you know and love today at the National Museum of Bermuda. Housed at the Keep Fort at Royal Naval Dockyard, the National Museum takes visitors back in time with exhibits on shipwrecks, the slave trade, tourism, coinage and banknotes, and more. A grand floor-to-ceiling mural by Bermudian artist Graham Foster, dubbed The Hall of History, spans two floors, winding around the museum’s Pillared Hall. Painted in the artist’s trademark style, it’s easy to get lost in the 1,000-square-foot depiction of Bermuda’s 500year human history.

Spend some time at the National Museum of

Bermuda and you’re sure to walk away with a deeper appreciation for the struggles and remarkable advancement the island has undergone since it was first colonised in the early 1600s.

The Bermuda National Trust (BNT) actively works to preserve 82 properties that represent the best of the island’s heritage. Museums, historic buildings, gardens, cemeteries, nature reserves and sites with archaeological significance are all under the BNT’s care. Many of these properties are open to the public, like Waterville in Paget, Verdmont Historical House and Gardens in Smiths, or Globe Hotel on York Street, as well as the Historic Tucker House on Water Street, both in the Town of St. George. Tucker House was

Please note that closures and cancellations may occur. Business hours are also subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. For more travel information, visit gov.bm/coronavirustravellers.

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ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

BRINGING A ANIMALS TO BAMZ THE BERMUDA AQUARIUM, MUSEUM & ZOO CONTINUES TO EXPAND THEIR COLLECTION OF ZOO ANIMALS.

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s you stroll through the grounds of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ), you might wonder how the birds, reptiles, mammals and aquatic species you encounter there came to call BAMZ home. You may be surprised to know that adding animals to the zoo collection is a continual effort that can take upwards of two years per animal, family or breeding pair.

“Animal availability is subject to many factors, but once specific animals are identified, the work begins to obtain the necessary permits to move the animals,” said BAMZ Curator Dr. Ian Walker. “This can be a very lengthy process, sometimes up to 18 months, depending on the species. The permit is restricted to the specific animals and partnering institutions, and typically has a maximum six-month validity.”

To illustrate the process, Dr. Walker shared the story of five lemurs which were recently relocated to Bermuda from a partnering zoo in New York State.

“The transaction began in October 2017, when the family group consisted of four lemurs,” explained Dr. Walker. “An unexpected birth added the fifth, necessitating new permits. Weather delays only lengthened the timeline, but finally, 26 months after the process began, the lemurs arrived in Bermuda. The family of five is ex-

pected to shortly join the zoo’s other lemurs that roam free in the zoo’s Madagascar exhibit.”

Additional animals which the zoo is currently working on acquiring include a Matschie’s tree kangaroo, a troop of red-ruffed lemurs, a breeding pair of laughing kookaburras and a breeding pair of tawny frogmouths. Until these species arrive in Bermuda, visitors can enjoy coming within a whisker of the myriad of other animals at BAMZ in exhibits featuring wildlife from the Caribbean, Madagascar and Australasia.

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BY ANDREA MILAM

INSTA MOMENTS /

@theaveragetourist

Bermuda has so many beautiful beaches to see, you’d probably need weeks to visit them all. When we arrived at John Smith’s Bay we were the only people on the beach. I definitely recommend checking out some of the smaller beaches to avoid the crowds and have a relaxing beach day. We found it very easy to get around by bus to explore on our own, and it helped us find hidden gems like John Smith’s Bay.

THESE INFLUENCERS SHARE THEIR TOP BERMUDA EXPERIENCES.

@thewonderingdreamer

The island isn’t big, but it has a lot of hidden gems and they’re only found if you’re willing to explore! Rent a car and boat during your time on the island, because what you’ll see from both land and sea are very different. We found this amazing jumping spot in Ely’s Harbour, which is only accessible by boat. You’ll find all my Instagrammable hot spots on my website, thewonderingdreamer.com.

@hungryfortravels

My favourite thing to do is to rent scooters whilst visiting. I love to go from one side of the island to the other, exploring every inch that I can. I’ve found hidden beaches, quaint pubs, breathtaking vistas and gorgeous gardens I never would have discovered without being on a scooter. My other close favourites include visiting St. George’s Parish, exploring the ethereal caves, going birdwatching for Longtails and drinking a Rum Swizzle (of course!).

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built in 1750 and today displays a stunning collection of Tucker family silver, china, furnishings, portraits and hand-sewn quilts. The BNT also hosts events and programmes aimed at connecting visitors and residents alike with the island’s history.

Get Closer Bermuda’s blushing sands hint at the romance that can be found here, but there’s plenty beyond a beach stroll to help couples connect even more.

Stroll hand in hand through the City of Hamilton’s streets, taking in the gorgeous harbour views together. The bustling centre of commerce boasts colonial-style buildings, art galleries, inviting green spaces, historic architecture and shops and restaurants galore. Hamilton is a city steeped in history, ranging from the idyllic harbourfront to the historic neighbourhood of North Hamilton, where stories of struggle and triumph abound. Visitors are invited to join a free walking tour with the Town Crier, encompassing the entire

city, with no fear of lack of information to absorb. This tour, as well as the Walkway of History, a self-guided walking tour, will send you on a journey back in time through the nooks and crannies of North Hamilton, a residential enclave that offers glimpses of typical Bermudian architecture from a bygone era and echoes the colourful accounts of the historic importance of this community.

You can also escape the hubbub of Hamilton altogether with a soul-renewing yoga session at Just Breathe Yoga. This warm, welcoming studio overlooking St. George’s Harbour is an ideal venue for you and your partner to seek inner calm together. Keep the romance going with a visit to The Lili Bermuda Perfumery, also in St. George’s. This island perfumery, in business since 1928, captures the beauty of Bermuda’s essence in its fragrances.

You and your partner can even try your hand at crafting custom fragrances with a masterclass led by Lili Bermuda’s Master Perfumer Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone.

For the Culture Seekers Discover a destination’s culture and you will learn what makes it truly unique.

In Bermuda, seek out culture and the arts at the island’s many museums and art galleries. The Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard is a nonprofit organisation that hosts workshops and exhibitions and allows visitors to see Bermudian artists at work. The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, located within the Botanical Gardens in Paget, also displays works by local artists alongside pieces by greats like Winslow Homer and Georgia O’Keeffe. The exhibitions are changed out on a regular basis, making each visit to this gallery a new and exciting experience. Bermuda Society of Arts in the City Hall Arts Centre is the oldest established arts organisation in Bermuda and the largest exhibiting space in Hamilton. Mingle with locals, enjoy a glass of wine and peruse the works displayed here in various media. visitbermudanow.com

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Image courtesy of FlyHigh Media

Image courtesy of Bermuda National Gallery and Maetog Photography

EXPLORE THE ARTS

DISCOVER OUR HERITAGE

BROWSE OUR BOUTIQUES

EMBRACE OUR CULTURE GET CONNECTED

@cityofhamiltonbda •

@citylifebda •

CREATE MEMORIES

@citylifebda • cityofhamilton.bm

INTO THE WILD CAVES AND GROTTOES AND FORESTS, OH MY! NATURE RESERVES KEEP BERMUDA’S WILD HABITATS PRISTINE, HELPING YOU ENJOY THE BEAUTY THAT GOES BEYOND THE BEACHES.

BY ANDREA MILAM

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here are many things about Bermuda that make it so special, but the island’s stunning natural beauty is surely among the factors that drew you here for vacation. Bermuda’s natural habitat is preserved in various settings throughout the island, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy unique ecotourism experiences.

If it’s adventure you seek, make sure Admiralty House Park is high on your must-do list. Walking trails, ruins, and underground tunnels can be found at this small park on the island’s north shore, but its standout attraction is small, secluded Clarence

Cove, where you can enjoy cliff jumping and swimming through a cave. It’s a thrilling, uniquely Bermudian experience that all eco-adventurers should try.

If the cliff jumping at Admiralty House Park appeals to you, be sure to also check out Blue Hole Park, an area of stunning natural scenery with caves, grottoes and the blue hole for which it’s named. Surrounded by mangroves, the crystal-clear water in the blue hole offers the unique experience of swimming whilst surrounded by forest. It’s fringed by short cliffs, the perfect jumping-off spot for a plunge into the cool water.

Named for the body of water that brings life to the area, the Spittal Pond Nature Reserve has diverse offerings. The reserve is lively and wild, with as many as 500 species of birds coming to call in January during the migratory season. Crabs, butterflies and the rare Bermuda skink also frequent the area. If you visit in March or April, perch on Portuguese Rock for a while and you may be lucky enough to spot 40-ton humpback whales offshore as they migrate through the Atlantic.

Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is home to an interesting geologic feature as well — a limestone checkerboard. On the western end of the pond, an area of eroded marine limestone sports cracks at all the right angles, making for a checkerboard appearance. Spittal Pond has history,

Image courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

ALL INCLUSIVE

ECO ADVENTURES O F

B E R M U D A

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Gavin Howarth

DRY CAVING

too, in the form of a simple carving in stone of the letters “RP” and a year, 1543. Left behind by sailors on a Portuguese ship that wrecked in Bermuda, the carving marks the island’s first-known human visitors.

A little effort goes a long way in Bermuda. Make the trek down the steep, winding trail that leads to Astwood Cove beach and you’ll reap the benefits of a beautiful stretch of sand framed perfectly by rugged cliffs. Not many people opt to make the effort, so you’ll likely have this beach almost — or entirely — to yourself.

Another gorgeously pristine beach can be found at Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, an area that only opened to the public in 2011. In this 12-acre nature preserve, you can also spot seabirds, land crabs, Bermuda cedar trees and a sweeping view of the island from the wildlife observation tower.

Spend an afternoon strolling through enchanting Southlands Estate, where a ruin dating back to 1745, lush gardens and an enormous banyan tree grove are sure to inspire wonderment. Pools and pathways also dot the landscape, making this estate a lovely spot to wander and explore.

Let the experts show you the way with a tour led by Hidden Gems of Bermuda. Their winter excursion includes a stop at Southlands. If you’re here in the summer, check out their tour to Tom Moore’s Jungle. Other Hidden Gems offerings include forts and photography tours, as well as special occasion packages.

Unique habitats abound in Bermuda, like Trunk Island, the largest of 10 islands found in Harrington Sound. The majority of the island is under the care of the Bermuda Zoological Society, which is working to restore native flora and fauna there whilst also establishing programmes on-site, like conservation management training, natural history education outreach and the enhancement of recreation opportunities. Volunteer work opportunities are available at Trunk Island, allowing you to lend a hand with initiatives like planting, path clearing, painting or light construction.

BERMUDA’S TOP RATED EXCURSIONS

CLIFF JUMPING

FORT EXPLORATION

VISIT EXQUISITE LOCATIONS

CAVE SWIMMING

VINE SWINGING

EXPERIENCE THE ISLAND IN ONE DAY

JUNGLE TRAVERSING

PANORAMIC VIEWS

BACKPACKS, GEAR, MEAL & BEVERAGES INCLUDED Visit: www.bermudahiddengems.com or Call: 441-236-1300 visitbermudanow.com

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ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS I NSI DE R’ S GUIDE With so much to fill your itinerary, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in Bermuda. Here are our top picks for what to see and do.

THE BERMUDA AQUARIUM, MUSEUM & ZOO 40 North Shore Rd., Flatts Village Tel: 293-2727 Website: bzs.bm

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo invites you to walk on the wild side and enjoy their immersive exhibits of Madagascar, Australasia and the Caribbean. You will wander through naturalistic environments designed to place you up close to nature and to come within a whisker of the animals. Within Madagascar, the resident family of ring-tailed lemurs is free to roam the entire exhibit.

Visitors walking through the exhibit will

See Bermuda YOUR OWN WAY…

SCOOTERS AND ELECTRIC CARS Tel: 441-236-2453 oleandercycles.bm

Paget · Hamilton Dockyard · St. George’s

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often find them perched in the trees above or walking along the same path through the enclosure. Stepping into the Caribbean exhibit is like stepping into in island jungle, with the golden lion tamarin monkeys happily leaping from tree to tree and foraging for food, just as they would do in the wild. Be sure to visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo and learn to love the diversity of its highlighted island environments. It will be an experience you will never forget!

across the city streets and alleyways.

Whether you’re strolling through one of the serene parks, walking the ramparts of Fort Hamilton (a walled battlement that casts a protective eye over the city below) or discovering historic North Hamilton, this quaint capital will tempt you back to explore just a little bit more.

CITY OF HAMILTON Tel: 292-1234 Website: cityofhamilton.bm

Let Crown Point help you capture the memories and adventures whilst you’re on vacation in Bermuda by hiring one of their skilled local photographers. Their concierge will help plan your shoot, choose the right photographer whose style you connect with and suggest some of the most beautiful spots islandwide. Their photographers specialise in shoots for family vacations, honeymoons, babymoons, proposals, girls’ weekends and romantic getaways and more.

The main centre for trade and commerce, Hamilton is a bustling city, small in size but also the home of a myriad of unique boutiques, eclectic restaurants and cultural experiences all waiting to be explored.

Nestled alongside the tranquil waters of Hamilton Harbour, the city is awash with colour, ranging from the pastel storefronts and residential enclaves to the impressive display of public artwork scattered

CROWN POINT — VACATION PHOTOGRAPHY Tel: 705-0804 Website: crownpointbda.com

THE CRYSTAL CAVES OF BERMUDA 8 Crystal Cave Rd. Hamilton Parish Tel: 293-0640 Website: caves.bm

Stunning natural beauty is on display more than 140 feet below the earth’s surface, where stalactites and stalagmites have been forming for millennia. Visitors can choose to encounter the Crystal Cave, the Fantasy Cave or both. In the Crystal Cave, state-of-the-art lights glitter off the natural rock and visitors cross a beautiful lake via a pontoon bridge that rises and falls with the tides. Meanwhile, the Fantasy Cave shows off a completely separate display of amazing rock formations.

ELBOW BEACH CYCLES LTD. Elbow Beach Bermuda Resort & Spa 60 South Shore Rd., Paget Tel: 296-2300 Website: elbowbeachcycles.com

Why follow the crowd when you can discover Bermuda’s hidden coves and

dazzling pink-sand beaches for yourself in high style? Pick from the island’s newest and most advanced rental fleet, and then put yourself in the laid-back island mood with their industry-leading YouDrive™ tuition. For the widest choice of gas scooters, electric scooters, hybrid electric bikes, mountain bikes and the most reassuring safety record on the island, book online or call today.

ESCAPE ROOM BERMUDA 9 Washington Lane, Hamilton Tel: 293-3948 Website: escaperoombermuda.bm

Escape Room Bermuda is the original innovator of escape entertainment in Bermuda.

You and your team of two to eight people enter a room to solve puzzles relating to a particular theme in a race against the clock.

Escape Room Bermuda is conveniently located in the City of Hamilton. It is suitable for friends, families, team building, couples, special occasions, students and anyone else looking for a challenge. Can you escape before time runs out? Open daily.

HIDDEN GEMS OF BERMUDA LTD. Tel: 236-1300 Website: islandtourcentre.com

Come along for a fun-filled day on tour with Hidden Gems of Bermuda Ltd. Its mission is to provide an experience of a lifetime exploring Bermuda’s best-kept secrets. Travel with them to exquisite locations that offer a sense of excitement for individuals with an adventurous spirit and passion for the great outdoors. They promise to take you on a journey to some of the finest places that nature has to offer, including entering into the island’s one and only jungle, exploring caves off the beaten path, interacting with tropical fish and much more. Get ready for an exclusive experience learning about Bermuda’s natural habitats and geological formations.

JUST BREATHE YOGA 32 Water St., St George’s Tel: 707-5001 Website: justbreatheyoga.bm

This beautiful boutique studio is filled with love and inspiration. Located in a historic

UNLOCK THE SECRETS

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ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS building with exposed cedar beams, this studio offers a beautiful view of the harbour. The Just Breathe space is dedicated to healing and nourishment of the body, mind and soul. You can expect an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, no extra fees to use yoga mats, and cosy classes with 12 students or less. Because of their smaller class sizes, you will receive much more personalised attention from their experienced teachers. Bonus: After class, head downstairs by the water and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea from their Just Breathe coffee van. Visitors of all levels are welcome.

The Lili Bermuda Perfumery is an internationally recognised couture perfume house that is open to visitors. Lili Bermuda fragrances for men and women, which capture the essence of Bermuda, are created on property at Stewart Hall in St. George’s and are sold in their retail stores at Stewart Hall and their Lili Bermuda store in Hamilton. The line is sold exclusively in Bermuda and makes a crowd-pleasing gift for loved ones upon your return home. The store and adjacent history room in St. George’s are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter.

MASTERWORKS MUSEUM OF BERMUDA ART Botanical Gardens 183 South Shore Rd., Paget Tel: 299-4000 Website: bermudamasterworks.com

Masterworks is Bermuda’s only purpose-built museum and is home to over 1,600 works of Bermuda-inspired art, including famous names such as Winslow Homer, Albert Gleizes and Georgia O’Keeffe. Every month, a cross-section of local artists display their works in shows. The Arrowroot Gift Shop is home to a variety of local artisans’ handiwork, available for purchase. Homer’s Café, a perfect complement to the beauty of the Botanical

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Gardens, prepares an array of fresh and delicious meals for breakfast and lunch. The museum and café are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

OCEAN DISCOVERY CENTRE @ BUEI 40 Crow Lane, Pembroke Tel: 292-7219 Website: buei.bm

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BERMUDA 1 The Keep Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 234-1333 Website: nmb.bm

Come and visit the Ocean Discovery Centre at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI), where you will experience the new Bermuda Triangle Unlock the Secrets exhibit and uncover everything about the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. You will also enjoy the interactive America’s Cup exhibit Built to Win, one of the largest private shell collections in the world, cutting-edge technology that allows you to explore the island’s reefs and beyond in Living with the Ocean, a virtual dive on the submersible Blue Echo, a virtual shark cage, a shipwreck gallery and so much more. Complete your experience at the onsite, award-winning Harbourfront Restaurant overlooking the beautiful Hamilton Harbour and don’t forget to pick up a memento in the Oceans Gift Shop. Ocean Discovery Centre is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.) and is perfect for both young and old. All admission funds go to support the Ocean Discovery Centre’s nonprofit mission of providing education, experiences and exploration.

Immerse yourself in 500 years of history at the National Museum, housed within the island’s largest fort. The 15-acre property includes British military buildings of the Keep citadel and the award-winning Commissioner’s House. Inside its historic limestone walls, learn about Bermuda’s cultural links with the West Indies and the Azores, trans-Atlantic slavery and the island’s defence through two World Wars. Marvel at local artist Graham Foster’s 1,000-square-foot mural of Bermuda history and other maritime art. Explore the collection of small local watercraft and Shipwreck Island: Sunken Clues to Bermuda’s Past, an exhibit showcasing Spanish gold, colonial trade goods and other artefacts recovered from local shipwrecks. Kids will love the whimsical Museum Playground & Playhouse, complete with maritime interactives and a 70foot moray eel. Open April through November from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.); December through March from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.). Adults, $15; seniors, $12; free for children under 16.

OLEANDER CYCLES AND BERMUDA RENTAL CAR LTD. 6 Valley Rd., Paget Tel: 236-2453

Image courtesy of Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute

THE LILI BERMUDA PERFUMERY Stewart Hall 5 Queen St., St. George’s Tel: 293-0627 / 800-527-8213 Website: lilibermuda.com

15 Gorham Rd., Hamilton Tel: 295-0919 26 York St., St. George’s Tel: 297-0478 9 Camber Rd. Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 234-2764 Cambridge Beaches Hotel 30 Kings Point Rd., Somerset Tel: 234-0331 ask for cycle shop The Reefs Hotel 2 Tribe Rd. #3, Southampton Tel: 238-2282 ask for cycle shop Grotto Bay Resort, Bailey’s Bay 11 Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton Parish Tel: 293-1010 Website: bermudarentalcar.com Website: oleandercycles.bm

Bermuda’s No. 1 scooter livery offers quality one- and two-seater scooters and fun, easy-tomanoeuvre two-seater cars, all at competitive rates. With a new addition to their fleet — compact cars featuring A/C, Bluetooth stereo and electric windows — means you can now travel around Bermuda in style and comfort. You will receive five-star service and a safety demonstration with their friendly staff. Oleander’s reputation is the best in Bermuda and has earned this since opening in 1964. They have locations at each end of the island in Dockyard and St. George’s, plus two in the centre of the island, including Hamilton and Paget.

Free delivery or transportation via their courtesy vans to and from your hotel is available no matter where you are on the island. They are open seven days a week.

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY EscapeRoomBermuda

SMATT’S CYCLE LIVERY LTD. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club 74 Pitts Bay Rd., Pembroke Tel: 295-1180 Fairmont Southampton South Shore Rd., Southampton Tel: 238-7800 Website: smattscyclelivery.com

Smatt’s Cycle Livery is a mainstay of the rental cycle business in Bermuda. Originally a small mom-and-pop shop, the family business was one of the first cycle liveries on the island. They are well-known for their friendly and helpful staff. For that reason, they enjoy many repeat customers who visit the island every year. Navigate Bermuda’s highways, byways and hidden lanes on your scooter and discover Bermuda’s best-kept secrets. There are endless possibilities in Bermuda, and the best way to experience them all is on two wheels. The seat of a Smatt’s cycle is the best way to see the island — guaranteed!

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Image courtesy of TABS — The Authentic Bermuda Shorts/Gavin Howarth

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

By Ro by n B a rd ge t t

S o a k

IT UP

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE IS A LINE FROM THE POEM “ THE R I M E O F T H E A N C I E N T M A R I N E R ” A N D T H AT P R E T T Y M U C H SUMS UP BERMUDA — THOUGH POETRY IN MOTION BETTER S U M S U P T H E O PT I O N S .

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he island’s most stunning natural resource pretty much surrounds you, making it easy to explore — no need for Lara Croft or Indiana Jones–style intrepid treks to find it. What can be intrepid is how you enjoy the waters in and around the island, such as a deep dive under the waves or zooming around on scorchingly fast powerboats. Or you can just kick back with a cruise. Regardless of your thrill tolerance, Bermuda’s waters have you covered.

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Skim the Surface One good way to kick off an exploration of Bermuda’s waves is by hiring a charter boat, with either a sail or motor power. Who better than an experienced captain to navigate Bermuda’s waters and highlight the stunning sights and the best places to snorkel, swim or cliff jump? In Bermuda, charters seem to fit every mood or experience, such as cocktail cruises at sunset, Champagne cruises under the full moon, daytime rides in glassbottom boats to spy sea life or seasonal treks to see the magical glow-worms or catch a glimpse of

Image courtesy of Traveler Charters

THE SPORTING LIFE

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humpback whales migrating past the island.

For those ready to captain their own vessel, there are several watersports outlets that rent boats, offering you the opportunity to explore Bermuda’s hidden bays and beaches along the roughly 64 miles of coastline.

Depending on your needs, you’ll find a vessel to fit them: Bermuda has boats that range in size from 23-foot pontoon boats that take up to 13 people, as well as 13- and 16-foot Boston Whalers for smaller gatherings and couples.

Reel Fun Ever dreamed of catching the big one? You don’t have to go too far — no more than a mile offshore — before you’re in for some exciting action. Whether you’re a novice or veteran fisherman, the island’s knowledgeable fishing captains will provide you with a fishing experience like no other. Haul in game fish such as wahoo, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, amberjack, rainbow runner and mahi mahi. Or experience the thrill of hooking a famous blue marlin. There are both full- and three-quarter-day charters available, and pick-up locations can be arranged to best suit passengers.

BOOK IT ALL WITH US! www.islandtourcentre.com 441-236-1300 visitbermudanow.com

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THE SPORTING LIFE

BY SARAH SEKULA

 DID YOU KNOW? Teddy Tucker discovered more than 100 shipwrecks in Bermuda waters and was a founding member of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

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hilst there are an estimated 3 million shipwrecks worldwide, only about 1 percent of them have actually been explored. This rough estimate includes vessels from all stages of human history and ranges from warships and submarines to dug-out canoes. Bermuda, of course, has plenty of shipwrecks with tales to tell. In fact, it has more shipwrecks per square mile than anywhere else in the world.

Many have called the waters surrounding Bermuda the “Isle of Devils,” thanks to the reefs that led to the demise of many ships over the years. Today, visitors can easily dive or snorkel more than 40 sunken ships that date all the way back to the 1600s. Here are some sunken ships that are worth learning about — and exploring.

THE HERMES One of Bermuda’s most popular shipwrecks, the Hermes can be found about a mile from Horseshoe Bay. One of the reasons it is so popular is that fact that it’s almost

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THE MARY CELESTE Back in 1864, the Mary Celestia, a paddle steamer and Civil War blockade-runner, sank after leaving port in Bermuda. Carrying ammunition, rifles, beef and bacon, it ran aground on a reef. However, everyone on board, except for the ship’s cook, survived. Some experts think that the Bermuda pilot guiding the boat during this time had something to do with wrecking the ship. But no one can say for sure. Today the ship rests at approximately 55 feet off the South Shore, with one of the paddlewheel frames sticking upright. Sections of the bow and stern, boilers, and anchor are also visible.

THE NORTH CAROLINA On its way from Bermuda to England, the North Carolina’s 250-foot-long English iron hull sank on New Year’s Day in 1880. These days, the classic sailing ship is quite an impressive spectacle, sitting upright next to the main body of one of Bermuda’s comprehensive barrier reefs. The bow and stern are still fairly intact, but the mid-section has collapsed. Divers can flipper-kick their way through the ship’s large iron ribs.

Image courtesy of Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute

SHIPWRECKS AND TREASURES

completely intact. It sits upright in about 80 feet of water. Built during World War II, it came to Bermuda decades later as a Panamanian freighter with engine trouble. Fast-forward to 1985 and it was sunk as an artificial reef a mile off the South Shore. Divers can explore the 156-foot steel-hulled ship from the cargo hold to the wheelhouse, then to the galley, the winch and the mast on the deck.

THE IRISTO This Norwegian freighter, which sank in 1937, is often called Bermuda’s most unlucky ship because, the crazy thing is, it actually sank due to another shipwreck. The captain of the 250-foot-long ship thought he was following another ship down the channel, the Cristóbal Colón, but the Cristóbal itself was already wrecked hard aground on the reef. By the time he realised his mistake, it was too late and his ship was also claimed by the reef. These days, the ship has loads of beautiful coral attached to it, and its fire engine, propeller and boilers are all still visible.

HMS VIXEN Located on the west side of the island, this partially submerged wreck can be visited on one of the many tour boats that visit from Royal Naval Dockyard. Sunk in 1896 as a block ship to defend Dockyard, it is now home to hundreds of hungry bream, chub and snapper, as well as the occasional black grouper.

Because it’s in a well-protected part of the island, conditions are typically great for a boat, kayak or Jet Ski visit; and beautiful snorkelling with tame turtles is not far away in front

JET SKI ADVENTURES

of Long Bay Somerset. Turtles are protected, so look closely but don’t touch.

THE CRISTÓBAL COLÓN Not to be left out, we return to the 499-footlong Cristóbal Colón that contributed to the sinking of the Iristo. The Cristóbal is the largest known shipwreck off the shores of Bermuda. In 1932 it was a beauty and one of the most advanced liners of its time. That all came to an abrupt end when it hit a coral reef in 1936.

Because the ship sat in an upright position for years, the contents of the upper decks were well preserved. Those finds, including chapel doors, pianos and sets of Spanish silverware, were sold at auction. Keep an eye out: Many older Bermuda homes now house these historic furnishings. The wreckage can be found dotting a 100,000-square-foot area on the ocean floor. The ship is now covered with an incredible array of marine life.

TREASURE LIES HERE In 1955, Teddy Tucker was searching the Wreck of the San Pedro when he noticed a big plank. He lifted it and underneath was a gold cross festooned with beautiful carvings.

He turned it over to find emeralds embedded on it. Seven emeralds, in fact, each the size of a musket ball. Today, a hologram of the 22-karat gold cross, known as Tucker’s Cross, can be seen at the Ocean Discovery Centre at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).

Why the hologram? A thief snatched the cross in 1975 and replaced it with a plastic replica. Sadly, the stolen cross was never retrieved. Over his lifetime, Tucker discovered more than 100 shipwrecks in Bermuda waters and was a founding member of the BUEI. Experts say it’s hard to determine the value of the cross today, but when the cross was found, it was said to be the single most valuable piece of treasure recovered from a shipwreck.

Although Tucker’s Cross is arguably the most remarkable find, other treasures have been recovered over the years. In 1942, the Constellation sank. Divers have recovered coffee cups, nail polish bottles, ceramic tiles, bottles, lead crucifixes and yo-yos. They also found radios, barrels of crockery and medicinal drugs like iodine, penicillin and morphine.

The Eagle sank in 1658 and left behind loads of clay pipes likely used for tobacco.

PONTOON & BOAT RENTALS

BANANA BOATING & TUBING

BERMUDA’S #1 WATERSPORTS COMPANY FOR FUN AND ADVENTURE

PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS & TOURS

PARASAILING

TO U R S • R E N TA LS • C H A RT E R S

• Rated #1 in Jet Ski Tours by visitors and locals alike.

(Several Jet Ski Adventures to choose from + private tours) • Charter your own private boat with Captain (23ft to 55ft) Swim, snorkel, cruise, spot turtles, visit a beach, and more.

• Parasail above Bermuda’s turquoise waters & coral reefs.

• Plan your very own adventure on one of our Boston Whaler Boats, Pontoon Boats, Kayaks or SUP rentals.

• 4 Locations • Banana Boat Adventures for the ultimate fun • Reservations are advised • Open daily from 8am-7pm

www.kswatersports.com

Call 441.232.4155 or BOOK ONLINE on Website

SNORKELING TOURS

Dockyard • Southampton • Hamilton • St George’s

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THE SPORTING LIFE

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www.sailbermuda.com I info@sailbermuda.com I 441-737-2993

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Getting Under Underneath all the exciting water activities there’s another world just waiting to be explored. If you’re looking to keep close to shore, many beaches have concessions that rent snorkel equipment; and there’s no shortage of interesting sea life to discover, including brightly coloured parrotfish and friendly yellow and black-striped sergeant majors. There are loads of ways to make a beach day fun, and many concessions also offer Boogie boards, kayaks, paddleboards and beach toys. Or, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, take a tour out to North Rock — located at the northern edge of Bermuda’s

Images courtesy of Sail Bermuda

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CUSTOM PRIVATE CHARTERS

Thrill Seeking Ride the wild side on a high-speed hydrofoil catamaran or hang on the back of a Banana Split boat. Each of these options offers a thrilling way to sightsee while leaving you with an adventure to remember.

If that’s not exciting enough, try a high-flying parasailing tour to get a panoramic view of the island and a glimpse at the many reefs that adorn the crystal-clear water. Or you can ratchet a water-based charter tour up a notch and get your adrenaline pumping by giving one of Bermuda’s favourite pastimes — cliff jumping — a try. This kind of tour takes you to one of the small islands in the Great Sound, where you can explore your inner daredevil via a variety of heights to jump from.

Back on the water, renting a Jet Ski or heading out on a Jet Ski tour can be just the thrill you seek and perfect for a family outing. Other great family-friendly fun on the water includes renting a stand-up paddleboard, a Hydrobike or either a single or double kayak to paddle around at a slower pace. A guided kayak tour can uncover some of Bermuda’s most spectacular coastal creatures, including the much-loved Bermuda Longtail; and a glassbottomed kayak will make it easy to see a variety of coral, colourful fish and turtles.

Image courtesy of Castaway Charters

reef platform. There you’ll find ancient coral reef and larger fish species that call the further reaches of the coral reefs home. For those looking to scuba dive, there are PADI diving lessons available at several locations on the island. Then you can set out on a scuba tour to explore Bermuda’s abundant historic shipwrecks.

Need help deciding which activities are best for you? Check out Island Tour Centre’s website, chockfull of tours and other adventures; or visit them in Royal Naval Dockyard or Hamilton and let the experts help you make the most of your time in Bermuda. Visitors can also stop by one of the Visitor Services Centres located in the City of Hamilton, Royal Naval Dockyard or the Town of St. George. Check with the helpful staff, which provides insider knowledge about Bermuda and all it has to offer. You can also pick up the new Map Guide to help you navigate the island during your travels.

Summer 2020 will also feature: • ATV tours • Go karts • Paddle Boards

• Paddle Boats • Inflatable Sports Arena • and more!

Funworx Bermuda aims to provide affordable fun for locals and tourists alike. Our broad range of water and land activities will guarantee a day of endless fun and excitement. Glide through the Bermudaful waters on our pedal driven Hydrobikes (a local and tourist favorite) or enjoy a sunset tour on our clear bottom single or double seated kayaks. Want to stay on land? Try our URB-E Electric scooters- a new and innovative way to explore the island. These guided scooter tours are fun, informative and picturesque.

08 Coopers Island Road, St. David’s, Bermuda | 1 441-595-2925

funworxbermuda

funworx bermuda

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THE SPORTING LIFE

With so many sporting adventures to fill your itinerary, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in Bermuda. Here are our top picks for what to do.

ANA LUNA CATAMARAN Grotto Bay Beach Resort 11 Blue Hole Hill, Bailey’s Bay Tel: 504-3780 Website: analunaadventures.com

“Adventures in Paradise” sums up the Ana Luna Catamaran experience. Built in France, Ana Luna is an ideal blend of stunning good looks along with strength and well-thought-out functionality. At 45 feet in length, she can accommodate up to 40 guests

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for private functions and group cruises.

By night, Ana Luna sleeps eight guests in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms.

Ana Luna Catamaran has become very well known for signature groups cruises.

Please surf analunaadventures.com for extensive info with click to book reservations. Cruises include Champagne Sunset Cruise, Sail, Snorkel and Swim & Glow-Worms Safari. Popular are several new sunset dinner cruises in both semiformal and casual settings. Ana Luna is a long-time fixture at the beautiful Grotto Bay Resort on the east end of the island.

Weekend sailings are from Hamilton, with weekly sailings between the two locations. The Ana Luna team is very proud to feature two of Bermuda’s most likeable crewmembers, Neitra Dill and Terry Mahoney. They never stop helping guests find their bliss, and their smiles belong to their warm Bermudian personalities (and most of their stories are true)!

BERMUDA FUN GOLF WORLD’S NO. 1 MINIATURE GOLF COURSE Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 400-7888 Website: fungolf.bm

Situated on an acre of oceanfront property, Bermuda Fun Golf features 18 challenging holes whose design was inspired by famous holes in golf courses in the U.S., Scotland and Bermuda. With incredible ocean views and the Caddy Shack Bar & Grill, this mini golf course is a casual gathering place for golfers, non-golfers or those that simply appreciate great food. Enjoy the island’s best views of Bermuda’s spectacular sunsets from their elevated terrace. After dark, play a round of “glow in the dark” night golf. Putt a round of miniature golf with them today or stop by the best 19th Hole in Bermuda for a bite to eat and a locally brewed craft beer. This is the perfect

Image courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority

I NSI DE R’ S GUIDE

outing for golf enthusiasts and families.

Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April to October. From November to March, it’s only open on weekends. Bermuda Fun Golf is located next to Snorkel Park Beach through the common archway.

CAPTAIN KIRK’S CORAL REEF ADVENTURES Dockyard Watersports Centre Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 232-KIRK (5475) Website: kirksadventures.com

Captain Kirk’s Coral Reef Adventures offers a huge range of boat tours and private charters. Daily tour options in the summer include snorkelling, glass bottom and sightseeing, fishing, evening cruises, and even a brand-new water park onboard the M/V Longtail!

These tours depart from Royal Naval Dockyard, and there’s an option for any budget or any type of traveller. The fleet is also available for charter; with nine

different boats to choose from — including a brand-new 65-foot catamaran, Good Vibrations — your options are endless. Their smaller boats are perfect for intimate settings, and their larger boats come equipped with a full bar, stereo system, lights and an upper- and lower-deck dance floor for a great party atmosphere. These boats are perfect for celebrating your special events like birthdays, weddings, themed parties and even whale watching. Get in contact to start arranging your dream tour or charter today.

CASTAWAY CHARTERS Tel: 505-0855 Website: castawaybermuda.com

Join a tour or book a private charter. Castaway Charters offers regularly scheduled group snorkel tours and they are available every day for private charters. They operate in the East End of Bermuda and frequent the secluded beaches and sandbars of Castle Island, an area that may be considered the most beautiful place in Bermuda. Experience snorkelling on pristine reefs and ship-

wrecks inside the Nonsuch Island nature preserve or enjoy sunsets whilst hanging out with the turtles in Bailey’s Bay. Please call them for more information or to make a booking.

ELIZABETH Dockyard Watersports Centre Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 232-KIRK (5475) Website: elizabethbermuda.com

MV Elizabeth’s simple elegance sets it amongst the most luxurious destinations in Bermuda, and she is equipped to make your experience both magical and memorable.

Enjoy anything from cocktail parties to corporate meetings whilst taking in the ocean breeze and incomparable views. A DJ, playlist or even a live band — along with a large dance floor — can be arranged to spice up any occasion. Full catering options and an open, transformable space allow you to customise the inside salon and outside deck into everything you’ve envisioned. First-class crew members take care of your every need so you can enjoy a stress-free event. With a

Simple elegance set amongst the most luxurious destinations in Bermuda, the Elizabeth is equipped to make your experience both magical and memorable. Enjoy anything from cocktail parties to corporate meetings while taking in the ocean breeze and incomparable views.

Weddings, team building days, or just a good old-fashioned party: the Elizabeth can host it all.

Raise the standard of any occasion on the Elizabeth, surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Bermuda. call: 441-232-KIRK info@kirksadventures.com www.elizabethbermuda.com

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Image courtesy of TABS — The Authentic Bermuda Shorts/Gavin Howarth

huge variety of adjustable seating options, four bathrooms, an 80-inch flat-screen TV, a large bar and a swim platform with ladder, the Elizabeth is designed to accommodate any size group with comfort and style. Weddings, team building days or just a good oldfashioned party: the MV Elizabeth can host it all. Raise the standard of any occasion on the MV Elizabeth, surrounded by the crystalblue waters of Bermuda.

FUNWORX BERMUDA 908 Coopers Island Rd., St. David’s Tel: 595-2925 Facebook: facebook.com/funworxbermuda Instagram: @funworkbermuda

Funworx Bermuda aims to provide affordable fun for locals and tourists alike. Their broad range of water and land activities will guarantee a day of endless fun and excitement. Glide through the Bermudaful waters on their pedal-driven Hydrobikes, which are a local and tourist favourite, or enjoy a sunset tour on their clear-bottom single- or double-seated kayaks. Want to stay on land?

Try their URB-E electric scooters, a new and innovative way to explore the island. These guided scooter tours are fun, informative and picturesque. Funworx features ATV tours, go-karts, paddleboards, paddleboats and an inflatable sports arena, to name just a few.

HAKUNA MATATA CHARTERS Tel: 505-1611 Website: hmcharters.com

Welcome to Hakuna Matata Charters, Bermuda’s top charter boat. A 51-foot custom Carolina, Hakuna Matata will get you out to the fishing grounds fast and in comfort.

With over 55 years of experience between Captain Scott Barnes and his father Michael Barnes, their team knows how to get you on the fish! Hakuna Matata Charters also offers cruising charters; birthday, booze cruise with friends, office party or just a fun day out on the beautiful waters of Bermuda.

Hakuna Matata will give you the best day on the water with the best crew and on the best charter boat in Bermuda. Hakuna Matata: it means no worries!

Website: islandtourcentre.com

This is Bermuda’s No. 1 provider of recreational sightseeing tours, activities and charters. With over 25 years of local tour experience, countless options, easy online reservations and conveniently located booking offices, Island Tour Centre is the first stop for your best Bermuda vacation experience ever. Choose from unbeatable diving and snorkelling opportunities, award-winning eco- and adventure tours,

leisurely sightseeing excursions, informative island explorations, heart-racing thrill rides and boat cruises to suit every taste imaginable. If you prefer to explore on your own, their knowledgeable staff can assist you with boat rentals and private charter options — from Boston Whalers to yachts, they have it all. Visit their website, call or drop by their booking office, which is conveniently located within walking distance of the bus, ferry and Dockyard cruise ship terminals.

IT MEANS NO WORRIES

So come with us and enjoy a care-free, relaxing, and exciting charter experience.

hmcharters.com Tel: 505-1611 FISHING CHARTER HOURS Full Day: 6:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

3/4 Day: 7:00a.m. - 2:30p.m.

@HakunaMatataFishingBermuda

@hakuna_matata_charters

hourly cruising charters also available

Book Traveler, experience the difference.

441 705 6326 · charters@travelerbermuda.com · travelerbermuda.com

Customized Private Charters · Snorkeling · Cliff Jumping · Explore Shipwrecks · On-Deck Massage · Gourmet Dining

ISLAND TOUR CENTRE Hamilton Ferry Terminal Dockyard Watersports Centre Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 236-1300 visitbermudanow.com

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THE SPORTING LIFE K.S. WATERSPORTS (ADVENTURE TOURS, RENTALS & CHARTERS) Dockyard Watersports Centre Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 441-238-4155 Fairmont Southampton Hotel Waterlot Inn Dock Middle Rd., Southampton Tel: 441-236-4155 Hamilton Princess & Beach Club Located at the Hamilton Princess Marina 76 Pitts Bay Rd., Pembroke Tel: 441-232-4155 On the Waterfront of The White Horse Pub & Restaurant 8 King’s Square, St. George’s Tel: 441-297-4155 E-mail: info@kswatersports.com Website: kswatersports.com

Jet Ski Tours & Safaris: Experience the thrill of a lifetime on one of K.S. WaterSports’ amazing Jet Ski Adventures, which are rated as one of the best tours and fun activities to do in Bermuda by visitors and locals alike. Splash and dash throughout Bermuda’s aqua-blue waters as their friendly, fun and knowledgeable guides show you some of the best places to see on the water, plus point out many historic landmarks, too. Some of their Jet Ski Adventures even stop off at a shipwreck to feed fish, at a pink sandy beach area for a short swim, explore hidden coves to spot sea turtles and wildlife or to snorkel vibrant coral reefs and discover underwater marine life. Lowest Jet Ski rates in Bermuda plus several Jet Ski Adventures to choose, which are perfect for beginners and the experienced jet skier. As the leader in Jet Ski tours across Bermuda, enjoy an unmatched level of service, the best Jet Ski models and newest equipment to

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use, not to mention the most fun and thrills you and your family will have on the water.

Two-hour, three-hour and half-day private Jet Ski tours are available as well for groups of all sizes. Instructions provided to all participants to ensure a safe and memorable experience. All ages welcome. Must be 16 years or older (by law) to drive a Jet Ski. Parasailing: Fancy something a little more daring and exciting? Then experience the high-flying thrill, panoramic views and pure excitement of parasailing. Soar over Bermuda’s crystal-clear waters on board the Thrill Seeker. This powerful winch boat allows you to take off and land without getting wet, unless, of course, you request a dip. The professional crew assures you a safe and memorable experience. Suitable for ages 5 years or older.

Banana Boat Adventures: Looking for the ultimate thrill ride and funin-the-sun adventure? Then hop aboard the

inflatable banana and be pulled by our highspeed boat around the Great Sound, getting faster and faster with every turn. You’ll be surrounded by spectacular views and turquoise waters, but you’ll probably be more concentrated on holding on tight while your banana boat bounces on the waves and twists and turns on this adrenaline-packed ride! This activity is affordable, fun for all ages and great for groups and families looking to have a fantastic time on the water.

Seats 12 persons in total (6 on each side).

Snorkeling Excursions: Are you the adventurous type and want to explore Bermuda from below the water?

Then join one of their popular two-stop snorkeling boat excursions or two-hour Jet Ski & Snorkel Safaris, which are great for beginners and experienced snorkelers who want to explore Bermuda’s amazing underwater marine life and vibrant coral reefs.

Quality snorkel gear is provided for all snorkel excursions, plus private snorkeling tour options are available upon request. Group

Image courtesy of K.S. WaterSports

Get ready to have the time of your life with K.S. WaterSports, Bermuda’s No. 1 watersports company for fun and adventure, and awarded the TripAdvisor “Certificate Of Excellence” 5 years in a row plus the “Hall Of Fame” Award in 2019. They offer Jet Ski tours, parasailing, boat and pontoon rentals, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling excursions, banana boat adventures and private boat charters/tours from four convenient locations across Bermuda.

sizes on board are smaller compared to other tour operators, which give you a more personalised snorkeling experience.

Pontoon & Boat Rentals: Looking to plan your very own adventure? Then rent one of their brand-new 13-foot or 16-foot Boston Whaler boats or their larger 23-foot pontoon boats. Whether half day or full day, beginner or experienced driver, their instructors will have you up and ready to captain your own boat in no time, so you can head out on the water and explore Bermuda at your own pace and leisure. A detailed map with routes and points of interest to see is provided with every boat rental. Enjoy quality boats at the best rates.

Private Boat Charters: Are you looking for that amazing Bermuda on-thewater experience? Then privately charter one of their premium charter boats ranging from 23 feet to 55 feet long, which are perfectly priced for groups, families and friends who want to relax, cruise, have fun and explore Bermuda’s waters, islands and beaches in style and comfort. Swim, snorkel, cliff jump, tour the coastline, picnic, spot sea turtles and more. Your dedicated captain will customise your charter experience to suit all your needs.

THE SEAT OF A SMATT’S CYCLE IS THE BEST WAY TO SEE THE ISLAND — GUARANTEED!

Hamilton Princess & Beach Club 74 Pitts Bay Rd., Pembroke 295-1180

Fairmont Southampton Resort South Shore Rd., Southampton 238-7800

smattscyclelivery.com

Kayaks & Paddle Board Rentals: For something a little slower paced and still very fun and exciting, try renting one of their brand-new kayaks and paddleboards (SUP), which are perfect for all ages and skill levels.

For adventure tours, rentals and private boat charter reservations, please call or book online on their website. Reservations are advised.

TRAVELER CHARTERS BERMUDA Tel: 705-6326 Website: travelerbermuda.com

Whether it’s celebrating family and friends or corporate entertaining, Traveler is the perfect choice for cruising Bermuda’s waters in comfort and style.

Formerly owned by a local Bermudian head of state, Traveler has a fascinating legacy. Beautifully crafted details and classic design set the stage for a magical escape that treats all the senses. Charters are fully customisable. Snorkel local shipwrecks and, if feeling brave enough, you can try cliff diving. Or maybe you can do some reef fishing in preparation for lunch! Romantics can enjoy heavenly sunset cruising with cocktails and canapés, followed by an amazing chef’s table dinner. Book a charter aboard Traveler and experience the difference!

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Image courtesy of FlyHigh Media

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pportunities for adventure on land are all part of Bermuda’s charm. Whether you’re looking to get active outdoors or you want to watch all the action, there are plenty of activities to choose from.

Par for the Course With six world-class courses, stunning views, challenging fairways and a temperate climate to work on your swing year-round, it’s no wonder Bermuda is known as a golfer’s paradise. Many of the courses have been designed by world-renowned course designers and over the years have hosted golf celebrities such as Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson. Bermuda’s golf courses are regularly praised for their beauty and stimulating game by major outlets such as Golf Digest and Travel + Leisure. The former St. George’s Golf Course reopened in May 2021 at the St. Regis Bermuda Resort. The course will total about 3,600 yards and will be par 60. With more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world, there’s no shortage of interesting play in Bermuda, whether you’re trying to challenge yourself with tough holes or looking to line up shots against jaw-dropping backdrops — or both.

Along with courses ranked amongst some of the best in the world, there are opportunities to watch some exciting major tournaments on the island, including the official PGA TOUR Pro-Am Bermuda Championship event, which takes place at the Port Royal Golf Course from October 25-31, 2021. Not only is the event compelling for spectators who can see some of the PGA professional players in action, but the course also features some of the most stunning backdrops of any golf course in the world, with dramatic cliffs and the variegated blues off the coast of the South Shore.

There are also several annual tournaments open to amateur players that take place at a variety of the

different clubs on the island, including the Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship (now known as the Dark ’n Stormy World Par 3 Championship) that took place in March, and the Goslings International Invitational tentatively scheduled for November 16-19, 2021. The Bermuda Goodwill Tournament, which takes place in December, was established in 1953 and is one of the world’s longest running Pro-Am golf tournaments that sees teams comprised of one club professional and three amateur club members travel to Bermuda to golf and enjoy all that Bermuda has to offer.

And if you’re looking for a more a relaxing, family-friendly round of match play, Bermuda Fun Golf at Royal Naval Dockyard is an 18-hole mini golf course designed as replicas of some world-famous courses from the U.S., Bermuda and Scotland. Test your skills on Pebble Beach, California’s iconic par-3 Hole 7 or Scotland’s Gleneagle’s par-4 Hole 13. And just like on the 19th hole of a traditional golf course, after your hole-in-one you can celebrate with a locally brewed craft beer at the Caddy Shack Bar & Grill and enjoy panoramic sunset views.

Along with courses ranked amongst some of the best in the world, there are opportunities to watch some exciting major tournaments on the island.

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THE SPORTING LIFE THE MID OCEAN CLUB Tucker’s Town, St. George’s Tel: 293-0330 themidoceanclubbermuda.com

Highlights: Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald in 1921 and modified to its current design by Robert Trent Jones.

6,520 yards / Par 71 / 18 holes NEWSTEAD BELMONT HILLS GOLF RESORT & SPA 27 Harbour Rd., Paget Tel: 236-6060 newsteadbelmonthills.com

Highlights: Bermuda’s only double green at 14,000 square feet. Entirely renovated in 2002.

6,100 yards / Par 70 / 18 holes OCEAN VIEW GOLF COURSE 2 Barkers Hill Rd., Devonshire Tel: 295-9092 oceanviewgolfclub.com

Highlights: Features 18 different tee positions that are set for a tricky par 70 so you can better your front nine on your second round.

2,940 yards / Par 35 / 9 holes PORT ROYAL GOLF 5 Port Royal Rd., Southampton Tel: 234-0974 portroyalgolfcourse.com

Highlights: The longest and most picturesque course in all of Bermuda, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and ranked amongst the world’s best public courses.

6,842 yards / Par 71 / 18 holes ST. GEORGE’S GOLF COURSE

Currently in the works is the reopening of the former St. George’s Golf Course at the end of 2020.

The course will total about 3,600 yards and will be par 60.

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TUCKER’S POINT GOLF COURSE 60 Tucker’s Point Dr., Hamilton Parish Tel: 298-6970 tuckerspoint.com/club/golf/

Highlights: Originally designed by Charles H. Banks in 1932, enhanced by Roger Rulewich in 2002.

6,491 yards / Par 70 / 18 holes TURTLE HILL GOLF CLUB SOUTHAMPTON Tel: 238-8000 101 South Rd., Southampton fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda/golf

Highlights: Winner of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play Golf,” designed to take your short game to new heights.

2,873 yards / Par 54 / 18 holes MINI GOLF COURSES BERMUDA FUN GOLF Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 400-7888 fungolf.bm

Highlights: Features 18 challenging holes designed after famous golf courses in the U.S., Scotland and Bermuda.

“Glow in the dark” night golf is also offered.

THE BERMUDA GOLF ACADEMY & DRIVING RANGE 12 Industrial Park Rd., Southampton Tel: 238-8880 facebook.com/TheBermuda-Golf-Academy-499499306788190

Highlights: Great for the whole family. Take private lessons or brush up on your drive. 320-yard driving range/ 18 holes of miniature golf adventure course

More Moves to Make Bermuda is also an ideal place to run. Between September and June, there are races almost every weekend, some as short as a 5K and others more challenging, like the Bermuda Triple Challenge during Bermuda Race Weekend in January, which includes 1 mile, 10K and a half- or full marathon. For those just looking to squeeze in a few miles between beach days, take in some of the beautiful views, especially along the South Shore, or challenge yourself to running along the sandy beach paths that connect Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay. Another great way to enjoy the beach is by horseback. Trail rides with experienced riding instructors are perfect for a fun family adventure takes you along some breathtaking coastlines.

For fans of tennis, the island is the perfect spot to knock out a couple of sets. Along with courts at many hotels, the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium, just on the outskirts of the City of Hamilton, is open to visitors to book the court throughout the week.

Enjoy the Spectacle Bermuda is also well known for hosting its fair share of spectator sports, so if you’re looking to check out the action — whether it’s cricket, soccer, rugby or athletics — there’s plenty to choose from.

The most popular yearly spectator sport falls during the two-day holiday in the summer. The Cup Match Classic, which will take place on July 30 and 31, 2020, sees the east and west end rivalries battle it out on the cricket pitch. Whilst cricket is certainly taken seriously in Bermuda, the party during the game adds to the event’s lively atmosphere.

Another yearly fixture sees classic rugby players from several nations, including Canada, New Zealand, France and the U.K. back on the pitch during the World Rugby Classic, which will take place November 8-14, 2020, at the National Sports Centre. Throughout the year the Bermuda National Football team also hosts home games against their CONCACAF rivals.

Image courtesy of TABS — The Authentic Bermuda Shorts/Gavin Howarth

ISLAND GOLF COURSES

BY SARAH SEKULA

A LOCAL ATHLETE WITH WORLDLEVEL SKILLS CONTINUES TO MAKE

Images courtesy of Flora Duffy (3)

HER MARK.

W

hen Flora Duffy crossed the finish line in the XTERRA World Championship held on Maui October 2019, she became the first elite athlete to win the ultra-challenging race five times. In a matter of 2 hours, 49 minutes, 24 seconds, she conquered the 1-mile rough-water swim, the 19.2-mile bike trail (which involves a lot of uphill climbing) and the 6.5-mile run (which also includes a heavy dose of uphill action).

“It’s something I never thought I would achieve in my career,” she says. “My background is primar-

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By A nd re a M i l a m

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PARADISE T H R I L L S E E K E R S , H I S TO R Y B U F F S , VI S I T O R S WH O C R AVE C U LTU R E ,

FA M I L I E S AND CO UPL E S I N S E ARCH O F RO M ANCE WI L L AL L FI ND PL E NTY TO DO AM O NGST BE RM UDA’ S ABUNDANCE O F ACTIVI TI E S AND AT TRACTI O NS .

Image courtesy of Bermuda Tourism Authority

BERMUDA’S IRON LADY

ily racing triathlon on the road. I really enjoyed mixing it up on the trails and being exposed to a completely different community within the triathlon space.”

The race begins with a difficult ocean swim, then the course zigzags up and down the West Maui Mountains and, for the grand finale, athletes must run a forest trail that involves a lot of uneven terrain and ends with a tough slog through deep sand. “There was a tough swell that morning, but that added to the excitement of the race,” she says.

“The toughest part for me was probably the run because I was coming back off of my foot injury. So, I was just a little cautious and nervous.”

Despite the nerves, she came in first. Born and raised in Bermuda, Duffy was part of the local swim club, ran every road race she could and became really involved in the cycling scene. She says that pretty much sums up her childhood. “Bermuda is a great place to train,” she says. “It’s small, but there is a great cycling scene. There’s a 50-metre pool next to the track. There are trails to run on [and] a really great cycling community.”

After winning the Ironman 70.3 South Africa, the three-time Olympian decided to skip the ITU World Triathlon Series to focus on the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics, set for July 23 to August 8.

Bermuda 2021/22 P. O. Box HM 3357 City of Hamilton, HM PX Bermuda Tel: 703-4300 visitbermudanow.com heidijanepike@yahoo.com Official Activities Guide of the Bermuda Hotel Association Cover photo by Meredith Andrews

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ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS Come within a whisker of our animals!

Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo Bermuda Zoological Society 40 North Shore Road, Flatts FL 04 www.bzs.bm 441-293-2727