I cannot sing enough praises about my wonderful experience visiting the island nation of Bermuda to participate in the country’s first carnival.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean a mere 650 miles off of the coast of the state of North Carolina, Bermuda is a beautiful island with a moderate climate. Although the country is only 21 miles long (making it the fifth smallest country in the world), it is full of beauty, history, activities, and culture.

During my trip to Bermuda, I spent my days learning about the island’s history and culture, visiting some of their stunning beaches, and eating a lot of delicious food.

Bermuda has so many wonderful things to offer, and here are some of the best things to do during a trip to the country.


Horseshoe Bay Beach

Horseshoe Bay Beach Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay Beach Bermuda

One of my favorite places in Bermuda was the stunning Horseshoe Bay Beach, located in Southhampton Parish. With its beautiful turquoise water and pink sand, this public beach is one of the most famous in the country and has consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world.

* Pro Tip: If you are visiting this beach, bypass the crowded main beach and head past the rocks on the left end of the beach to find seclusion.

Location: Horseshoe Road off of South Road; the beach can be reached by car or Bus #7.

The Reefs

The Reefs Bermuda

The Reefs Bermuda

The beach at the Reefs was another one of my favorite places to spend the afternoon in Bermuda. This picturesque private beach is located in Southhampton Parish and offers free paddle boards, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and lounge chairs to guests.

*Pro Tip: Be aware of the jellyfish (Portuguese Man of War) that are prevalent in the waters in the area.

Location: 56 South Road; The beach is private, however I was able to access the beach after dining at the resort’s Coconuts Restaurant.

Tom Moore’s Jungle

Tom Moores Jungle Bermuda

Tucked away on a tiny road in the center of Bermuda lies a massive 12-acre tree-covered area known as Tom Moore’s Jungle. Filled with lush green plants and seemingly bottomless caves, Tom Moore’s Jungle is a great place to spend an afternoon or a day hiking, swimming, and having a picnic.

Rum Swizzles & Rum Cakes

Rum Swizzle Bermuda

Prior to visiting Bermuda, I only drank rum one or two times in my life. All of that changed when I visited the island nation and I ended up drinking (and eating) rum every single day.

Known affectionately as ‘Bermuda’s National Drink”, a rum swizzle is an alcoholic beverage comprised of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum,Gosling’s Gold Rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, orange juice, and bitters; and it is one of the most amazing drinks on earth (and yes, that is a rum swizzle in my hand at The Reefs pictured above).

While many people pay a visit the Swizzle Inn during their trip to Bermuda, I have personally found the best drinks were either homemade or served at the resorts, hotels, and beaches.

Bermuda Rum Cake

Rum cakes are moist and savory cakes comprised of flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and dark rum. They are produced in a variety of different flavors such as chocolate or coconut, but I stuck with the original.

There are several companies in Bermuda that are famous for their rum cakes including the Bermuda Rum Cake Company and Horton’s, which is the oldest existing rum cake business in the world.

Crystal Clear Water… Everywhere

Tobacco Bay Bermuda

Water near Tobacco Bay

Bermuda is surrounded on all sides by stunning crystal clear water in varying hues. No matter where you go around the country, you will be greeted with picture perfect views of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the bluest water in the world.

St. George

St. Peter's Church St. Georges's

St. Peter’s Church, St. George

St George Bermuda

St George Bermuda

The town of St. George, located on the eastern end of Bermuda in St. George’s Parish, is where the history of Bermuda began in the early 17th century. The first settlers on the island hailed from England and made St. George the capital of the country, which was a title that it held until 1815.

Today, the historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many landmarks including St. Peter’s Church,the oldest Anglican Church in the western hemisphere; and Kings Square, the original main square of the town.

Looking for something to do in St. George? Check out this great guide by Bermuda Tourism.

Sunsets

Bermuda Sunset

Bermuda Sunset

Bermuda Sunset

After watching the sun set in numerous places around the world, I have found that some of the most memorable were in the Philippines, Santorini, and Bermuda.

The sunsets in Bermuda are incredible; they are the kind that make you want to stop time and just stare out at the sun forever.

Dark N Stormy Bermuda

In addition to experiencing all of the things above, I also ate Codfish and Potatoes, a traditional Sunday breakfast in Bermuda, experienced the amazing nightlife on Front Street in the city of Hamilton, and got a taste of the Caribbean influence on the island by participating in Carnival.

The experience was truly amazing and I can see myself returning to Bermuda time and time again in the future.

A special thank you to the Bermuda Tourism Authority by assisting me during my stay by providing transportation around the island.


 

Have you been to Bermuda before? What would you add to this list?