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* St. George's Parish -
Town of St. George and the island of St. David's across its harbor. *
Hamilton Parish - Crystal Caves and Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo.
*
Smith's Parish - Flatts Village, Spittal Pond Nature Preserve and Devil's
Hole Aquarium. *
Devonshire Parish - The quiet parish. *
Pembroke Parish - City of Hamilton *
Paget Parish - Numerous resorts, Elbow Beach, Bermuda Botanical Gardens and
Paget Marsh for bird watching. *
Warwick Parish - Golf, horseback riding and the island's best cliffs.
*
Southampton Parish - The best beaches and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. * Sandys (pronounced: Sands) Parish - The Royal Naval Dockyard fortress and
shops, Somerset Village, Fort Scaur, Gilbert Nature Reserve and some fine
beaches.
HAMILTON PARISH
This parish is surrounded by water. It wraps
around scenic
Harrington Sound,
Bermuda's largest inland body of water. The sound
is bordered to the south by Bermuda's most exclusive
golf course, to the north by Bailey's Bay and to the
west by Flatts Village. Peppered around the rest of the
sound are fine upscale homes in enviable settings.
On the surface Harrington Sound has the appearance of a
calm lake, but it is in fact a saltwater bay, connected
to the sea by a narrow inlet at Flatts. In the village
of Flatts, you'll find the island's most-visited
sightseeing attraction; environmentally distinguished
and superbly presented, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum &
Zoo. The village's quirky railway museum can also be
fun.
The parish's second village, Bailey's Bay, is a
geographic wonder potholed with grand limestone
caves and caverns. Virtually every place in Bailey's
Bay seems to center around them. A trail through the
village's Blue Hole Park winds along a series of
caverns; the Grotto Bay Hotel has two awesome caves
right on its grounds; and if you want to see the
champion of them all, there's mammoth Crystal Caves
which can be visited on a guided tour.
Beaches are few in the parish, but Shelly Bay Park
is a popular family spot as the waters are shallow
and there is a cool playground and decent
snorkeling. Kayaking, sailing and diving are all
available at the Grotto Bay Hotel. Or, for a
uniquely Bermudian underwater adventure, consider a
helmet dive with Bermuda Bell Diving in Flatts.
Crystal Caves and Fantasea Caves
-
Farther west, in the little village of Flatts, are the Crystal Caves and
Fantasea Caves. Their underground limestone formations are accessible by
floating pontoon walkways. The Crystal Caves Bermuda has an amazing story
behind its discovery. In 1905, Carl Gibbons and Edgar Hollis, two 12
year old boys, ventured out in search of their lost cricket ball and in the
process discovered a marvel of nature; the Crystal Caves. When the Wilkinson family, owners of
the property since 1884, learned of this discovery, they immediately set
about exploring the cave. Mr. Percy Wilkinson lowered his fourteen-year-old
son Bernard with a bicycle lamp into the cave on 140 feet of strong rope
tied to a tree!
What Bernard saw was “Crystal Caves” a silent world of delicate splendor -
magnificent crystal stalactites and stalagmites surrounding a clear lake of
55 feet deep. This exquisite world that Mother Nature began over 30 million
years ago
was named after the crystal clear water
that fills the caves. The clarity is so perfect that it is possible to see
the cave floor, which at one point lies 55 feet below the water’s surface.
Deep pools of water hint at the underlying network of passageways connecting
the cave with the ocean. Fantasy Cave is one of Bermuda’s “must see” natural
wonders.
The summer of 2001 marked the celebration of the re-opening of Crystal’s
sister, “Fantasy Cave”. This cave had been discovered and developed as a
show cave in 1907. Two caves so different from each other that the
difference itself is another of Mother Nature’s incredible natural wonders. Fantasy Cave is a virtual jewel box filled from top to bottom
with formations. Rare chandelier clusters of soda straw formations adorn the
ceilings in great abundance. Entire walls are covered in calcite mineral
deposits that resemble frozen waterfalls. It has now been exquisitely
re-illuminated, and all of the pathways rebuilt. Visitors may now follow the
same exciting trail that visitors of the past traveled.
Guided tours
begin every 30 minutes and visitors will be relieved to know they enter the
cave via an entrance carved into the rock (the guide will point out the hole
the boys used) and down a series of steps. From here, visitors take a tour
of the cave walking on a wooden pontoon constructed over the water.
The guide provides a running commentary on the history and geology of the
cave. Visitors are shown formations that resemble the Manhattan Skyline, the
face of Bob Marley and other familiar images. The cave is full of
illuminated stalagmites and stalactites that have taken millions of years to
form. Sometimes they join to form a single column from floor to ceiling.
Admission is $20 for
each cave (Crystal or Fantasea. $28 for combination) for
adults and $8 for children, ages five to twelve. Children four and under can
visit for free. Souvenirs are available in the gift shop.
Café Ole, located at the caves, serves light meals, snacks and drinks and
the attraction also has a gift shop. Contact them for updated prices and
dates available
http://www.caves.bm/planningYourVisit.html
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo - Also situated in picturesque Flatts Village, is the
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, another of the island's popular tourist
attraction. The whole facility is run by the Bermuda Government but also
supported by the Bermuda Zoological Society and Friends of the Bermuda
Aquarium. The Aquarium of Bermuda has many
small tanks and two large tanks on the either side of the exhibit room that
showcases 200 types of marine species like fish, a shark, sea horses,
octopus and many other marine animals. Bermuda zoo
is small and interesting with animals like Giant Tortoise and
Golden Lion Tamarine Monkey. Once prevalent, but now very few in number,
Green Turtle can be seen near the swimming pool area. Bermuda is now focused
on the Green Turtle project for the conservation of the green turtles.
Inside the Flammingo area, one can catch a glimpse of several migratory
birds. Galapagos Tortoise which were introduced 70 years ago in Bermuda is
another famous animal of the zoo.
A good idea is to time your visit to
coincide with the free daily guided tour (1:10: daily Apr - Sep,
Sat & Sun Oct - Mar). The BAMZ also offers a Curator’s Tour.
Light snacks can be bought at the Peacocks’ Pantry (10:00 –
4:00) but for something more substantial try Rustico in Flatts
Village. There is ample parking opposite the main entrance and
the whole facility is wheelchair accessible. Admission Charges: Adults $10/Senior Citizens
$5/Children (5 to 12 years) $5/Children under 5 free. Open daily
except Christmas Day 9:00am – 5:00pm. Last admission: 4:00pm.
SMITH'S PARISH
Smith’s
Parish is situated on the southern side of Harrington Sound, with sea
frontage
on both the northern and southern shores. It was named after Sir Thomas
Smythe, Bermuda’s patron, and is bordered by Hamilton Parish on the east and
Devonshire Parish on the west.
Its only entrance of
the Sound to the sea is under Flatts Bridge, via Flatts Inlet.
It is known for fishing, swimming, sunfish sailing,
kayaking and viewing. There are lots of bays, caves, cliffs and coves, but
not many beaches. The islands in the parish include Turtle Island. Some are
inhabited year round.
Spittal
Pond Park & Nature Reserve - Spittal
Pond, a 64-acre reserve, is owned by the Bermuda National Trust and
the Bermuda Government’s Department of Agriculture. It is part of wetlands
along the South Shore and Bermuda’s largest nature reserve and bird
sanctuary. It is home to an amazing variety of birds, especially during the
migration seasons. While home to many native and endemic plants, Spittal
Pond has unique features such as Spanish Rock, the oldest evidence of humans
on the island.
Its history began in 1954 when the Legislature authorized the first purchase
of land to be set aside as public open space. It was the first nature
reserve in Bermuda. The reserve - not the pond - is open from dawn until
dusk, with parking. No admission fee. It is jointly maintained by the
Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda Audubon Society and Department of the
Environment which replaced the Department
of Agriculture in 2002.
The brackish pond has a greatly reduced salt content and no permanent
connection with the ocean nearby. It has no tidal range at all. But during
storms, Spittal Pond can become very salty when inundated by the ocean. Like
all brackish ponds, it is unstable.
Lack of dissolved oxygen
is common and many areas of yellow, pink or black sulphur-producing bacteria
can develop, with a nasty smell. It is where wild migratory birds
congregate, especially from November to March. It is the best bird
watching
area in Bermuda.
Devil's Hole
-
Devil's Hole is a charming natural aquarium,
once a subterranean ocean cave. It is fed by the waters of the South
Shore over a mile away, via a winding underground estuary, not those of
Harrington Sound so close by. It got its name when the cave roof collapsed
and the wind rushed through the hole, producing eerie sounds that were
considered by superstitious
people to be the moans of the Devil. Fishermen built walls around it to ward
off the Devil and kept their catch fresh in its cool waters. Passers-by,
curious about what lay behind the walls surrounding the cave, became its
first visitors in the early 1830s. It is Bermuda's oldest tourist
attraction. .
Tucker's Town
- South of Flatts is the private luxury enclave of Tucker's Town,
where various celebrities and other glitterati enjoy wealth, privacy, and
perhaps the best golf course on Bermuda. Tucker's Point Club is
located in Tucker's Town, one of the most-exclusive addresses in the world.
The venerable Mid Ocean Club and the estates of Tucker's Town are the Club's
gracious next-door neighbors. Some of the most exclusive and expensive
property in the world is here, and is the haunt of foreign millionaires,
(including the American billionaire Ross Perot, Michael
Bloomberg, current Mayor of New York City,
and the Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi) attracted to the area by its
climate, surroundings and tax-free status. Access is heavily restricted,
with people who do not live in Tucker's Town generally barred from the
peninsula which extends along the southeastern edge of Castle Harbor.
Pictured
here is Tucker's Town, with the beautiful, expansive Tucker's Point Club
beach in the foreground.
Tucker's Town Peninsula is a
two-mile long peninsula which extends from
the northeastern tip of the main island of Bermuda. Although
separated from it--it is in
St. George's Parish.
Natural Arches Beach is located
at the southern tip of the peninsula, where it joins with
the mainland. This is Bermuda's most famous beach, and was
noted for its natural rock formations and caves until they
were largely destroyed by Hurricane Fabian in 2003.
John Smith's Bay:
The only public beach in Smith's Parish is long and flat. It
boasts the pale pink sand for which the south shore is
famous. There's usually a lifeguard on duty from May to
September -- a plus for families. There are toilet and
changing facilities on-site.
It's
not near any major hotels so is not very well known to
tourists.
It’s named after
Captain John Smith who never set foot on the
island. The captain was one of the early English
colonists in Virginia and was saved by
Pocahontas. Interestingly, Pocahontas went on to
marry John Rolfe who was one of the men aboard
Sir George Somers’ shipwrecked Sea Venture.
PAGET, WARWICK, and SOUTHAMPTON PARISHES
The Beaches -
When you think
of Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches, you're thinking
of the island's south shore. The most famous beach areas
are generally in Paget, Warwick, and Southampton
parishes. The Bermuda beaches tend to have
some tricky rip
currents, so if a lifeguard is not
present, you will want to pay special attention to the
conditions. Portuguese man-of-wars
can present a danger
as well, as these jellyfish-like creatures emit quite a
powerful venom from their dangling tentacles. It’s a
good idea to keep an eye out for them, and since the
water is so clear at the Bermuda beaches, you should be
able spot any in your vicinity.
Among
the best places to visit are:
Elbow Beach:
Elbow Beach in Paget's Parish, is managed by the Mandarin
Oriental Group and in recent years has
undergone massive renovations. All
accommodations, regardless of type, offer
the following facilities as standard: air
conditioning, internet access, mini-bar,
safe, cable TV, radio, iron and board,
hairdryer and umbrella.
Elbow Beach offers a host of dining and
entertainment options.
The Seahorse Grill
serves
contemporary cuisine while
Lido,
located above the beach, serves
Mediterranean-inspired seafood. A casual
dinner under the stars can be enjoyed at
Mickey’s
Beach Bistro
while The
Veranda Bar
serves light snacks
and cocktails. Further choices include their
poolside restaurant,
Blue Point,
and the
Seabreeze Cafe
on the sea terrace. The hotel also has a
nightclub, The Deep, offering an extensive
cocktail and wine list.
The
hotel boasts a good selection of sporting
and recreation facilities. The jewel in its
crown is undoubtedly the beach itself.
Although much of the pink-sanded beach is
open to the public, the hotel has a
significant stretch with lounge chairs,
umbrellas, towels, changing rooms and
showers reserved exclusively for the use of
its guests.
Blue Water Divers and
Watersports
have a concession on the beach and can
arrange diving, snorkeling tours and kayak
rentals.
Those
who don’t fancy the short stroll to the
beach can take a dip in the hotel’s large
pool which is heated during the winter
months. The pool has a children’s end and a
Jacuzzi. The hotel also has a brand new
luxury spa, featuring six individual private
spa suites, and a new state-of-the-art
fitness centre.
A
9-hole putting green
was recently added to the hotel’s facilities
and the concierge is able to arrange tee
times at all of Bermuda’s golf courses
(including the 3 private courses;
Mid Ocean Club,
Riddell’s
Bay Golf and Country Club
and the
Tucker’s Point Club).
Elbow Beach also has
5 tennis courts
with Plexipave
surfaces and 2 of these can be lit at night.
The resort is child friendly and has a Kid’s
Club which operates during the summer
months. Activities on offer include nature
walks, aerobics, face painting, and sand
castle building. The hotel also provides a
babysitting service.
A fleet of taxis waits outside the main
lobby and the hotel sits on a bus route
offering easy access to Hamilton and Royal
Naval Dockyard. Guests wishing to explore
Bermuda at their own pace can
rent a scooter from
the hotel.
Elbow Beach also has a
small collection of
quality shops
including
Crisson Jewelers and the English Sports
Shop.
The Elbow Beach hotel
"claims" the east end of Elbow Beach, but the rest of
the 1/2 mile stretch is public. There is a shower house
in the area for beachgoers' use. Elbow is the closest
beach to the city of Hamilton. Take bus #7.
Warwick Long Bay Beach:
Warwick Long Bay Beach is in
both Warwick and Southampton Parish. The great PLUS for
Warwick Long Bay is that it's kind of deserted. There
are no lifeguards or true beach support items in the
area. And another issue are the riptides at Warwick Long
Bay are notoriously strong, so if you visit the area to
soak up some rays, don't venture far into the surf.
Again, bus #7 is your ticket.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Horseshoe Bay Beach is
probably THE most beautiful stretch of
pink beach on Bermuda's south coast. It is one of
the top ten beaches in the world. Located in
Southampton, Horseshoe Bay offers crystal clear waters,
beautiful fine sand, basic beach area supports such as
lifeguards and beach rental merchants, and even a small
cafe. The water here
can get pretty rough from time to time, which is partly
the reason why there is a lifeguard. Bus
#7 gets you to Horseshoe as well.
As for things to do during your Horseshoe Bay Beach
Bermuda visit, snorkeling is a great idea.
At beach end is Port Royal cove, a snorkeler's lair.
Angel fish and
parrot fish are in good number here, so you can look out
for them and other marine creatures. The concession
stand at Horseshoe Bay Beach offers
snorkeling equipment
that you can rent, and they can also outfit you with
things like beach umbrellas
and
chairs.
There is also a small shop
here selling beach-related wares, such as sun block,
beach towels, and hats. As far as facilities are
concerned, there are nice restrooms, changing rooms, and
showers available. Horseshoe Bay Beach, beach house
serves casual fare that is tasty and convenient. You can
get to Horseshoe Bay by way of moped, taxi, or bus, and
it is on Horseshoe Road, just off of South Shore Road.
The bus ride is an enjoyable one, and inexpensive. If
you don’t want to walk the short path to the beach from
the bus stop (about 5-minutes), there is usually a taxi
there that will take you the rest of the way for a small
fee ($1USD).
Church Bay Beach
There
is also Church Bay Beach, an attractive beach a little
further west of Horseshoe. Church Bay is supposedly a
very good choice for snorkelers. The reef is close to
the shore and many colorful fish gather along it.
A bit off the beaten path, this beach is in an
advantageous position because it blocks the bay from
some of the rougher ocean surf. As a result, the waters
remain calm, allowing for excellent snorkeling. The deep
beach sands are great for digging. A steep path
leads down to the beach. A
concession stand sells snacks and rents snorkel gear.
Jobson's Cove
Another
beautiful beach in Bermuda.
The small
beach at Jobson Cove is enclosed
by craggy cliffs, and the rocks
extend out to sea, creating a
shallow cove pool that is almost
completely disconnected from the
outlying sea.
Protected from the ocean, the
crystal clear waters are
extremely calm. Shallow in most
places and with a sandy bottom
that makes it the perfect place
to let the kids snorkel.
There are no
bathrooms or concessions at
Jobson Cove, though you can
easily walk back down to Warwick
Long Bay and find some.
Bermuda's Railway Trail
Since automobiles were
banned on the island, The House of Assembly passed the Bermuda Railway
Company Act, 1924, giving permission for a company to build a railway
for a gasoline powered locomotive from one end of the island to the
other. The decision was made to run the railway as close to the
shoreline as possible in order to reduce disruption and land acquisition
costs. As a result, the Bermuda Railway had to build 33 bridges and
trestles in its 22-mile length. It would be more than seven years before
trains were actually running. Difficulties in acquiring land and an
endless succession of financial and technical problems led to Bermuda
Assembly granting extension after extension to the Company building and
maintenance and repairs of the many bridges and trestles. Within the
first few years, it had become apparent that significant deterioration
was constantly occuring in the timbers of the Railway's many bridge and
trestles. And...since opening in 1931 it had never made money. As the
years passed, the railway was increasingly unable even to break even.
Finally, in the 1980s, the Bermuda Government converted the abandoned
tracks into a walking and biking trail running almost the entire length
of Bermuda. Much of it is well away from the continuous noise of traffic
on the main roads and a delightful way to see lovely parts of Bermuda
that may otherwise be missed. They offer beautiful sightseeing. It originally ran from Sandys Parish in the west
to St. George's Parish in the east, via the City of Hamilton. Today, the
City, Pembroke and parts of the Devonshire portions no longer exist. In the 1980's the remaining
railroad bed was converted into a walking trail that provides a superb
vantage point for examining all aspects of Bermuda.
Walking the trail is free, and is a good way to see Bermuda on foot or by
pedal cycle and get your exercise at the same time. (No motorized vehicles allowed).
You can get a map and guide from the Visitor's Service Bureau in either
Hamilton or St. George.
frontage
on both the northern and southern shores. It was named after Sir Thomas
Smythe, Bermuda’s patron, and is bordered by Hamilton Parish on the east and
Devonshire Parish on the west.
Its history began in 1954 when the Legislature authorized the first purchase
of land to be set aside as public open space. It was the first nature
reserve in Bermuda. The reserve - not the pond - is open from dawn until
dusk, with parking. No admission fee. It is jointly maintained by the
Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda Audubon Society and Department of the
Environment which replaced the Department
of Agriculture in 2002.
Those
who don’t fancy the short stroll to the
beach can take a dip in the hotel’s large
pool which is heated during the winter
months. The pool has a children’s end and a
Jacuzzi. The hotel also has a brand new
luxury spa, featuring six individual private
spa suites, and a new state-of-the-art
fitness centre. 
There
is also Church Bay Beach, an attractive beach a little
further west of Horseshoe. Church Bay is supposedly a
very good choice for snorkelers. The reef is close to
the shore and many colorful fish gather along it.
A bit off the beaten path, this beach is in an
advantageous position because it blocks the bay from
some of the rougher ocean surf. As a result, the waters
remain calm, allowing for excellent snorkeling. The deep
beach sands are great for digging.
A steep path
leads down to the beach.
