Bermuda for Families

Along with the beautiful scenery, parents will appreciate the many amenities that make Bermuda’s beaches perfect spots for swimmers of all ages, such as lifeguards, gentle waters, and nearby food and restroom facilities. Clearwater Beach, on the eastern end of the island, features shallow water and a 12-acre park with bathrooms and picnic areas. A mangrove tidal pool and easy waves make Shelly Bay a good choice for the smallest of surfers, swimmers, and beachcombers. Horseshoe Bay Beach has lifeguards, showers, restrooms, and a well-stocked concession stand; John Smith’s Bay, Elbow Beach, and Somerset Long Bay are also popular among families. Sea Glass Beach, for reasons made “clear” in its name, is a favorite attraction for busy beachcombing kids.

Bermuda offers several ways for children and adults to get close to marine life. Paddle through the water with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Quest, which offers a wide variety of programs for families. See the dolphins for free with your admission to the National Museum of Bermuda at the Royal Naval Dockyard, or pay an additional fee to swim with them. Snorkel Park Beach, also at the Dockyard, is a protected inlet with a wide variety of colorful fish, coral, and anemones. Older kids may want to test their balance by taking a paddleboard yoga class.

One of the best ways to explore Bermuda is by foot or bike. A former NASA space-shuttle-tracking facility, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is now part of the Bermuda National Parks system. Its salt-marsh habitat is home to birds and endemic fish. Bermuda cedars and palmetto trees, seagrass, cliffs, boulders, coastal plants, and other wildlife can all be seen on hikes around the reserve. You could also rent a bike or lace up your walking shoes for a tour of the Bermuda Railway Trail. A former railroad track, it runs 18 miles through wooded trails and past spectacular overlooks. Portions of the path are paved.

Spend the day making friends with fish and discovering sunken treasures of all shapes and sizes. Offshore reefs offer protection from strong waves while nearby gear-rental shops provide everything you need to check out the waters along Bermuda’s beaches. Snorkel Park Beach, located at the Royal Naval Dockyard, is a stretch of white sand with on-site snorkeling-equipment rentals. A sunken cannon and lots of friendly fish make this a prime spot for even the smallest of swimmers. Located inside a national park, Clarence Cove features a sheltered bay protected by a reef. Church Bay’s reefs are easy to reach and supply many hidden nooks for exploring. The many amenities available at Tobacco Bay make it a particularly convenient and fun snorkel spot.

Primitive punishment devices, massive stone forts, and stories about dragons make the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. George’s a fun day trip for anyone. Bermuda’s capital for more than 200 years, St. George’s was named after the legendary dragon slayer and patron saint of England. A photo at the stocks and pillory of King’s Square is a must-do for squabbling siblings. Modeled after those that once immersed gossiping women in water, the square’s ducking stool is used for reenactments with actors and volunteers. After crossing a drawbridge to enter Fort St. Catherine, young adventurers can explore tunnels, towers, and other remains there. Dating back to 1614, the fort contains replicas of Britain’s crown jewels and antique artillery.

With their stalactites dripping from above and stalagmites rising from the floor, the caves found below the surface of Bermuda provide an otherworldly experience for kids. Discovered by two young boys in 1907, Crystal Cave has a subterranean lake full of clear water. A bridge leads explorers across it while a lighting system allows guests to view the intricate patterns of the mineral deposits that adorn the walls. Located on the same property as Crystal Cave, Fantasy Cave is the smaller of the two. Tours take travelers through both of these mysterious grottoes, and knowledgeable guides share facts on the history and geology of the impressive formations.

Proximity to beaches and attractions, a fun atmosphere, and of course the menu offerings are all key restaurant considerations for parents traveling with children. La Trattoria in Hamilton serves kid-friendly portions of pizza, pasta, and grilled cheese sandwiches as well as sides such as raw vegetables. Choose the takeout option at any number of island eateries and enjoy a picnic on pink sands with the stone fortress of Fort St. Catherine looming in the background. Fish-and-chips and a large game room make the former barrel-making factory of the Frog & Onion Pub the perfect place for lunch after a morning of exploring the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Native marine and land animals inspire day trips that kids will talk about for years. Located in Hamilton Parish, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo first opened in 1926. It features the North Rock exhibit, a 140,000-gallon tank of coral reefs and marine life, as well as an outdoor seal pool and interactive displays that focus on native Bermuda habitats and their relationship with humans. The zoo also houses more than 300 birds, reptiles, and mammals. The Islands of Australasia exhibit boasts bats and wallabies, and the Islands of the Caribbean area features a walk-through cage where guests can get up-close glimpses of ibises and tamarins.

Adventurous activities abound in Bermuda that are capable of keeping kids entertained all day. Kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and Jet Ski rentals can get you just a few of the fun ways to spend family time on the water here. In addition to renting out kayaks, Somerset Bridge Watersports offers guided jet-skiing tours to quiet coves, around the tip of the Bermuda Triangle, and under Somerset Bridge considered the world’s smallest drawbridge. Fantasea Diving and Watersports leads snorkeling, diving, and ecologically sustainable kayak treks through Bermuda’s waters for travelers eight and up.