24 Hours In Bermuda: A Luxury Yacht Insider’s Guide

Looking at a map, Bermuda appears as a mere speck floating in the western North Atlantic Ocean, around 600 nautical miles off the US’ east coast. 

Indeed, the self-governing British overseas territory first inhabited in the 1600s is compact. Bermuda is an archipelago constituting seven main islands and around 170 islets and rocks. From above, the main islands, connected by bridges, resemble a fishhook shape. Measuring 21 miles long and less than a mile wide, it takes only an hour to cross from one side of the territory to the other. This makes Bermuda an ideal yachting destination to spend a full day or more.

It may be best known for its pink sand beaches, zero personal income tax rates, and the fearsome legend of the ship- and aircraft-swallowing Bermuda Triangle. However, there is a great deal more to this pint-sized sub-tropical destination. 

With around 671,000 annual visitors, the majority of whom arrive by cruise ship and just 3,691 by yacht, it never feels crowded. That makes Bermuda a favorite for celebrities looking to stay under the radar but also travelers seeking a peaceful oceanside escape.

Throughout the main islands, homes built with thick white limestone blocks – designed to withstand hurricanes – are painted in cheerful pastel shades ranging from mint to baby pink and bright orange. They stand proudly on undulating hills, amid thick sub-tropical and coastal foliage, including endemic palmetto, the Bermuda cedar and a riot of flowers such as oleander and hibiscus.  

Bermuda moves at a slow pace, so take your sweet time to get to know the territory. Bermuda is perfect for adventure seekers, romantics, families and those who simply want to unwind. Swim in turquoise seas, walk on pink sands, learn about its compelling history, savor Bermuda’s famed fish sandwich, and spend time getting to know its friendly people. Divided into nine distinct parishes, there is always something interesting to learn or discover. 

For those pining for sports action, SailGP brings “F1 on the water” excitement to Bermuda each year in May, when teams from around the world race 50-foot foiling catamarans at adrenaline-spiking speeds of up to 100km (62 miles) per hour. If cultural connection is more your style, visit during the week-long, island-wide Carnival in June, when Bermudians take to the streets in vibrant costume, dancing to soca and celebrating day to night. Another much-loved annual tradition is the Bermuda Cup Match, which brings together locals and visitors for a lively four-day, island-wide festival in July or August centered on cricket and history. 

Whether you’re spending a day or several in Bermuda, here is how we recommend you spend 24 hours in this spectacular destination.

Morning: Explore Hamilton and St. George’s History

Start your day in the capital, Hamilton, in Pembroke Parish, with a cold brew and bagel at Rosedon Bagels & Brews, then take a stroll through the city’s well-kept streets. Walk east on Front Street, a lively promenade that extends along the harbourfront. Admire 19th-century Victorian-style buildings with their bright pastel facades. Make a pitstop at The English Sports Shop, a local fashion institution. This has been the home of the original Bermuda shorts since 1918, so make sure to pick up a pair in classic pink, or pretty much any other color under the sun. Men can style them with a navy blazer and leather boat shoes, but skip the knee-high socks, a look that only Bermudians can pull off. 

Next, head northeast to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of St George’s, Bermuda’s first capital. Amble through the oldest continually inhabited English settlement in the New World, along cobblestone alleyways beside well-preserved 17th and 18th-century stone buildings. In King’s Square, you’ll find the bold, bright red town hall. 

Pay a visit to Long Story Short, a store owned and operated by creative entrepreneur and community activist Kristin White, filled with quirky gifts and books focused on social progress. White also leads e-bike and walking tours revealing Bermuda’s intriguing cultural heritage, including visits to sites that form part of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. 

It’s a moving experience to hear the stories of individuals like James Darrell, Bermuda’s first documented Black homeowner. Pioneering Bermudian abolitionist and author Mary Prince, who has a national holiday dedicated in her name, wrote about her life in enslaved servitude. The book spurred the movement for the full emancipation of enslaved people in the British Empire and its colonies.

Not far from Long Story Short is Lili Bermuda, a perfumery dating to 1928 and located within a heritage landmark building. Sample an intoxicating array of fragrances, such as South Water, made with local flowers like pink rose and wild freesia.

Afternoon: Fish Sandwiches and a Tall Ship 

Before leaving St George’s, take a seat at Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio, by the water. Order a hearty Bermudian fish sandwich, made with raisin bread and coleslaw, or Baha-style tacos with grilled wahoo or rockfish.

Afterwards, cool off with a swim in crystalline waters. Head to Clearwater Beach, a 12-minute drive southeast and park at the public car park. From there, walk to sheltered, serene Long Bay, situated in the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. Come prepared with shade, water and snacks, as there are no facilities. Alternatively, head to the far south to Warwick Long Bay, known for its pink sand, attributed to minute marine organisms called foraminifera, and dramatic rock formations.

Returning to the capital, look out for examples of Bermuda’s traditional vernacular style homes. Featuring white stepped roofs originally made with limestone, though less commonly these days, they were designed to collect rainwater, the chief source of fresh water in Bermuda. 

Afterwards, make your way to the Hamilton Princess, the “Pink Palace” with a 140-year-long history of hospitality, where Bermudians gather for cocktails, lunch, dinner or a celebratory Sunday brunch. Meander around the hotel’s full-service 60-berth marina and keep an eye out for the Spirit of Bermuda. The 19th-century-inspired 188-foot tall ship, modeled on traditional civilian Bermudian-type schooners, was purpose-built to serve as a training vessel for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, running educational voyages to local youth. 

Early evening: Contemporary Art and Cocktails

Still at the hotel, inspect its vast, one-of-a-kind contemporary art collection. Book a private tour with a local art expert who can point out works of art by Picasso, Warhol, Ai Weiwei, Mondrian, KAWS and Banksy that line corridors, reception halls, restaurant and bar areas, the front garden and the courtyard, with some hidden in corners. 

Take a seat at the hotel’s 1609 Bar, named after the year the Sea Venture shipwrecked in Bermuda and led to its first settlement. Select an inventive cocktail, such as a Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, featuring Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, which is blended and aged in Bermuda, or request a Rum Swizzle, the national cocktail. Containing two types of Bermuda rum, fruit juice, and bitters, the citrusy, sweet and spicy Rum Swizzle was served at the Rum Swizzle Inn in 1932 in Bailey’s Bay. Its roots, however, hark back to the 1700s in the Caribbean when sailors showed a preference for rum. Made in a chilled pitcher with a swizzle stick, the Rum Swizzle epitomizes the relaxed, hospitable nature of the Bermudian people. 

Evening: Elevated Bermudian Fare

As night falls, head to the Royal Palms Hotel in Hamilton, two restored 19th-century manor houses converted into a boutique hotel surrounded by tropical gardens. Beyond the homely entrance and Victorian furniture lies a gastronomic surprise. Palomino sets the mood for a romantic dinner with soft lighting, earthy colors, olive trees, and a driftwood horse sculpture. The chic restaurant’s seasonal menu features modern interpretations of traditional recipes like Bermuda fish chowder and onion soup, along with seafood dishes such as ceviche, scallops in coconut milk and salmon tiradito. Mains include pan-roasted local rockfish, braised beef short rib and vegan Wellington. 

A Day Well Spent

Bermuda may be pint-sized, yet it packs a great deal into a limited land mass: from the enduring stories of a historical figure who championed the abolitionist movement and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town to unique, environmentally-sound architectural design and culinary traditions rooted in local raw materials. It’s also a global trendsetter, a sailing powerhouse, and a haven for beach connoisseurs. This itinerary provides a short but sweet taste of the lush archipelago. Consider it a well-rounded introduction to the many and varied delights of Bermuda that make it such an enticing yacht charter destination.