10 Things to Do When You’re Not Enjoying the Pink Sand Beaches
The beaches in Bermuda are beautiful, full stop. Our water is some of the clearest you’ll experience, and the sand is a truly charming shade of pink.
But our beaches are just one of Bermuda’s alluring offerings.
Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a history buff, a boating enthusiast, or interested in nature and wildlife, there’s much our tiny island and its surrounding reefs can offer.
See the island by boat
It’s a must to leave dry land – and see the side of Bermuda you can only experience from open water. Charter a sail, rent a boat, board a sightseeing tour or a ferry trip around the Great Sound, or take a sunset party cruise for a classic Bermuda nautical experience. Catch sight of all the beautiful homes along our coastline and look out for turtles and eagle rays along the way.
Island Hopping
Once you’ve booked that boat, around our main island you can travel to a myriad of other small islands such as Hawkin’s, Long, Burt’s, and more. Anchor nearby in the area locals call “Paradise Lakes” and explore a side of Bermuda that many tourists tend to miss. There’s no shortage of aquatic adventures to be had in Bermuda – so rent a jet ski, kayak or paddleboard to seek out hidden coves and admire the colorful marine life.
Try your luck at catching the Big One
Reach out to our network of charter fishing boats and hunt for wahoo, tuna, dolphin and marlin. Or book a bone fishing charter for the meatier reef fish. Bermuda is deep-sea angler’s dream with bountiful waters – and many fishing charters will prepare whatever you hook for a super-fresh seafood lunch.
Photo: Overproof
Try Bermuda’s national obsession: the fish sandwich
Finding the island’s best fish sandwich is a tough job, but doing the research is delicious. From local dives to fine dining bistros, the fish sandwich is a perennial menu staple. A local favourite is Art Mel’s near Hamilton. Perfectly fried snapper, wahoo or grouper. Exquisitely seasoned batter. Tangy tartar sauce or delicious hot sauce. Dig in!
Dueling Drinks: Rum Swizzle or Dark n’ Stormy?
The Rum Swizzle and Dark n’ Stormy are two of Bermuda’s most famous cocktails. Both are island favourites, irresistible to locals and tourists alike and both exclusively use our own Gosling’s Black Seal Rum!
The ‘Rum Swizzle‘ is a fruity and delicious rum cocktail. The most consistent ingredients are: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, pineapple, lime, and orange juices, a flavored sweetener like falernum or grenadine, and lemons. It’s shaken or stirred with ice.
The ‘Dark n’ Stormy‘ is made with three simple ingredients: ice, ginger beer, and of course, Black Seal Rum.
Which one is at the top of your list to try?
Experience The Heart of Bermuda: Hamilton
Hamilton, or as locals like to call it, “town,” is located centrally only a 10-minute drive from Azura. Admire the sailboats in the harbor on Front Street, shop locally, laze in Barr’s Bay Park with a coffee, grab a bite to eat, raise a glass at Happy Hour, or experience our nightlife at trendy spots like the Birdcage – our city truly has something for everyone. Hamilton should be a must-see on your Bermuda bucket list. Ask our concierge for recommendations on where to shop, dine, or relax!
Plan the Perfect Picnic
We love dining out, but on vacation sometimes it’s nice to head someplace scenic and secluded for a picnic. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a charcuterie board, fresh bread, tasty salads and bottles of wine surrounded by friends or family. Our team can suggest favorite island picnic spots and even where to buy pre-made to-go canapés! Such as Miles Market (for ready-to-go salads, canapés, cheeses, bread, and wine) and then consider shopping local at Bermuda Charcuterie for the ultimate meat and cheese spread.
Close to Azura, we have Two Rock Wines and Lindo’s grocery to help fill your basket as well.
There are also two new artisanal bakeries on the island, Island Pantry and I’Artisan, in case you have a simpler picnic of nice coffees and pastries in mind!
Photo: Eettafel Bermuda
Spend the day in St. George’s
Step back in time as you stroll the centuries-old brick streets of the Town of St. George’s, Bermuda’s original capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The well-preserved historic town and nearby fortress make St. George’s and the East End a haven for British colonial architecture, history and culture.
We recommend visiting Wahoo’s or The Wharf for a casual meal and having a browse at the boutique gift and bookshop Long Story Short – run by Kristin White, one of Bermuda’s most celebrated tour guides!
Visit the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse
Just west of Azura, you can climb the 185-step spiral staircase of Gibbs’ Hill Lighthouse and enjoy one of the best views on the island. The 117-foot lighthouse was built in 1846 of cast iron – the oldest of its kind in the world, and one of only two cast-iron lighthouses still in existence. It overlooks the South Shore and Little Sound, offering views of both the City of Hamilton and the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Afterwards, you can relax at nearby Warwick Long Bay or Horseshoe Bay beach, or head for lunch at Gulfstream. (Or, like locals, take the delicious Gulfstream pizza with you to the beach!)
Explore Dockyard
Get to know the island’s legendary maritime history at the National Museum of Bermuda, which houses cannons, shipwreck artefacts, small watercraft and artwork in buildings of the former Keep Fort. Don’t miss the dramatic mural depicting four centuries of Bermuda history by local artist Graham Foster. At Dolphin Quest Bermuda, you can touch or swim with dolphins while learning about marine life conservation. There are also several restaurants, pubs and pastry shops to enjoy.