SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

Panoramic views of bustling Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound provide an inspiring backdrop for the most breathtaking 18 holes on the island. Designed in 2002 by renowned golf course architect Algie M. Pulley Jr. the Belmont Hills Golf Course is a magnificent showcase of Bermuda’s natural beauty. Featuring 6,100 yards of strategically laid out bunkers, multiple water hazards, multi-tiered greens and slender fair-ways, this world-class layout offers a challenging test for players of all handicaps. Green fees and shared cart included, transportation is not.

Visit Bermuda’s first capital and see what a British colonial outpost looked like in the 1600’s when touring the historic 'Ol Towne of St. George's’.

Included is the admissions to the Fort St. Catherine; meander through the dark passageways and wander through the magazines where swords and pistols are on display, take advantage of the stunning views from high a top this grand fortress. A stop in the heart of the Ol Towne of St. George's allows for a visit to the oldest Anglican Church of the Western Hemisphere, St. Peter’s Church.

On adjacent St. David’s Island, once known as the US Air Force Base lands, you’ll discover the charm of this unique and enchanting community as you enjoy the imposing views of the Atlantic Ocean from St. David's Lighthouse.

There will be several photo stops on this tour, so don’t forget your camera!

After departing from the pier in an open-air train trolley, you will soon arrive in the heart of the Royal Naval Dockyard. Known as the “Gibraltar of the West,” the dockyard played a vital role in War of 1812 and both World Wars. As you ride the trolley through the streets, the conductor will entertain you with colorful anecdotes and fascinating facts about the history and architecture of the dockyard. Along the way, you will pass the Royal Navy Cemetery, which dates back to 1812. Other points of interest include Lagoon Park, whose mangroves support a thriving population of birds, and Somerset Village, a residential area on Somerset Island that was settled centuries ago.

The tour ends back at the pier. However, as an alternative, the conductor will drop you at Clock Tower Mall to browse the shops and then you may return to the pier later on your own.

OVERVIEW

Ride a trolley train through the heart of St. George and discover fascinating facts about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, you will hear about the town’s founding in 1612, it being Bermuda’s first capital and its distinction as the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World. St. George exudes history, especially through its 17th- and 18th-century architecture. From the comfort of the an open-air trolley train, you will enjoy unobstructed views of highlights such as Fort Catherine – which was built in 1614 overlooking the spot where the first English settlers arrived – and the gothic-style Unfinished Church, which some locals consider to be cursed because its construction suffered so many setbacks that it was never completed. Bermuda’s natural beauty will be on display as you pass Tobacco Bay Beach, a gorgeous sliver of sand sheltered by a natural breakwater of large boulders.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the historical highlights of St. George from the comfort of a trolley train.
• Pass landmarks such as 17th-century Fort Catherine and the Unfinished Church.
• Discover the reasons UNESCO designated St. George as a World Heritage site.
• Behold beautiful Tobacco Bay Beach, which was named for the wild tobacco that grew there.
• Take the tender to and from St. George, which occupies Bermuda’s northeastern tip.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Hear enlightening commentary about the British overseas territory of Bermuda on a scenic drive to a resort in Somerset Village, where you will indulge in a traditional English tea. The British influence will be apparent most everywhere you go, beginning with the Royal Naval Dockyard. It was established as a British base of operations between Nova Scotia and the West Indies after the English were defeated in the American Revolution, and it was used militarily until abandoned in the 1980s. Bermuda’s first settlers were British – although they arrived inadvertently after being shipwrecked in 1609 – and the self-governing archipelago still follows a parliamentary system based on the United Kingdom’s. Heydon Chapel is perhaps the earliest reminder of England’s presence as it was built in 1620. You might contemplate all that you have seen and heard about Britain over a spot of tea, scones and cakes at the waterfront Willowbank resort.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a wonderfully scenic drive and hear commentary that highlights the attractions.
• Recognize Britain’s deep influence in Bermuda, which is still a British overseas territory.
• Enjoy the quintessential English experience – a traditional tea with cakes and scones.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Spend the day relaxing on the beach doing whatever you please without a care in the world. A short walk will bring you to the Snorkel Park Beach Club on the tip of fishhook-shaped Bermuda that lies between the Great Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the club’s ambassadors will get you settled at your reserved single lounger, which makes an ideal home base. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you wish. Stretch out on the lounger and bask in the sun. Walk along the beach at the edge of the shore and take a refreshing swim in the sea. Spend as much time as you want on your chosen activities, as there is no schedule to follow or need to rush. Included is a complimentary welcome rum swizzle and 3 hours complimentary use of a snorkel and mask A beachfront restaurant is on site for dining on your own, and plenty of water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking are available with special pricing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend the day at the Snorkel Park Beach Club relaxing however you please.
• Enjoy the use of a complimentary double lounger and shared umbrella.
• Bask in the sun, stroll the beach, take a swim and do most anything else you want.
• Dine on your own at the beachfront restaurant whenever the mood strikes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Cruise to Hamilton and explore the capital however you please by shopping on your own, enjoying a walking tour. After departing from the pier, you will soon settle in for a delightful cruise across the Great Sound, a body of impossibly turquoise water that fills the bend in the islands distinctive fishhook shape. A coral reef at the mouth of the sound shelters the inner waters, making for a typically calm cruise to the pastel-colored capital of Hamilton. Upon disembarking, you will have several options. If you choose to shop on your own, you can expect to find one-of-a-kind jewelry, vivid artwork celebrating the island life, and classic Bermuda shorts in every color of the rainbow. You might also pick up a tasty treat like rum cake or a jar of jam flavored with Scotch bonnet peppers. Another option is to split your time between exploring on your own and an enlightening walking tour of Hamilton. Either way, you may see the glorious Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, leafy Victoria Park and the Bermuda National Gallery, a showcase for centuries of outstanding island artwork.

A glass bottom boat cruise is the best way to see this beautiful island from above and below the waves. The jet propelled glass bottom boats have large viewing areas and shallow drafts, offering the very best in underwater viewing and reef access, all in safe, dry, comfort. Relax on the spacious upper deck and enjoy the passing seascapes as your Captain relates little known facts and insights about Bermuda’s history, people and island life. You’ll cruise to the pristine Sea Gardens, and the Shipwreck of the Vixen, a fantastic habitat for a variety of fish and miles of coral reef.

Once over the reef, your knowledgeable crew provides an entertaining and factual commentary on the mysterious civilizations of coral and fish that appear beneath you. Departing the reef, the boat will pause at the nearby sea grass beds, where you may spot a few of the many transient turtles that take refuge in this Mid-Atlantic sanctuary. Enjoy a complimentary soft drink on the return cruise. Rum Swizzle and beer available for cash purchase.

Your driver will pick-up shipside and shortly after exiting the Royal Naval Dockyard complex your drive takes you through quaint Somerset Village and over Somerset Bridge, the smallest drawbridge in the world. Admire Bermuda’s stunning natural beauty along the way, as you carry-on along breathtaking South Shore Road. Tour bus will pull-over at laybys dotted along this drive for photo opportunities and views of famous Horseshoe Bay and other pink sand beaches. Your tour then navigates the winding uphill drive to the base of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, towering 120 feet above sea level, a great opportunity to photograph the 360 degree views of Bermuda. You will stop to take in the sweeping view of John Smith’s Beach, one of Bermuda’s legendary pink hued beaches.

Pass by the Botanical Gardens and drive to St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have 30 minutes to explore or shop in this unique old town. The town center provides a favorite photograph opportunity in the Stocks, aside the Ducking Stool and at the steps of St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican church of the Western Hemisphere. Re-joining your buses the route takes a coastline drive along the North Shore to soon arrive at famed Front Street, the busiest place on the island and life and soul of the lively capitol, City of Hamilton. Time allows for shopping and browsing in the boutique style shops and souvenir store-fronts lining Hamilton Harborfront.

Step aboard a comfortable and stable catamaran for a trip to the northernmost coral reef in the world. Relax on deck while the crew provides informative commentary on the island and the fascinating undersea ecosystem. After a leisurely cruise, you'll find yourself moored in a magical deep blue oasis, bordered by fringe reef on nearly all sides. Here, you'll be given a mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy vest and instruction on how you may best enjoy this undersea paradise. Immerse yourself in crystal clear waters under the watchful eye of your instructors and explore the great expanses of pristine reef. After snorkeling, the sails will be hoisted (weather permitting) and you can enjoy a relaxing sail back with a complimentary Rum Swizzle. A cash bar is also available.

Welcome aboard for a romantic evening on a catamaran, as you slowly cruise along the colorful shoreline enjoying views of homes painted in pretty, pastel hues. You'll venture into little bays and out onto the north shore in time to view a memorable sunset. During your journey, your crew will serve you complimentary Rum Swizzles - the best in Bermuda.

OVERVIEW

Zip through the streets and back alleys of historical St. George on an electric trike for an effortless exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site town. After a briefing on how to operate the trike and a trial run, you will be ready to take off on a one-of-a-kind journey through downtown. Pedaling or balancing isn’t required like on a conventional bike so you can concentrate on the sights along the way. The exact route will depend on the conditions and traffic, but you can expect to see many of the most historical landmarks. They include where the rum runners operated during Prohibition, the Unfinished Church – which was started in 1874 and is still only partially built – and the site of Joseph Rainey’s barbershop before he returned to America to become the first African-American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. The guide will describe the importance of each attraction during the 3-mile ride.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through St. George, Bermuda’s first capital, on an electric three-wheeled trike.
• See many of the town’s most fascinating attractions and hear descriptions of each one.
• Admire the 17th- and 18th-century architecture that lines the streets of St. George.
• Take the tender to and from St. George, which occupies Bermuda’s northeastern tip.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.