Family Friendly Activities in Bermuda on a Cruise

A family vacation in Bermuda unlocks endless opportunities for excitement, engagement, and activity. Bermuda cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line will spend one, two, or even three days at the Royal Naval Dockyard to give you ample time to experience all that the island has to offer.

Whether you sign up for shore excursions or head off to explore Bermuda on your own, you'll find no shortage of things for your family to enjoy. From sun, sand, and shopping to cave explorations and jungle adventures, there's something for everyone.

Consider these family-friendly activities for your next cruise to Bermuda.

The mysterious caverns of the Crystal Caves were discovered in 1907 by Carl Gibbon and Edgar Hollis, who were chasing a wayward cricket ball. As they pursued the prized ball deeper and deeper into the space where it had fallen, they realized that they were in no ordinary hole. In fact, they had descended into an extensive series of caverns. 

Today, you can descend 55 feet below the surface to experience these same caves firsthand. Stroll down a pontoon boardwalk suspended over the mesmerizing underwater lake, and imagine what it must have been like to uncover its wonders for the first time. Thousands of stalactites hang from the roof of the cave, shimmering in shades of white, pink, and brown.

If you prefer to stay above ground, the Crystal Caves also has a gift shop and gardens. You can include the Crystal Caves on several shore excursions, like the Caves & Waves tour that combines the caves with an afternoon of beach bumming along the six soft sandy beaches tucked into Clearwater Beach & Cooper's Island Reserve.

Bermuda's famous pink sands are created by a unique combination of white limestone sediment tinted with tiny red organisms called foraminifera. Referred to affectionately as "forams," these single-celled creatures have calcium carbonate shells similar to those of mussels, lobsters, and coral. Their presence is responsible for the stunning hue of Bermuda's beaches that leaves guests simply tickled pink by the experience.

John Smith's Beach and Horseshoe Bay Beach are two of the most popular pink sand beaches on the island. Here, the soft, rosy ground contrasts perfectly with the bright turquoise sea to create a picture-worthy setting that looks like something from a dream. These are included in several tours and excursions, or you can head off and visit on your own. You can book a beach transfer to Horseshoe Bay and spend the entire afternoon along these picturesque shores. 

Bermuda's glass-bottomed boat tours provide a memorable experience as you peek beneath the waters from the dry comfort of your seat. You'll sail over the lush Sea Gardens and on to the Shipwreck of the HMS Vixen. Deemed unfit for open ocean travel, the ship sat guard as harbor defense for decades before she was finally scuttled to block the channel to the Dockyard from intruders. 

You don't have to choose one or the other if you're interested in both a glass-bottom view and a personal dip beneath the waves. The Glass-bottom Boat & Snorkel tour includes both experiences for a full afternoon of watery fun.

Bermuda is a prime destination for getting up close and personal with aquatic animals. Book a Bermuda Dolphin Encounter, and you can take a dip in the water and swim with the dolphins. The encounter even includes a shallow water experience where a dolphin will rest on your lap as you sit on a submerged platform.

Children as young as six years old can participate in the dolphin encounter with an adult to supervise. This is a family experience that you'll remember for years to come.

Tom Moore's Jungle is a beautiful nature preserve named for the poet Thomas Moore, who purportedly produced many of his works while reclining under a calabash tree in Bermuda. The preserve lets you experience Bermuda as it would have been in the 1500s, when it was naught but an uncharted piece of land. You'll find rugged jungle trails, lush mangroves, and stunning seawater caverns.

The Hidden Gems Exploration Adventure combines Tom Moor's Jungle with other natural highlights for a full seven hours of adventure. After thoroughly exploring the jungle, you'll stop for lunch and ice cream, followed by a visit to the pink sand beaches and extraordinary snorkeling spots of Cooper's Island Nature Reserve.

Many catamaran cruises are designed for adults, but Norwegian makes sure that no one is left out of the fun. The Restless Native is a hot pink vessel that's perfectly equipped for a day of all-ages adventure. This catamaran transports passengers to a stunning shallow cove that's perfect for water activities. Once anchored, you're free to spend the time as you choose. Kayaks, paddle boards, pool noodles, and snorkeling equipment are all available.

Adults can enjoy bottomless rum swizzle drinks during the excursion, while children indulge in fresh chocolate chip cookies. The Restless Native catamaran cruise does more than just provide a day of enjoyment for your family. This is also a charitable venture. A portion of the proceeds from your trip goes to support the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre.

If your family consists of kids ages 12 and over, you can spend the day snorkeling in the sparkling waters around Bermuda. You'll find an abundance of intriguing highlights in the depths. 

The Constellation served as a nautical school briefly before entering service as a cargo ship. She was damaged in a storm and ultimately settled on the ocean floor 30 feet below the surface. While her deck cargo was salvaged, she went down with her hold cargo intact.

The Montana is another popular shipwreck in the waters of Bermuda. This ship also lies under 30 feet of water. She's now covered in coral, but you can make out several distinctive features like the coal-burning engine, iron paddlewheel, and largely intact bow.

Beginning snorkelers can dip their toes into the water of the sport with a visit to the Snorkel Park Beach Club. The waters here include sunken cannons, colorful reefs, and abundant wildlife. Snorkel equipment is included in your visit, so you're fully equipped to dip your eyes beneath the waters and see all that lies beneath. You can book an excursion that includes comfortable conveniences like a reserved beach lounger, shaded umbrella, and tasty lunch. 

The town of St. George is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It enjoys the distinction of being the oldest inhabited town with English origins in the New World. Much of the town seems frozen in time, like the Tucker House, which has been unchanged since 1750. The State House hosted Bermuda's Parliament for almost two centuries before moving to the capital city of Hamilton. 

The Mitchell House was constructed in 1730 and maintains its original architecture. In the 1920s, the St. George's Historical Society purchased the building and converted it to the Mitchell House Museum. Inside, you can explore a colonial-era kitchen equipped with authentic implements like calabash dipping gourds. A replica Gutenberg press resides in the cellar. 

St. Peter's Church is the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere. It was established in 1612 when the Virginia Company settled Bermuda. In 2012, Her Majesty the Queen gave it the royal designation of "Their Majesties Chappell."

Among the oldest buildings on the island, the Globe Hotel was built in 1699. The architecture incorporated the first known use of Flemish gables in Bermuda. The building today stands much as it was originally built. Inside, you'll find The Bermuda National Trust Museum.

The stunning beauty of Bermuda has captured the attention of more than just tourists. Several celebrities have opted to make this island home (at least some of the time). You can cruise along the coast, capturing glimpses of many of the homes of the rich and famous in the area known as "Millionaire's Row." Some of the island's illustrious residents include Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Wizard of Oz illustrator William Denslow, and playwright Eugene O'Neill, whose daughter married Charlie Chaplin.

The Famous Homes & Hideaways Cruise is a two-hour cruise that includes Millionaire's Row as well as Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. This is a laid-back, family-friendly experience that's designed to delight cruisers of all ages. You may find the tour especially popular with starstruck teens who like to get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous.

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) features a slew of intriguing exhibits that explore Bermuda's history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. The museum also explores the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. The 'Bermuda Triangle: Unlock the Secrets' exhibit explores everything from theories of the paranormal to maritime facts.

Families will find this a deeply engaging attraction. Features include a 3D hurricane hologram and a sinking vessel simulation. You can even explore the mysteries in a hands-on way with the multi-touch table.

The BUEI is included on the Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle tour. This excursion includes a few additional stops to deepen your investigation. You'll take in a 360-degree view of the island from historic Fort Scaur and head down to the northernmost point of the Bermuda Triangle along the pink sand beaches just past Hamilton. 

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a shopping excursion to the Clocktower Mall at the heart of the Royal Naval Dockyard. This mall has a little of everything, with shops, art galleries, and restaurants in abundance. You can find authentic Bermuda crafts and artwork at Carole Holding's Bermuda Shop or invest in fine jewelry from Crisson Jewellers. Browse a rainbow of Bermuda shorts at Davison's of Bermuda, or explore pottery and ceramic art at Bermuda Clayworks.

Several shore excursions include a stop at the Clocktower Mall. You can also explore this destination on your own and take some time to stroll to other highlights of the dockyard, like the Bermuda Arts Center and Bermuda Craft Market. Don't forget to grab a bite or a sip at remarkable destinations like Calico Jack's Floating Bar, found on board a pirate ship docked here.

If you're ready to take the family on an adventure they'll never forget, book your Bermuda cruise now. You'll find delights for family members at any age. This island is the perfect destination for sun and fun. Norwegian can get you there in style with signature perks and budget-friendly deals to take your next cruise to the next level.