Easy-to-access, easy-on-the-wallet offerings include complimentary walking tours, free beach bonfire events and inexpensive-to-enter natural attractions. They all offer an unforgettable time on just about any budget. Here are 21 free or inexpensive ways to dip into island life.
1 The Skirling Ceremony at Fort Hamilton
Kilted pipers, drummers and dancers perform to the bagpipe 'skirl' of the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band.
When: Every Monday through March 31st.
Time: 12 noon
Where: Fort Hamilton, City of Hamilton
Price: Free
2 Unlock the Secret of the Bermuda Triangle
Wow the whole family with a visit to the 'Bermuda Triangle: Unlock the Secrets' exhibit at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. The ultimate destination for all things Triangle-related with something to interest and enthrall all audiences and age groups. From true sceptics to true enthusiasts of the paranormal and from young to old. This is the place to find answers to one of the biggest mysteries of all time.
When: Daily
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Last admission at 4:00 pm.
Price: Adults -$15; Seniors - $12; Children - $8, ages 5 and under Free
3 Ride the SeaExpress Around the Island
The SeaExpress ferry
Bikes, scooters and taxis can get you around Bermuda, but you can also cross the island via the SeaExpress ferry service. Spacious double-decker boats with air conditioning and breezy decks zip from place to place on four different routes. They stop in spots like the City of Hamilton and the Town of St. George, and offer a different vantage point of Bermuda.
When: Check the ferry schedule
Price: $5
4 Watch the Sunrise at Gates Bay
The first sunrise hits Bermuda in the east, near where the early British settlers arrived onshore in 1609. Stand in their footsteps and take in a piece of history as you drink your morning coffee. Then walk to the nearby Town of St. George where there's history around every cobblestoned corner.
Cut Road, St. George’s
Price: Free
5 Catch the Sunset at Daniel's Head Park
The westerly ocean peninsula of Daniel's Head Park overlooks the waters of Somerset Long Bay, and it's one of the best places to watch the sun sink into the sea. Grab a picnic table near the water and marvel as the moon rises. Calling birds and crashing waves create a magical soundtrack.
Cambridge Road, Sandy’s Parish
Price: Free
6 Fragrant Tour of the Bermuda Perfumery
Visit the world-renowned house of Lili Bermuda and learn about the Art of Perfumery. The 20-minute tour explains the handcrafted process. All perfumes are made and bottled in-house.
When: Daily (except Sundays and Public Holidays)
Time: 11:00 am | 3:00 pm
Price: Free
7 Visit the Unfinished Church
The Unfinished Church in St. George's
Planned as a replacement for St. Peter's Church in the mid-19th century, the Town of George's Unfinished Church looks like a romantic ruin out of a fairytale. The roofless edifice, though overgrown with grass in spots, features Gothic arches and a nave open to the sky.
Government Hill Road, Town of St. George
Price: Free
8 Bermuda Gombey Revue
Colourful Gombey dancers in their vibrant costumes sway to the rhythm of the drums in the heart of the city. Make sure you bring your camera to capture their weekly live performance.
Date: Every Tuesday until March 31
Where: Pier 6 Passenger Terminal, Front Street
Time: 4:15 pm
Price: Free
9 Deliverance Tour
Board the historical replica ship, the Deliverance and hear the interesting story of the first castaways who built this ship and went on to save the starving settlers in Jamestown, Virginia.
Ordnance Island, Town of St. George
When: Wednesday and Saturday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Price: Free
Email [email protected], or call 441-297-5791
10 See Calico Jack's Pirate Fire Show
The Pirates of the Caribbean have nothing on the performers of Calico Jack's show, where tricorn-hat wearing rascals sword fight, joke and create a spectacular fire-dance display. After the 30-minute pirate performance, you can pose for selfies with the cast.
Heritage Wharf, Royal Naval Dockyard
When: Monday and Thursday, 9-10 pm
Price: Free
11 Dig Into Military History at Fort St. Catherine
Fort St. Catherine in Bermuda's East End
Fort St. Catherine, which towers against a backdrop of ocean and pink beaches, was constructed in 1614. The largest fort on the island, it underwent numerous upgrades during the 19th century. Now, after crossing the dry moat, you can see its impressive ramparts, keeps and a museum showcasing life in Bermuda in the 17th century. Not to miss: the impressive collection of antique weaponry, including pistols, swords and muskets.
St. Catherine’s Point, City of St. George
When: Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm
Price: $7 adults; $5 seniors; $3 children 6-15; children 5 and under free
12 Climb to the Top of Gibbs' Hill Lighthouse
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
Climb the 185 steps to the top of the oldest cast iron lighthouse in world for panoramic views of the island. The Gibbs' Hill Lighthouse has been flashing its beam to seafarers in 1846.
Lighthouse Road, St Anne's Rd, Cross Bay SN 01
When: Monday to Saturday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; Sundays and holidays 10 am – 4:30 pm
Price: $2.50 per person, children under 5 free
13 Birdwatch at Spittal Pond
Bird-watching at Spittal Pond
This 59-acre nature reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The wide variety of natural habitats within the sanctuary makes Spittal Pond a haven for migratory shorebirds, waterfowl and many other species. In January, you may see as many as 500 species near the pond.
South Road, Smith’s Parish
Price: Free
14 Hike Up to Fort Scaur for Views of the Great Sound
Breathtaking views from Scaur Hill Fort & Park
As one of the original outposts of the British Empire in the Western Hemisphere, Bermuda is home to several formidable fortresses, including the perfectly preserved Fort Scaur. Hike to the fort, explore the ramparts and soak in a spectacular view of Bermuda’s Great Sound. See any invading pirate ships on the horizon?
Somerset Road, Sandys Parish
Price: Free
15 Explore the Bermuda Railway Trail
All year-round, you can explore Bermuda on foot via the 18-mile long Railway Trail. Following the path of the train which served the island from 1931 to 1948, the popular path attracts bikers, joggers and walkers. It's also a great spot to snap photos.
Price: Free
16 See the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
The Bermuda Aquarium is home to more than 200 species of sea life
Get up close to cute seals, powerful sharks and peaceful water birds at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, a three-in-one attraction located in Flatts Village. Naturalistic habits, animal feedings and scientific exhibits up the appeal.
40 North Shore Road, Flatt’s Inlet, Hamilton Parish
When: Daily (except Christmas Day), 9 am – 5 pm
Price: Adults $10, senior citizens $5, children (5 to 12 years), children under 5 are free
17 Somerset Boat Tour
The HMS Vixen is visible above the surface
Cruise past charming homes while learning about Bermuda’s history, architecture and the stunning inlets of Somerset. Stop by the HMS Vixen shipwreck and enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries. Departs from Somerset Country Squire.
When: Every Thursday, 10 am – 11:35 am through March 31st.
Price: Free
18 Witness a Reenactment in St. George's
Watch Bermuda’s history come to life as the St. George’s town crier conducts an 18th-century style trial in King’s Square. This entertaining and light-hearted historical reenactment shows how an offender was publicly punished and includes the dunking of a nagging wench.
King’s Square, St. George
When: Wednesday
Time: 12:30 pm
Price: Free
19 Featherbed Alley Print Shop
Visit an 18th century print shop to see a demonstration of a Gutenberg Press and learn about the rst printing business of Bermuda which published the island’s first newspaper, the Bermuda Gazette in 1784.
St. George’s Historical Society, Mitchell House, Featherbed Alley, St. George’s
When: Wednesdays; 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Price: $5
Call 441-297-0423
20 Sip Locally Roasted Coffee
Drink java made from the only coffee beans roasted on Bermuda at the Rock Island Coffee. Also known for its friendly vibe – there's an outdoor patio and colourful works by local artists on the walls – the spot bakes its own scones, cookies and muffins. Oh, and a cup of joe will only set you back a few bucks.
48 Reid Street, Hamilton
When: Monday-Friday, 7 am – 6 pm; Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm
21 National Gallery Docent Tours
Docents guide you through exhibits of historic and contemporary art from Bermuda and around the world. The National Gallery is located inside the Hamilton City Hall.
When: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm and Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Price: Free
