Bermuda Discovered

In 1609 a fleet of ships left England to relieve the ailing colony in Jamestown. During the voyage, an Atlantic hurricane crossed their path and battered the fleet. Admiral Sir George Somers and the soon to be Governor of Virginia, where both aboard the flag ship, Sea Venture which was separated from the rest of the fleet. The ship developed several leaks that were such that they were required to bail water 24 hours a day and had to throw anything considered non essential overboard just to remain afloat.

The ship mercifully found its way to Bermuda but the welcome was not quite what they would have hoped for. The ship became inextricably wedged between two reefs just off the East coast of Bermuda, an area later to be named the parish of St. George. Fortunately the crew and passengers all made it safely ashore and were able the salvage what was left of the supplies, rigging and tools from the Sea Venture.

Who or what did they find?

They found an island paradise with wild boar, said to be left by passing Spanish ships, local sea birds and fish which they found in abundance. Within a year they managed to build two ships, a passenger ship called the Deliverance and a small pinnace called the Patience which would carry supplies for the Jamestown community. When they arrived in Jamestown, they discovered that colony all but wiped out. Their fortuitous arrival could not have been sooner.

Sir George returned to Bermuda months later but died while here. His heart was buried on the island, purportedly in an area now called Somers’ Garden, but the body was returned to his home of Lyme Regis, Dorset England. When the crew left Bermuda, they left two crew in Bermuda which effectively meant that Bermuda has been permanently inhabited since 1609. Bermuda thus celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2009.

The First Settlers

The first settlers arrived in 1612 to establish an agricultural community for its owners, the Bermuda Company. However by 1690 it was obvious to all that the Island could not compete with Virginia with is main cash crop of tobacco. The quality and quantity were inferior.

Surviving in the middle of the Atlantic

By the turn of the 18th century, the islanders took to the sea for survival. They built ships of the local cedar (up to 100 a year), and became involved in privateering, wrecking and salt raking in the Turks Islands, further to the south. Because of the close proximity to the colonies to the West, the islanders formed very close relationships with their American brothers. So much so that when George Washington sent a letter in September 1775, requesting gun powder to fight the British, Bermuda’s loyalty to the Crown was severely tested. However shortly after that request, ships arrived off the coast of Bermuda and were supplied by the gunpowder they needed despite the fact that it was stolen from British supplies by Bermudians.

Choosing the Southern States

Nearly a century later during the American Civil War, St. George became an important base for the Confederate cause as European countries, seeking the raw materials from the southern states, were happy to provide war materials for the Confederate military machine. The small ships designed to avoid the northern blockades were not suitable for Atlantic crossings. Bermuda thus became a base for the transfer of materials to and from the larger ocean crossing ships. St. George hence became a busy place, bustling with activity related to that conflict.

Innovation and Success

Bermuda has succeeded over the centuries because of the spirit of innovation that its people have become known for. From the development of the triangular sale used on Bermuda built vessels to the relationships we developed and later the return to agriculture with the shipment of onions around the turn of the 20th century, Bermuda has always managed to thrive rather than just survive.

Today Bermuda remains a thriving community. We remain a British Dependent Territory, and since the late 1990’s, Bermudians can now individually choose whether they want to become full British citizens. Thousands of Bermudians have taken up that offer and are now free to travel and live freely in the UK and Europe.

The Economy and Government

The two main pillars of economy are International business (mostly international insurance and reinsurance) and tourism which is a very distant second. Bermuda is amongst the top three International Insurance jurisdictions in the world. With a GDP of over $5 billion and 64,000 residents, the GPD per capita is one of the highest in the world.

As a British dependent territory, the country remains loyal to the British Crown. The technical Commander in Chief, the Governor, is a representative of Her Majesty. However Bermuda was one of the first of the British colonies to be self governed. The Governor does not participate in the local Parliament but does take direct responsibility of the judicial system, the police and the local military. The political party with the majority of the 36 seat able to elect a leader who becomes the Premier, the de-facto leader of the Country.

New Challenges

Today Bermuda faces new challenges as the world moves towards a truly global economy. While these changes will require innovation and adaptation, Bermudians have a long history of an entrepreneurial spirit that will serve us well in the future.

There are many fun activities, tours and excursions that are available for our visitors. We would like to share a few:

Beaches - First the island has one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, Horseshoe Bay situated on the South Shore with its pink sands and azure waters

Sailing - We recommend Oyster Point Luxury Private Yacht Charters

Golf - For the golfers, Bermuda must be the only country in the world which has dedicate 10% of its land to golf courses. The Port Royal Golf Course (one of 9) was recently renovated to host the PGA Grand Slam which will take place at the course for its fith time this year

Diving - For the scuba divers, Bermuda boasts over 100 shipwrecks nestled amongst some of te healthiest coral reefs in the world (200 square miles in all). The resort dive is specially designed for those who have no diving experience - snorkeling is also available

Horseback Riding at the Spicelands Equestrian Center

Sky Riding - Sky riding for those who would like to try riding in a chair below a parachute, 200 feet in the air above a tow boat

Tennis - Tennis, there are public and private courses available

Museums and Galleries - Several museums and art galleries and the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo

Restaurants - Some of the finest restaurants to be found anywhere in the world including those places frequented by the locals like the Black Horse Tavern

Bermuda Tours - Finally let us mention ‘The Signature Tour’ - Winsome offers unique tours for groups of 2 to 100 - we cover the entire island with Bermudian drivers who will share our own island secrets with you. We can cater to larger groups with multiple buses - we are a family run private business

Contact us if you’d like more information about a specific activity before you arrive. We can give you tips on the best places to stay, eat and explore.

There are a variety of awesome places to eat in Bermuda. Here are some of the places that we recommend and our guest have told us that they’ve enjoyed.

Fine Dining, Family Restaurants, Pubs

Most of these restaurants are on our tour route if you’d like stop and enjoy a great meal.

Tom Morre’s Tavern, near Crystal Caves - OUR PICK AND YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR FINE DINING

Waterlot at Fairmont Southampton

Blu at Belmont Resort

The Habourfront Restaurant at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI)

Portofino’s, City of Hamilton

The Pickled Onion, City of Hamilton

The Frog & Onion Pub, Dockyard

Wahoo’s, St. George’s

Swizzle Inn, Bailey’s Bay (Near Airport)

Henry VII, Southampton

King’s Wharf & Heritage Wharf, at the former Royal Naval Dockyard, have been transformed to a tourist hot spot. This a great place to begin your Bermuda experience!

Looking for an awesome Bermuda Tour?

Our clean, air-conditioned, and spacious limo-bus carries up to 15 passengers and we provide wonderful tours or general transportation to your destination. We gladly can make arrangements for large groups. CLICK HERE to learn more about our full island tour in 5-6 hours.

Things to Do Around King’s and Heritage Wharf

If you are cruising to Bermuda and berth at the King’s or Heritage Wharf Dockyard, be sure to budget some time to enjoy the area before you depart. You will need almost a day to enjoy all of the interesting activities at Dockyard. When it is time to tour Bermuda we can help.

Here are some of the nearby attractions:

Now the main passenger terminals for all large ships visiting Bermuda, the King’s & Heritage Wharfs, at the Royal Naval Dockyard, have become a central point for most cruise ship activity in Bermuda. The Dock Yard (as it is locally called), at the far western tip of Bermuda is often referred to as the Gibraltar of the west. Work began on the construction of the facility in 1809 and continued for several decades.

A Dolphin Experience where one can actually swim with dolphins

The National Museum of Bermuda which incorporates the Bermuda Maritime Museum

Glass Blowing

Sea Express Ferry Ride

Genuine Bermuda Crafts

Several fun restaurants

The Clock Tower Shopping Mall

The Neptune Movie Theatre

Boat Tours

Motorcycle rentals

The Bermuda Arts Centre

Bermuda Clayworks Pottery

A Brief History

The Royal Naval Dockyard was a significant naval base for British Naval Ships in the Mid Atlantic during both world wars with a floating dry dock which was used for the repair of damaged ships. Many local craftsmen were trained at various technical skills during this period with apprenticeships on the site. In the 1950’s the British Navy abandoned the facility for the most part with the last personnel leaving in the mid 90’s.

Don’t expect to find an abandoned industrial facility when you arrive. The Royal Naval Dockyard has been transformed into an attractive tourist Mecca with lots to do and see!

Cruise Passenger Tip:

When your cruise arrives there may be up to 7,000 other passengers, resulting in long lines for other forms of transportation. To avoid the wait or to keep your group together (taxis only carry 7 people), contact us in advance. Your friendly driver and limo-bus will be waiting for you!

There are many places to stay in Bermuda with various price ranges from The Rosewood Hotel at the high end to Clairfont at the low end.

Here is a list of our recommendations:

Wrexford Cottage ( airbnb / Vrbo )

Cambridge Beaches

Rosewood Hotel

Pompano

Southampton Fairmont

The Reefs

Hamilton Princess

Mid Ocean Golf Club

Clairfont

Greenbank

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Bermuda’s most popular beach for visitors and locals.

Lifeguards on duty

Restaurant

Bathrooms

Umbrella and chair rentals

Pink Sand

Elbow Beach

Less popular than Horseshoe bay beach but just as beautiful. Visit this beach for a quiet getaway.

Resturant (at nearby Hotel)

Bathrooms

Umbrella and chair rentals (may of may not be available to non hotel guests)

Pink sand

Warwick Long Bay

Rest Rooms (very basic)

Hotdog Stand with drinks and snacks

Accessible via sand trail from Horshoe Bay or we can take you there directly via minibius

Seldom Crowded

No chair and umbrella rentals

Church Bay

Restrooms (very basic)

Great Snorkeling

Shady grass park above

Contact us about transportation from your hotel or cruise ship to and from the Beach.

A Jewel-like Wonderland

Crystal Caves is a favorite attraction to see while visiting Bermuda. It is highly enjoyed by children as well as adults. Crystal Caves is located at located on 8 Crystal Caves Road, just off of Wilkinson Avenue, in Bailey’s Bay, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda. It was discovered by two young teens in 1905 and it became a tourist attraction in 1907. Now, thousands of visitors flock to see the splendor of Crystal Caves every year.

About 120 feet below the ground, Crystal Caves Bermuda is like visiting a wonderland. It is filled with naturally formed, glimmering, jewel-like stalactites that hang down from the ceiling of the cave and stalagmites that jut up from the floor of the cave. These stalactites and stalagmites are of varying sizes and shapes. The limestone formations took millions of years to develop. They’re quite an impressive sight. There is also an unbelievably clear, large subterranean pond of water in the cave that is approximately 55 feet deep. You can see the crystal formations below the surface of the water with perfect clarity. The view is particularly exhilarating and dramatic as you cross over the water on the floating wooden pontoon bridge, and stop to inspect the stalagmites under the water. Lighting has been installed in Crystal Caves Bermuda allowing for easy viewing and for taking pictures.

There are guided tours of Crystal Caves available. Having a tour guide to take you through the cave rounds the visit out nicely. They provide visitors with the complete history of the cave, and many other intriguing details and stories. The guides show visitors the “cell phone graveyard” which is where many visitors have dropped their cell phones while leaning over the railing to peer into the water. A word to the wise, hold tightly to your cell phones and other items.

Outside of Crystal Caves Bermuda is a small cafe called Cafe Ole. Here you can order light meals, beverages and snacks and eat at a shaded table. There is also on-site gift shop, called Fiddlestix, if you would like to purchase small gifts or souvenirs.

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Our Aquarium & Crystal Caves Tour is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a kid friendly tour of Bermuda. Click Here to book this family friendly excursion today!

Fun for the Entire Family!

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) is located at 40 N Shore Road in Flatts Village, Bermuda. BAMZ focuses on education and research, has an aquarium, a museum of natural history, and a zoo. The organization takes part in several Species Survival Plans and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

There are various pools, ponds and island displays where you can view slider turtles, gigantic Galapagos turtles and other animals. There is a pond of harbor seals that will keep you thoroughly entertained with their antics. The Zoo also has an array of more than 300 beautiful birds, reptiles and mammals in a setting that is as natural and realistic as possible.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo is a family friendly activity that everyone can enjoy! You will be amazed at the size, shapes and colors of the 200 species of fish and marine creatures. You will be fascinated by the live corals and predatory fish you will see in the immense 140,000-gallon tank at the North Rock Exhibit.

There is a kid friendly touch tank where children can have the opportunity to get up close and personal with mollusks, urchins, lobsters and sponges. Another kid friendly area is called Discovery Cove where children can explore the environment while playing and learning at the same time.

When you visit the Reptile Exhibit make sure to stop by to see Oscar, a long-time resident of the zoo. Oscar is an old alligator that doesn’t do much most of the time, but he’s interesting to look at all the same. Occasionally, he surprises everyone by letting out a blaring roar which usually means that he wants to be fed.

The Natural History Museum has permanent and changing exhibits. Some of the exhibits are interactive. You will have an opportunity to see what Bermuda looked like before humans came onto the scene. You can also learn how humans have impacted the animal life and the ecology on the island of Bermuda, and what is being done about it.

If you are looking for a family friendly destination, then the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo is the place for you.