The Ultimate Bermuda Family Guide
Planning a trip to Bermuda with kids? This Bermuda family guide is your one-stop hub for everything family-friendly—from the best beaches and snorkeling spots to stroller-friendly hikes, kid-approved restaurants, and where to stay. Whether you’re bringing toddlers or teens, we’ve got you covered.
Jump To:
- Top Things to Do
- Best Beaches
- Snorkeling with Kids
- Family Hikes
- Where to Eat
- Regions Overview
- Top-Ranked Family Stays
- Local Tips
- Getting Around
- Best Time to Visit
- What to Pack
Top Things to Do
Bermuda is full of family-friendly fun, from cultural sites to tropical adventures. Kids can learn history at historic forts, snorkel over shipwrecks, and explore underground caves. With plenty of calm beaches, nature reserves, and scenic railway trails, there’s something for every age.
- Exploring the Crystal & Fantasy Caves: Journey underground to see incredible crystal formations and turquoise pools.
- Visiting the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo: A fantastic attraction with a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
- Discovering the Royal Naval Dockyard: Explore historic buildings, museums, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
- Swimming with Dolphins at Dolphin Quest: Located at the National Museum of Bermuda, this offers an educational and interactive experience.
Best Beaches for Kids
Bermuda’s beaches offer calm waves, famous pink sand, and easy access—perfect for families. Whether you want to build sandcastles or spot colorful fish right offshore, these beaches deliver. Many have facilities, shade, and gentle surf ideal for toddlers and beginner snorkelers.
- Horseshoe Bay Beach: Famous for its pink sand and has a designated area for kids called Port Royal Cove.
- Tobacco Bay Beach: Known for its calm, shallow waters and great snorkeling for beginners.
- Shelly Bay Beach: A tree-lined beach with a playground, perfect for families with young children.
Top Ranked Family Stays
From beachside resorts to quiet vacation rentals, Bermuda offers a range of family-friendly lodging. Many properties include pools, kitchens, kids’ clubs, and beach gear, making it easy to relax with kids in tow. Some are even close to kid-friendly restaurants and attractions.
- Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa: Offers an all-inclusive option and has its own swimmable cave.
- Hamilton Princess & Beach Club: A luxury hotel with a kids’ club and multiple pools.
- The Reefs Resort & Club: A smaller, family-owned resort with a private beach.
Snorkeling with Kids
Bermuda is home to some of the world’s most accessible snorkeling. From protected bays to offshore reefs and even shipwrecks, families can easily find spots where kids can swim safely and see marine life. Rentals and tours are widely available and many sites are shore-accessible.
- Tobacco Bay: Shallow and calm, with interesting rock formations teeming with fish.
- Church Bay: Known for its stunning reefs close to shore, perfect for more confident swimmers.
- Snorkel Park Beach: A great spot for families with calm waters and available rentals.
Family-Friendly Hikes
Bermuda offers several family-friendly hikes that are scenic, short, and great for kids of all ages. The famous Railway Trail offers miles of gentle terrain and rewarding views of the coastline. Other options include nature reserves and parks with easy walking paths. It’s a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty while keeping the adventure low-stress and fun.
- The Railway Trail: An 18-mile trail that spans the island, with many easy sections perfect for families.
- Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve: A 12-acre park with easy trails, beautiful beaches, and a wildlife observation tower.
- Blue Hole Park & Tom Moore’s Jungle: Offers trails through a lush forest with caves and a beautiful blue hole for swimming.
Where to Eat
Bermuda offers a great mix of casual local favorites and laid-back beachside cafés that work well for families. Many restaurants offer open-air seating, kid-friendly menus, and relaxed vibes—perfect after a beach day or morning hike. From fish sandwiches to traditional pub fare, you’ll find plenty of places that welcome little travelers. It’s easy to enjoy fresh food without the fuss.
- Frog & Onion Pub: Located in the Royal Naval Dockyard, it has a kid-friendly menu and a lively atmosphere.
- Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy: Famous for its massive and delicious fish sandwiches, a true Bermuda experience.
- The Swizzle Inn: A historic pub with a fun atmosphere and a menu that caters to all ages.
- Woody’s Sports Bar: A local favorite known for its fish sandwiches and casual vibe.
Regional Breakdown
Each part of Bermuda offers something unique. The West End is home to the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, the East End has the charming town of St. George’s, and the central parishes are where you’ll find the capital city of Hamilton and many of the famous South Shore beaches.
- West End (Sandys & Southampton Parishes) – Royal Naval Dockyard, quiet beaches, and great sunsets.
- Central Parishes (Warwick, Paget, Pembroke, Devonshire) – Hamilton, South Shore beaches, and central location.
- East End (Hamilton, Smith’s, St. George’s Parishes) – Historic St. George’s, Crystal Caves, and quieter pace.
Local Tips
- Drive on the left.
- Currency is the Bermudian Dollar (BMD), which is pegged to the US Dollar (USD). USD is accepted everywhere.
- Standard U.S. power plugs and voltage.
- Locals are friendly and polite greetings are appreciated.
Unique Local Experiences:
- Jumping off the bridge at Flatts Inlet: A favorite pastime for local kids and a fun and free activity.
- Visiting a Gombey Troupe: If you see a Gombey troupe performing, stop and watch. This is a unique and vibrant part of Bermuda’s culture.
- Explore the Railway Trail: Rent bikes and explore a section of this historic trail that offers stunning views and a unique way to see the island.
- Try a Fish Sandwich on Raisin Bread: A Bermuda specialty! Head to a local spot like Art Mel’s or Woody’s for an authentic taste.
- Take the SeaExpress Ferry: A fun and scenic way to travel between the Royal Naval Dockyard, Hamilton, and St. George’s.
Educational & Cultural Insights:
- St. George’s UNESCO World Heritage Site: Explore the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World.
- National Museum of Bermuda: Discover 500 years of Bermuda’s history and culture in a historic fort.
- Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI): An interactive museum with exhibits on the ocean and a simulated dive experience.
- Bermuda Botanical Gardens: Stroll through 36 acres of beautiful gardens, trees, and flowers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bermuda is from March to May when the weather is pleasant and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. The peak season is from May to October, which offers the best weather for swimming and water activities. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but Bermuda is well-equipped to handle storms.
Getting Around
Rental cars are not available to visitors in Bermuda. The most common ways for tourists to get around are by renting electric two-seater vehicles (like a Twizy), scooters, or using the excellent public transportation system of buses and ferries. Taxis are also readily available. The island is small, making it easy to explore from end to end.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards
- Snorkel sets or water shoes for rocky areas
- Lightweight clothing, but also a light jacket or sweater for evenings
- Smart casual wear for restaurants with dress codes
- Books, games, and beach toys
- Bug spray and sun hats
We hope you found this Bermuda family guide useful. For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on Bermuda.