Bermuda: Nature, Caves and History

Spittal Pond Nature Reserve covers 64 acres and is Bermuda’s largest nature reserve, as well as an important bird sanctuary. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bermuda, you might first consider whether nature and gardens, caves, the coast or history will shape your stay.

Nature and Gardens

The 36-acre Bermuda Botanical Gardens were established in 1898. Roses, frangipani and flowering hibiscus grow there. The grounds also include a palm garden with native palmetto palms, a subtropical orchard and a sensory garden for visitors who are blind, with Braille signs. The greenhouses house orchids and succulents. Alongside its flowering plants, the garden therefore has dedicated areas for palms, fruit and greenhouse collections.

Railway Trail and Horseshoe Bay Beach

Of the original 22 miles of railway track, 18 miles are open to the public as the Railway Trail. The trail is divided into nine sections, each between 1 and 3¾ miles long, passing through Bermuda’s parishes. These stated distances give you a useful reference when comparing individual sections and planning your route.

Horseshoe Bay Beach takes its name from its distinctive curved shape. The beach has restrooms, changing rooms and showers; as facilities may change, it’s a good idea to confirm what’s available locally. Public bus route 7 runs between Hamilton and Horseshoe Bay Beach. Check the route and service before you travel, as these details may change.

Crystal Caves: Caves and Tours

The Crystal Caves of Bermuda formed during the Ice Age and were discovered in the early 20th century. A floating bridge crosses a crystal-clear lake where underwater rock formations can be seen. Tours begin in a lush garden with royal palms.

Visitors can choose between Crystal Cave, Fantasy Cave and combination tickets. Tours at the Crystal Caves run daily; reservations are not required. As tour and ticket details may change, confirm them with the cave operator before your visit. The different cave options can thus be included in your travel plans without combining them into a single tour.

Fort St. Catherine and Bermuda’s History

Fort St. Catherine is located between St. Catherine’s Beach and Achilles Bay, above pink-sand beaches and with sweeping ocean views. The fort was built in 1614 and expanded several times in the 19th century. Its exhibits and artifacts explore life in Bermuda in the 17th century. Visitors can cross the drawbridge and explore tunnels, ramparts and towers.

The Royal Naval Dockyard also has a significant construction history: over several decades, it was built by enslaved people and convicts employed as skilled workers. This history adds a perspective on the working conditions associated with the construction of another of Bermuda’s historic sites to the visible fortifications.

Culture and Insights into the Sea

Bermuda Day is widely considered the first day of summer. The date of the celebration may change depending on official plans; if you want to plan your trip around it, check the scheduled date. Art can be found in galleries and on city walls in Bermuda. Walking tours led by local storytellers are also available.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo offers interactive exhibits where visitors can get close to the animals. The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute displays shipwreck finds, a shell collection and exhibits about marine life on the ocean floor. The two institutions focus on different things: one features interactive animal exhibits, while the other centers on collections and topics related to the sea.

Discover more destinations: Saint George's, Sandys Parish, Paget Parish, Pembroke Parish, Southampton Parish, Guadeloupe, Usa, Bahamas.

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