King’s Wharf Bermuda isn’t just a port for transatlantic cruisers to stretch their sea legs on re-positioning cruisers anymore! It’s really grown in popularity in recent years, especially during summer months, with cruises departing from America’s East Coast. If you’re on a re-positioning cruise, you’ll likely be stopping at Ponta Delgada, so do check out my DIY guide there.)
So in guide, I’ll cover the top things to do at King’s Wharf Bermuda – if you’ve only got a short time at port, then there’s enough to do around the Royal Navy Dockyard. If your cruise ship is staying overnight at King’s Wharf, then you’ll have enough time to do everything on my list below!
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On This Page
- King's Wharf Bermuda: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy
- King's Wharf Bermuda Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need to Know
- King's Wharf Bermuda Map
- King's Wharf Bermuda: Getting Around & Your Transport Options
- King's Wharf Bermuda: Best Things to Do
- Royal Navy Dockyard King's Wharf DIY Walking Tour
King’s Wharf Bermuda: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy
There’s usually two types of cruisers visiting King’s Wharf Bermuda: those who’s on a Transatlantic Re-positioning Cruise and those who’s on a short cruise from America’s East Coast ports, such as New York and Baltimore.
If you’re on a Transatlantic cruise, you’ll likely be in port for no more than 6-8 hours. If you’re on a Bermuda cruise from the East Coast, you’ll likely be docked in King’s Wharf overnight. Regardless of how much time you’ve got in King’s Wharf Bermuda, a DIY excursion couldn’t be any easier:
- Location, Location, Location: Just walk off the ship and you’ll be a stone’s throw from the Royal Navy Dockyard with everything from the local artisan market to the Bermuda National Museum.
- Regular Scheduled Ferries: Regular ferries depart from the ferry terminal, just next to King’s Wharf to Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital city and St George’s (summer months only), making it easy to explore further, especially if your ship is docked overnight in King’s Wharf Bermuda
- Excellent Network of Buses: There’s a great network of buses, despite how unusually shaped Bermuda is. So you can just as easily jump on a local bus at King’s Wharf and see the famous pink sand at Horseshoe Bay.
King’s Wharf Bermuda Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need to Know
- Currency: Official currency is the Bermudian Dollar (BMD), pegged to the US$ at a 1:1 ratio.
- US$ is widely accepted, so if you carry US$, I won’t worry about exchanging any. However, if you withdraw cash from an ATM, you will get BMD!
- Language: English
- Official Websites: Go to Bermuda is the official tourism website
- eSim for roaming in Bermuda: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout – if you’re on a Caribbean cruise, then buy the Island Hopper, valid in 27 Caribbean Islands!
King’s Wharf Bermuda Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps
King’s Wharf Bermuda: Getting Around & Your Transport Options
Bermuda’s archipelago is in a distinct shape likened to a fishhook (or the Nike swoosh logo!). The main islands, connected by bridges and causeways, form a long, narrow curve that stretches from northeast to southwest. King’s Wharf is on the southwestern end. From there, the curve hooks sharply northward towards Hamilton (the capital of Bermuda) and on the top northeast end of Bermuda is St George’s.
This unusual shape gives Bermuda its elongated form, with a length of about 22 miles but an average width of less than one mile. Given this shape, bear in mind that it’s actually quicker to go from King’s Wharf to St George’s in a ferry or boat, then it is to drive.
Bermuda is incredibly well connected for a small island and for DIY cruisers, there’s two ways to get around easily:
- Local Buses: Most useful routes are #7 and #8 as both buses have stops at King’s Wharf – see these marked on my King’s Wharf Bermuda map below 🗺️📍👇. The closest #7 and #8 bus stop is opposite the Clock Tower Shopping Mall
- Timetables: Click here to see timetables for all routes. (There’s really only one main road running from King’s Wharf on one end of Bermuda to St George’s on the other end, so that’s the road that buses run on.)
- Tickets: Short rides at $3.50, longer rides at $5, with a daily ticket at $19. You need exact change to buy a ticket on bus.
- Handy Ticket Booth at King’s Wharf: If you intend to ride a bus, then I’d recommend stopping by the official ticket booth at King’s Wharf to get tickets to avoid having to find exact change. You’ll see the booth as you disembark from the ship.
- The Bermuda Visitor Services Centre, opposite the Ferry Terminal, will also sell you tickets.
- Local Ferries: Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, is the ferry hub, so ferries will run between Royal Navy Dockyard to Hamilton. From Hamilton, you can connect to other routes. There’s also a limited ferry service going directly from Royal Navy Dockyard to St George’s.
- Timetables: click here to see timetables for all routes.
- Tickets: US$5 per ride, except shorter routes from Hamilton. You’ll need exact change to board the ferry, so it’s easier to buy a ticket from the official ticket booth at King’s Wharf or the Bermuda Visit Services Centre, opposite the Ferry Terminal
- Note on Ferry to St. George’s: As the ferries times to/fro St George’s are limited, you can also take the bus back but you’ll need to change buses at Hamilton.
King’s Wharf Bermuda: Best Things to Do
1. Visit the Royal Navy Dockyard
The Royal Navy Dockyard was established in the early 19th century as a key strategic base for the British Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic. There’s lots to see at the Royal Navy Dockyard area and I’ve got suggestions below in a DIY walking tour – everything will be either walking distance of King’s Wharf Cruise Port or you can take the free shuttle bus looping around the Royal Navy Dockyard with stops around the area. If you don’t want to venture too far away from the ship, then a stroll around the dockyard is for you!
Aside from some historic buildings, you’ll see some traditional British red telephone boxes, a nod to Bermuda’s history as an independent British Overseas Territory. Great for some pics, as these telephone boxes are almost extinct in the UK! The twin clock towers also make the mall an easy landmark to spot and remember. Also come here if you need free WiFi!
2. Go on a Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Want to see a real shipwreck without getting wet? Then King’s Wharf Bermuda is one of the ports where you can easily do a glass bottomed cruise around the coast. The highlight is HMS Vixen, deliberately sunk in 1896 both as an artificial reef and to act as a block ship to protect the channel leading to the Royal Naval Dockyard.
HMS Vixen is in relatively shallow water off Daniel’s Head, with her bow partially above water. So you’ll see plenty of marine life and beautiful corals from the glass bottom boat. Boat cruises leave from the Island Tour centre. You’ll see it once you’ve disembarked on your ship and walk towards the Royal Naval Dockyard. Prefer to get into the water and snorkel instead? Then join a catamaran snorkel tour – you’ll embark on King’s Wharf. Not a strong swimmer? Then another option to snorkelling is to see the marine life is to wear an underwater helmet.
Note: There are other famous shipwreck sites like the Constellation (1943) and the Montana (1863) but IMHO these are better enjoyed as diving sites, then snorkelling sites. The Montana, a Civil War blockade runner, sank first. Decades later, the Constellation, a cargo ship carrying supplies during WWII and sunk on the same reef.
3. Visit Glass Beach
Glass Beach is a small beach in a hidden cove, about 30 minutes walk from King’s Wharf, known for its abundance of sea glass. Over time, saves have broken down the glass from glass bottles and other refuse left on the beach, to create the frosted sea glass that covers the beach today.
Note that this is not a sandy beach ideal for swimming or sunbathing. But the colourful sea glass against the backdrop of the ocean and rocks makes Glass Beach quite photogenic and striking. If you’re looking to relax on a beach, then Horseshoe Bay is the beach you need!
- How to Get There: Bus #7 or #8 bus from outside the Clock Tower Mall at Royal Navy Dockyard. More details on catching local buses in Bermuda above. Otherwise, it’s a 30 minute walk
4. Take Ferry Ride to Hamilton
Hamilton, the capital city of Bermuda is just a short ferry ride away! Front Street and Washington Mall, straight ahead once you’ve disembarked from the Hamilton Ferry Terminal are good shopping & browsing spots. Hamilton also has the most diverse culinary scene in Bermuda, so for foodies, you’ll get everything from fresh seafood to Asian and Caribbean cuisine. For sightseeing, here’s a few options:
- Bermuda National Gallery: Bermudian art, with works by local artists from paintings to sculptures and photography. Also has temporary exhibitions.
- Bermuda Historical Society Museum: A small museum about Bermuda’s rich past – if you’re into history, the National Museum of Bermuda is bigger and covers more topics.
- Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity: Anglican Church built in Gothic Revival style from primarily native Bermuda limestone. It’s possible to climb the 155 steps to the top of the cathedral tower.
- Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute: Besides a shipwreck gallery with recovered artefacts and treasures, there’s also dive simulator to experience a virtual deep sea dive.
5. Relax on Pink Sand at Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is famous for its iconic pink sand! The subtle pink hue comes from tiny red organisms called foraminifera that mix with the white sand. (The Pink Beach in Bonaire island (ABC islands) also has similar pink sand). The beach is framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations, so it looks like a secluded cove but is in fact, one of the most popular beaches in Bermuda. All the usual facilities are there and there’s a lifeguard on duty during summer months.
- How to Get There: Catch Bus #7 from King’s Wharf – see above for timetables and details on how to use the local bus. Let the driver know you’re heading to Horseshoe Cove. The bus stop is right across the beach.
Royal Navy Dockyard King’s Wharf DIY Walking Tour
1. National Museum of Bermuda
Housed in the 19th century Commissioner’s House, within the Keep (largest fort in Bermuda), the National Museum of Bermuda tells the story of Bermuda’s maritime history and the famous shipwrecks around its coastline.
Bermuda is often called the “Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic” because the nearby treacherous reefs hidden beneath the beautiful turquoise waters. Hundreds of vessels have sunk around Bermuda’s coastline. The “Shipwreck Island” exhibit showcases artefacts which have been recovered, including gold bars, navigational instruments and personal belongings.
- How to Get There: It’s 10 minutes walk from King’s Wharf, or you can catch the King’s Wharf shuttle and get off at Maritime Lane, then walk 2-3 minutes to entrance. The shuttle is actually an electric tram.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm, last admission at 4pm. Opens at 10am during winter months.
- Tickets: US$18 adults, US$15 seniors 65+, free for kids under 16
2. Dolphin Quest
The Dolphin Quest is actually the first attraction you’ll encounter at the Royal Navy Dockyard as you walk from your ship at King’s Wharf. You can swim or interact with dolphins in shallow water. If you’re a confident swimmer, you can pay for the “royal swim” where two dolphins will push you forward by putting their noses on your feet!
- Opening Hours: 8:30am to 5pm from April to October, 10am to 3pm from November to March
- Tickets: From US$165 for a 15 minute swim to US$850 for a 4.5 hour “Trainer for a Day”. It’s by no means cheap, so if you’re pre-booking this online, be sure to consider whether your insurance would cover it if the ship has to miss port due to poor weather.
3. Bermuda Craft Market
Housed in the old Cooperate Building where barrels were once made for the British Navy, the Bermuda Craft Market is a fun place to browse for local arts & crafts. (The barrels were used to store everything from gunpowder and food to water and rum.)
It’s a red brick building on Maritime Lane, as you walk toward the National Museum of Bermuda. Stalls range from jewellery, ceramics and pottery, paintings to woodwork, textiles, candles and soaps, as well as locally made jams and honey. If you still need souvenirs or small gifts for your trip, this is a great place for some last minute shopping!
4. Snorkel Park
Opposite the Bermuda Craft Market, you’ll see signs pointing to two kids-friendly attractions. One is the Snorkel Park and the other, a miniature “crazy golf” course. While it’s definitely not the best snorkel spot on the island, it’s a great spot for less experienced swimmers. It’s in a sheltered cove and the water is shallow and calm. You’ll still see a diverse array of marine life though. Snorkel rentals, changing rooms and showers are all there, making it a very convenient spot for a great dip.
5. Clock Tower Shopping Mall
Didn’t find those souvenirs you wanted from the Bermuda Craft Market? Then there’s more shops (including a duty-free shop), with restaurants and cafes, housed in this elegant building. It was once the Great Eastern Storehouse! Completed in 1856, it was used to store sails, rigging and oars.
Featured Photo by Brandon Morrison
I hope that this guide has given all the information you need to craft your own DIY adventure at King’s Wharf Bermuda. Smaller ships dock in either Hamilton or St George’s but you can easily get to all the attractions at King’s Wharf with the public ferry. Have a most wonderful cruise! Drop me a line if you have any questions below!
