Hamilton
Hamilton, Bermuda, offers a vibrant port experience. If your cruise ship is under 700 feet, you'll dock directly in downtown Hamilton at Wharf 5/7, where a Visitor's Information Center provides maps and assistance. Larger vessels dock at Heritage Wharf, located in the Royal Naval Dockyard on the west end of the island. The Dockyard is a lively 75-acre facility, once Britain's largest naval base outside the UK, offering attractions like a snorkel park, shopping mall, craft market, Dolphin Quest, and a maritime museum, all within easy walking distance of the ships.
Frequent ferries, buses, and taxis connect the Dockyard to Hamilton and other island areas throughout the day and into the evening, making travel convenient. A free trolley service is available within the Dockyards at King's Wharf, offering hop-on/hop-off stops, which is particularly useful for passengers with walking difficulties. For those docking in Hamilton on a Wednesday evening during peak season, Front Street transforms into "Harbour Nights," a lively street fair and party zone.
Getting Around from the Port
From Hamilton Wharf 5/7 (Downtown): Downtown Hamilton is highly walkable. Major sights like Fort Hamilton, the Bermuda Historical Society Museum, and the Bermuda National Gallery are easily accessible on foot. You'll also find the much-photographed "Birdcage" traffic stand near the Visitor's Information Center. Horse-drawn carriages are available directly at the cruise terminal for city tours.
From Heritage Wharf (Royal Naval Dockyard): The Royal Naval Dockyard itself is very walkable, with shops, attractions, and the Bermuda Maritime Museum all nearby. A free trolley provides convenient hop-on/hop-off service within the Dockyard. To reach Hamilton or other parts of the island, you can use buses or ferries.
Island-Wide Transportation: Bermuda boasts an excellent and frequent public transport system.
- Buses: Look for pink bus poles for buses heading to Hamilton, and blue poles for buses leaving Hamilton. A single bus trip costs $4.
- Ferries: Passenger ferries are a great way to explore Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound, connecting Hamilton to Somerset and the Dockyard. A single ferry trip costs $4. Ask for a transfer if you need to connect to another line.
- Day Pass: For unlimited travel on all buses and ferries, consider purchasing a Day Pass. A 1-day pass costs $19, and a 2-day pass is $31. These are available at the Visitor Info Booth in the Dockyards or the official bus/ferry ticket kiosk at the Hamilton terminal.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available at stands on Front Street in Hamilton, at major hotels, or by phone. All taxis are metered, charging $8 for the first mile and $3 for each subsequent mile. Hourly rates are approximately $50.
Attractions and Activities
1. Explore the Royal Naval Dockyard: (Walkable from Heritage Wharf, or accessible by ferry/bus from Hamilton) Spend half a day at this historic 75-acre site. Visit the Bermuda Maritime Museum, housed in old limestone buildings, which details its past as a crucial British naval base from 1812-1957. The Dockyard also features a snorkel park, shopping mall, craft market, and Dolphin Quest.
2. Discover St. George's: (Accessible by bus or ferry from Hamilton/Dockyard) Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George's, the oldest continually inhabited British settlement in the New World. Wander its small, winding streets, admiring British Colonial architecture, fountains, gardens, and cobbled plazas.
3. Relax on Elbow Beach: (Approx. 2 miles from Hamilton, accessible by taxi/bus) Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches are a major draw. Elbow Beach is one of the nicest and closest to Hamilton, offering a mile of crystalline soft sand and calm turquoise waters.
4. Visit Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo (BAMZ): (Accessible by taxi/bus) Open daily from 9 AM-5 PM (last admission 4 PM), BAMZ is a popular attraction. It features a stunning 140,000-gallon replica coral reef, over 300 birds, reptiles, mammals, and 200 species of fish. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $5 for ages 5-12.
5. Explore Crystal and Fantasy Caves: (Accessible by taxi/bus) Located on Wilkinson Avenue in Bailey's Bay, these two distinct caves are open daily from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM (last admission 4 PM). The entrance fee is $24 per adult, $10 for children aged 5–12, and free for children 4 and under.
6. Climb Gibb's Hill Lighthouse: (Accessible by taxi/bus) Ascend this historic lighthouse in Southampton Parish for magnificent 360-degree views of the parish and the West End.
Shopping
Hamilton offers a pleasant assortment of stores, especially along Front Street, which is easily explored on foot. The Royal Naval Dockyard also has a shopping mall and a craft market for souvenirs and local goods.
Dining
While the guide doesn't specify particular restaurants, it warns that dining establishments near the cruise ship docks in St. George's can be up to three times more expensive than comparable options in areas like Somerset Village. Hamilton itself has various dining options.
Currency and Language
Bermuda's local currency is the Bermudian dollar (BMD), which is pegged to the US dollar (USD) at a 1:1 exchange rate. US dollars are widely accepted everywhere. It's advisable to ensure you receive any change back in US dollars if that is your preference. English is the principal language spoken.