Nat Geo: Photographer’s Guide to Capturing Bermuda

Whether you’re new to photography or are a seasoned professional, embark on an unforgettable photographic journey as you explore Bermuda’s natural beauty. Each stop on this itinerary offers the perfect canvas for capturing the island’s allure.

Planning Tips

Getting Around

While you’re out scouting Bermuda’s hidden beaches and natural wonders, rent an electric vehicle from Rugged Rentals to effortlessly get around the island at your own pace and venture off the beaten path.

Where to Stay

For accommodations with prime locations and photogenic properties, The Rosedon Hotel or The Royal Palms make it easy to explore Bermuda’s photo-worthy spots. Find everything from old-world style to modern comfort when choosing your ideal place to stay.

Day 1: West End Wonders

Shoot the Sunken Side of Bermuda

Let the surreal beauty of the underwater world captivate your lens as you photograph the HMS Vixen. Scuttled in the late 1800s to block access to the Royal Naval Dockyard, this partially submerged wreck now bustles with marine life just below the surface. Whether by boat, drone, or snorkel, the Vixen makes a striking subject, especially during golden hour.

Nearby, Sea Garden Reef offers vibrant split-level and underwater photo ops, whether you’re snorkeling or gliding over the water in a clear-bottom kayak from Bermuda Watersports. Reflecting its rich maritime history as the “Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic,” the island offers over 300 wrecks to dive and photograph.

Close to the Bermuda Watersports launch, snap a quick shot of Somerset Bridge, the world’s smallest working drawbridge, just wide enough for a sailboat’s mast to pass through.

Zoom In at Fort Scaur & its Surroundings

See stunning views of Ely’s Harbour and the Great Sound at Scaur Hill Fort and Park, especially during sunset. It’s an ideal spot if you’re an outdoor and adventure photographer looking to combine history with dramatic scenery. Bring a zoom lens to frame distant boats and coastal wildlife.

Nearby, the Railway Trail winds through peaceful stretches of nature and eventually connects with South Shore’s iconic pink sand beaches and coastline. Get a bucket-list worthy shot during sunset where long shadows and warm tones create striking coastal compositions. 

If the weather takes a turn, swap outdoor photography for the indoors at the National Museum of Bermuda at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Take photos of the architecture and nautical artifacts or capture the treasure trove of handmade goods made by local artisans at the Bermuda Craft Market.  

Day 2: Central and East End Gems

Document Street Scenes & Sky-High Views

Let your lens lead you through the heart of the city of Hamilton, where colourful streets and pastel buildings paint a picture of everyday island life. Stroll through the city where daily life unfolds against a backdrop of bustling harbourside scenes. Every turn reveals a new perspective, candid moment, or story waiting to be told.  

As you explore deeper, whether led by the island’s charismatic Town Crier or on a self-guided tour, you’ll discover walls transformed by local and international artists, courtesy of the Bermuda Walls Mural Festival and the City of Hamilton. Each mural is a portal into cultural insight, featuring portraits of Gombeys and traditional moongates that create a layered backdrop perfect for abstract urban photography.

Elevate your view and your photography with an entirely new perspective by taking to the skies with Blue Sky Flights. Aerial shots reveal Bermuda’s full shape and size in a way that ground-level photos can’t match, plus you’ll shoot from a vantage point few get to experience.

Back on the ground, immerse yourself in Bermuda’s flavours and legendary landmarks. For lifestyle and food photography, make a stop at the beloved Swizzle Inn, home of the island’s signature cocktail, the Rum Swizzle. Then, showcase how the 140-year-old pink-hued hotel, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, lends to British and island culture. Whether you're photographing its refined architecture, world-class art collection, or its waterfront views, it’s a scene steeped in island style.

Shift your lens to Bermuda’s rugged coastline. Frame the unique geology of Admiralty House Park where jagged cliffs and limestone caves allow for wide-angle shots. You can even capture climbers scaling the rocks with the ocean in the background.  

Day 3: East End Explorations

Wander Through Wild Beauty & Timeless Streets 

Step beneath the surface into Bermuda’s mesmerizing underground wonderland, the Crystal Caves. Using your slow shutter and wide lens, record the stillness of the dramatic formations of stalactites mirrored in the clear pools. The reflections create a surreal symmetry providing creative compositions for both abstract and landscape-style shots.

The natural beauty continues at Blue Hole Park where jungle-like greenery wraps around serene swimming holes and hidden trails unearthing what resembles a secret garden. Blue Hole Park is a place where you can go beyond the beaches, reconnect with nature, and visually investigate Bermuda’s wilder, more intimate side with photos that show the striking contrast to the island’s coastal scenes.

Let your photography tell the story of the Town of St. George. This UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like a living postcard with cobbled lanes and historic buildings preserved in time. Its quiet beauty invites you to wander through notable spots like Duke of York Street or King’s Square.

If you’re drawn to wildlife, scan the skies for birds in flight or stroll the trails for flora at Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. For local culture, book a foraging tour with local guide Doreen Williams-James of Wild Herbs N Plants Bermuda to document the edible plants that shape traditional Bermudian cuisine.