Bermuda’s Top Summer Adventures

Whether you’re seeking big thrills in the great outdoors or more intimate moments of connection with the island’s rich culture, this collection of adventures reveals the authentic Bermuda. Summer is the perfect time to dive in!

High-Adrenaline Adventures

Cliff Jumping

A quick way to dial up the excitement during a Bermuda summer adventure is with cliff jumping. Admiralty House Park, which Men’s Journal singled out as one of the "Most Adventurous Beaches in the World," offers different heights and deep water for different thrill levels. One of the coolest things about Admiralty House Park is what you’ll find after you take the plunge — cliff jumpers can swim into one of the park’s hidden caves, dug out by the British military in the 1800s. Another option is Diving Board Island, which (as the name suggests) offers ample cliff jumping fun. It’s only accessible by boa, so it’s tougher to get to, but it’s worth it. See top spots for cliff jumping.

Rock Climbing

It’s been a well-kept secret for some time now, but the word is getting out: Bermuda is a rock climbing hot spot. The island may be better known for its pink sand and ocean panoramas, but locals know its other great feature – and they’ve affectionately nicknamed the island “De Rock.” One of the most popular kinds of climbing here is deep-water soloing (DWS) – single-person climbing on coastal cliffs at high tide, where the only protection is the water below. If you’re already cliff jumping at Admiralty House Park, go find Clarence Cove Beach while you’re there. It’s the most popular climb on the island, with an array of routes for varying skill levels.

Freediving

The most intrepid way to explore Bermuda’s colourful reefs and impressive shipwrecks is via freediving – using no scuba gear and only holding your breath. Bermuda has earned the reputation of being the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic Ocean, with over 300 sunken ships in the area. Some can be explored with just your fins and sense of adventure.

The local experts at Freediving Bermuda can teach you their ways. This tour operator – the island’s first freediving school – was started by two ocean-loving cousins with a collective passion for sharing the beauty of our waters in a safe and affordable way. They offer PADI freediving course and tour guiding services.

Adventures in Nature

See Spittal Pond Turn Pink

Spittal Pond at the Spittal Pond Nature Reserve in Smith’s Parish often turns into a vibrant pink hue in the summer thanks to a seasonal plankton bloom. As the weather gets warmer in the summer, the algae causes the incredible colour transformation. While we don’t recommend swimming in these bright pink waters, you can still marvel at the reserve’s diverse habitats and enjoy the excellent bird-watching.

Go Snorkelling & Helmet Diving

Bermuda is home to some of the world’s best snorkelling. Snorkel Park, a full-service beach facility located at the Royal Naval Dockyard, is a great spot for all ages, with clear, calm water and all the amenities you’d need. To swim amongst the reefs, hire a snorkelling cruise such as Bermuda Shipwreck Snorkel or Sundeck Sightseeing and Snorkel Experience to take you to the best spots.

Both kids and adults will also love helmet diving, a totally unique way of experiencing going underwater. The specially designed helmet lets you walk on the ocean floor and breathe normally while getting hands-on experience with marine life. It’s the perfect way for those with little or no undersea experience to get in on the fun.

Practice Balance with Paddleboard Yoga

Bermuda’s serene waters offer a scenic backdrop for a peaceful yoga session, so try some paddleboard yoga while you’re here. Beginners all the way up to experts are welcome to experience SUP yoga as a different way to focus on your balance and breath work. Check out vendors like Graykite and Salt Yoga. Classes tend to be small and intimate, usually with less than 10 people total.

Uncover Hidden Gems

Spend the day exploring the stretch of lush pink sand and supreme snorkelling at John Smith’s Bay, and discover the mermaid carving inside of a cave tucked away on the left side of the beach. This bay was named after Captain John Smith, the same man who famously encountered Pocahontas during his tenure at Jamestown and who later created the first map of Bermuda.

An even quieter spot is Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve on the island’s eastern end. It’s a serene spot with walking trails and a wildlife observation tower to catch a breathtaking view of the coastline. You may even spot sea turtles as you swim at one of the beautiful beaches.

Party With the Locals

Sundays on the Water

Sundays during the summer are all about getting out on the water with friends and family, and you’ll find Bermuda’s welcoming spirit quickly turns strangers into friends. A special Bermudian tradition is the raft-up, where boats connect together for prime partying. For an extremely fun raft-up, go to Paradise Lakes, part of the famed Great Sound. Tiny islands surround the tranquil waters, making it an idyllic spot for a floating summer party.

Harbour Nights

To keep the party going during the week, check out Harbour Nights on Wednesday nights from 7-10 p.m. During Harbour Nights, the City of Hamilton closes down Front Street so everyone can enjoy the live music, Gombey dancing, island cuisine, artisan vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. Mix, mingle, and watch the sun set over Hamilton Harbour.

Catch Sports Action

Cricket Games & Cup Match

Bermuda has a loud and proud cricket culture – local players and fans take matches like the Eastern County Cricket Games very, very seriously. Catch a match as four East End clubs duke it out over the summer.

Then there’s Cup Match Weekend, an island-wide cultural event centred around a fierce local sports rivalry. With plenty of island spirit, food, games, entertainment, and post-match festivities, it has much to offer the non-sports-fans as well. Get swept up in the raucous Cup Match afterparties, or marvel at the size of the Non-Mariners Water Raft-Up. Traditionally held on the first Sunday in August, the raft-up features hundreds of boats, floats, rafts, and swimmers flocking to Mangrove Bay to finish off the legendary Cup Match holiday.

Fishing Charters

Bermuda is a deep-sea angler’s dream come true. The island’s bountiful waters are filled with big-game catches like marlin, tuna, and wahoo. May and June are the best times to hook yellowfin tuna and wahoo, while blue marlin peaks in July and August.

Head out to the Argus and Challenger Banks, located several miles off the southwestern end of Bermuda, both featuring teeming natural coral reefs. If you get lucky, many fishing charters will prepare your catch for a super-fresh seafood feast.

Make Your Summer Bucket List

Want to make sure you’re capturing the best of Bermuda? Discover iconic island experiences – from blissful beach days to energy-charged, music-infused events – and put together the ultimate summer bucket list for your Bermuda escape.