A Bermuda Family Adventure: The Perfect Itinerary

The animal kingdom reigns at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, a three-in-one attraction located in Flatts Village. At the Aquarium and Zoo, you’ll get up-close-and-personal with adorable seals, fascinating sharks, beautiful birds and many other creatures, all presented in detailed, naturalistic habitats. At the Museum, you’ll learn all about Bermuda’s unique ecosystem and habitats – and why the island is a hot spot for migratory animals like humpback whales and marine turtles.

Feel the thrill of a lifetime as you touch, swim with and even kiss a dolphin! Dolphin Quest offers interactive encounters with friendly bottlenose dolphins for adults and children. While you play with the dolphins, you’ll also learn about the role humans play in conserving their marine home.

Looking for more aquatic action? Pay a visit to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. The simulated dive experience takes you 1,200 feet below the surface of the sea, where you encounter whales and sharks. The Treasure Room features sunken treasure recovered by diving legend Teddy Tucker from some of Bermuda’s 300 shipwrecks. And the new, immersive Living With The Ocean is a state-of-the-art stunner, with seven large Google Earth screens that let you “dive” beneath our oceans to visit coral reefs around the world.

Sorry, kids: the time machine hasn’t been invented yet. But Bermuda does offer an amazing window to the past that will stimulate minds both young and old. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture and quaint lanes crisscross the Town of St. George, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The whole family will enjoy a walking tour to discover historic buildings, colonial landmarks and alluring shops and restaurants. Don't miss the Town's light-hearted historical re-enactments, including the infamous (and splash-filled) “Ducking Stool.”

Nearby, visit the sprawling Fort St. Catherine, built on the very beach where Bermuda was founded in 1609. It's incredibly fun to explore the fort’s massive ramparts, antique artillery, labyrinthine tunnels and chambers carved deep into the bedrock. Soak in incredible views of Achilles Bay, St. Catherine Beach and check out a museum that focuses on the age-old task of protecting Bermuda from invaders. Tell your kids to scan the horizon for pirate ships!

Kids will love Bermuda’s Crystal Caves, where they'll find mysterious formations framing blue subterranean lakes. These caves are millions of years old but were only discovered in the early 20th century. Fun fact: Crystal Caves were the inspiration behind the classic Jim Henson TV series Fraggle Rock! Crystal Caves are open to the public every day from 9 am to 5 pm, with guided tours leaving every 20 minutes. Rubber soled shoes are recommended – you'll have to climb those steps down and back up.