Sailing & Boating

Fair Winds and Good Vibes

More than 400 years ago, Bermuda was found by a crew of hardy shipwreck survivors. Today, our island still beckons sailors to its shores. With temperate weather all year long, calm and clear waters, and a rich maritime heritage, Bermuda is the perfect place to hoist your sails or drop anchor. Cheer on your team in the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, embark on a sightseeing cruise, or island-hop like a VIP on a private excursion.

A man drives a small boat next to a larger one at sunset in Bermuda

Sunset & Sightseeing Cruises

Prefer to be a passenger? Glide over Bermuda's colourful reefs in a glass-bottom boat or book a diving or snorkelling adventure. Wind down with a festive sunset sail or hop aboard a midday outing complete with refreshing drinks. Learn to sail with lessons from a pro, book a deep-sea fishing charter for tuna, marlin, and wahoo, or take a spring whale watching tour to see humpbacks on their journey toward cooler northern waters. 

Zara Catamaran

Private Sailing Adventures

For an elevated experience on the water, splurge on a private sailing excursion and spend a sunny day on the open ocean or an afternoon island-hopping around Bermuda's bays and harbours. Curate your own customizable experience aboard a luxury yacht or catamaran, complete with water activities and private chefs to craft the perfect menu to complement your adventure. 

two boats sailing

Learning To Sail

There’s just something about Bermuda that will make you want to set sail, but what if you don’t know your port from your starboard? Fear not – sailing programs for all skill levels are available. Head to the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club for year-round learn-to-sail programming for both youth and adults, or the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club which is home to a distinguished sailing academy. 

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More Water Activities

Water Sports

Bermuda’s waters are as fun as they are stunning – see for yourself with our water sports ranging from laid-back chill to nonstop thrill.

Fishing

With some of the best deep-sea fishing opportunities in the Atlantic, the waters around Bermuda are perfect for reeling in something delicious.

Two sailboats traversing the Hamilton, Bermuda's harbour on a sunny day

Sailing Resources & Guides

Whatever your vessel of choice might be, learn all you need to know about getting to Bermuda by private vessel and see the latest customs protocols for travellers arriving by sea. Review safety protocols and testing resources related to COVID-19 before you set sail. 

Superyacht Crew

Bermuda offers plenty of places to drop anchor, fuel up, and explore. Take a well-deserved break on Bermuda’s welcoming shores, where your options for fun in the sun (or rest and relaxation) are unlimited.

Superyachts

Bringing your own luxury superyacht to our shores? You can look forward to fully indulging in all Bermuda offers, on land and sea. Check out our guides and resources for superyachts, including a one-week itinerary that’s packed with quintessential Bermudian experiences.

Boats racing in the Apex Bermuda Sail GP

Sailing Races & Events

Bermuda’s competitive sailing season kicks off in style with the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, presented by Hamilton Princess. Teams from the United States, Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand and beyond compete for the prize at speeds reaching up to 50 knots (about 60 mph) in cutting-edge F50 catamarans. Other renowned events include the Newport-Bermuda Race (the world's longest-running regatta, also known as the "Thrash to the Onion Patch") and the 35th America's Cup. The island's sailing events are fun to watch from the shore, or from a boat on the water – bring your binoculars! 

Frequently Asked Questions

For sailing enthusiasts crossing the North Atlantic from the U.S. East Coast (such as departing from Charleston, South Carolina, or Newport, Rhode Island), the voyage to Bermuda covers roughly 600 to 800 nautical miles. Assuming an average sailing speed of 5 to 7 knots, the journey typically takes 4 to 5 days (roughly 100 to 120 hours) of continuous day-and-night sailing. The exact duration depends heavily on your vessel's capabilities, current weather conditions, and how you navigate the currents of the Gulf Stream.

The "best" time to sail to Bermuda depends entirely on the type of vacation you are looking for! Bermuda’s primary commercial cruise season runs from late April through early November. Because of our sub-tropical location in the North Atlantic, we experience distinct seasons, meaning different months offer completely different island experiences: 

For Peak Beach Weather (June – August): If your goal is swimming in warm turquoise waters, snorkeling our shipwrecks, and enjoying hot, sunny beach days, the summer months are the best time to sail. Keep in mind that this is the height of our high season, so the island will be bustling with energy, festivals (like Harbour Nights), and fellow travelers. 

For Mild Weather & Exploring (April – May & October): The spring and fall shoulder seasons are incredibly popular for visitors who prefer milder temperatures (typically in the low-to-mid 70s Fahrenheit), lower humidity, and fewer crowds. This is the absolute best time for golfing, hiking the Railway Trail, and exploring our historical sites. Note: The ocean water in April and May can still be a bit brisk for some swimmers! 

For Private Yachts & Sailors: If you are navigating your own vessel across the Atlantic, the safest and most popular weather windows for crossing the Gulf Stream are late spring (May and June) and late fall (November). We generally advise mariners to be highly cautious from late August through October, as this is the historical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season."

Explore More Activities

In between games, laps, or sets, there are plenty of other ways to have fun in Bermuda: fuel up with deliciously fresh seafood, local produce, and ice-cold beverages, cool off in our sparkling waters (beach or pool – your choice) or take in Bermuda’s cliffs, coves, and caves, each spectacular in its own way.