Expert: Michael - 4/3/2009

Question
My boyfriend and I are traveling to Bermuda for Easter weekend staying in Hamilton at the Royal Palms.  I am a bit unsure about the weather and wanted to ask what are some of the best activities you recommend for spending time on the beach, seeing the whales (not so interested in a 7 hour boat ride)and seeing Bermudian culture while avoiding cruise ship traffic and other such touristic scenes?  

Answer
Hi Kathleen,

Royal Palms.  Nice stuff.  We never stayed there but my wife wants to someday.  And she has a knack for nice things.

April does not resemble June, July or August as far as warmth and humidity go. The cruise ships do not start cruising until May.

Here's the deal on beaching.  Take bus number 7 out of Hamilton and get off at Warwick Long Beach.  Trek down to the seashore and turn west (right at the bottom) and walk along the seashore.  The half mile walk is beautiful all the way to Horseshoe Bay.  You'll walk along several lovely beach spots, Jobson's Cove among others.  The backdrop of volcanic stone is great and the paths are lined with seagrape bushes.  When you get to Horseshoe Bay the walk up to Southshore Road is a bit, but the bus stop is near by.

A great activity is horseback riding out of Spicelands Riding Stables.  Bus number 8 from Hamilton. The horses are gentle and the ride takes you along the seashore in places.

Another thing we find exciting is renting scooters.  We are happy with riding a double.  This gives the very best access to exploring the island.  From Hamilton to St. George and the parish of St. George, the various beaches, you can even find your way to Buildings Bay while there (next to Alexander Battery) on Barry Road to seek beach glass. Explore, explore, explore.  Do call the Department of Tourism at 800.BERMUDA and request a Handy Reference Map and Transportation Schedule.  You can bring the bike(s) onto the ferries for convenience.  Say Hamilton's Albouys Point to the Dockyard.  Super.

Some pubs I will recommend for a great views ... The White Horse (St. George)from the outdoor patio, Blackbeards (St. George), The Swizzle Inn, and the Country Squire in Sandy's.

If you were down near Horseshoe checkout Gibbs Hill lighthouse.

No whales.  The reefs go out twenty-five miles so it's too shallow.

You'll find St. George a 300 year old village with lots of history.

Happy planning!
Michael