Expert: Michael - 9/4/2006

Question
Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for your response and ideas!  We are planning on trying out your suggestions.  One question - the cruise line is not offering the Spicelands as an excursion and I'm assuming that I will need to contact them in advance...do you happen to have an 800 number or any advice about this (who to talk to etc...) Everything else seems cut and dry...thanks again!

Cheryl
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Followup To

Question -
Michael,

My husband and I will be taking a honeymoon cruise to Bermuda the first week of November 2006.  I have read lots of your responses to others and have learned a lot about Bermuda!  I am confused about one thing...our cruise will be only stopping at King's Wharf for(2 days)and I'm not sure where exactly this is closest to (Hamilton or St. George) and what we can efficiently do with our short amount of time when there.  I have written down some of the bus schedules you've mentioned - we would like to snorkel on our own, maybe do a glass bottom boat tour, and horseback ride also.  Thanks for your help!

Cheryl

Answer -
Hi Cheryl,

King's Wharf is the Dockyard, the West End.  Across the Great Sound either by ferry or bus #7 (via south shore), or #8 (via Middle Road).  The trip shold be less than an hour by bus.  If you manafge the direct route to Hamilton on the ferry it will be about half an hour. But the route that stops at various harbours along the way is a nice way to see Bermuda from a differance perspective.

Think about taking the bus to St. George for sightseeing and shopping. Ask the driver for a transfer when boarding and transfer in Hamiton to St. George via bus 1, 10 or 11.  Get an early start Cheryl.  It will be a day trip.  Not a waste.  Wonderful sights along the way. On your return spend a little time in Hamilton if you had not enough in St. George.  It would best serve you to call (1-800-BERMUDA)the Dpartment of tourism and ask for a Bus Schedule be sent out to you.  You will see what time the busses run before you get there.

If you are certain about spending time snorkeling take bus #7 to Church Bay.  Perhaps go a bit further to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse to climb to the top.

You very best bet for snorkeling without question will be Church Bay. Horseback riding at Spicelands would take you over the top.  Bus #8 will get you there.  Just ask the driver to stop for you at Spicelands. This would work for you as the morning of day two.  Perhaps snorkel that afternoon.

Happy planning!
Michael

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

Spicelands Riding is on Middle Road.  That's bus #8.  If it were I would prefer the bus rather than a taxi.  But be cetain from your Bus Schedule (800.BERMUDA) with the timing of your return.  Worst case you could take the taxi.  But I think the bus will work fine because bus #8 is a major route which offers more service.

Checkout www.spicelandsriding.com and you will find an email you can write to for making advance resrvations.  You could call them at 441.238.8212.  That is an offshore telephone number and normally a ten dollar + call.  My cell can call the island for the regular few cents a minute.  Maybe your does too!  Anyone who answers at Spicelands will be able to help you with a confirmation and any questions you may have.  Just tell them if it is a rainy day you would like the option to reschedule.

The website above offers icons for various things.  Here are a couple you will like.  www.spicelandsriding.com/NewPictures2.htm and www.spicelandsriding.com/trails.htm

By the way, we snorkled Church Bay one day last week.  The living reefs are a stones throw from shore.  Coral, colorful fish and sea fans etc.  

The biggest kick we had was running beach sand through our fingers and picking out pieces of pink coral.  We ended up with a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coral.  My wife loved it.  Some of it appeared a jewery grade.  I mean small pieces but polished.  She'll do something nice with it I'm shure.

Do enjoy your trip Cheryl.  We just returned this past Saturday and are in withdrawal.  We're coming down slowly with a few cases of Ginger Beer, a non-alchohol beverage we come to enjoy.

Happy planning!
Michael