Expert: Michael - 5/25/2006

Question
My wife and I and another couple will cruise to Bermuda June 4-9, 2006. We would like to do a couple of excursions on our own, maybe horseback ride and snorkel. How and where can we do this without booking on the cruise ship Grandeur of the Seas. Would also like to check out a pub along the way. Any suggestions on booking, and approximate cost. Thanks! Ed

Answer
Hello Ed,

Nice choice for vacation and things to do. The horseback riding and pub sit will be extremely memorable.

My understanding is that the Grandeur of the Seas will make port in both Hamilton and St. George.  With that here you go ...

Horseback ring out of spicelands I can personally recommend.  The earlier or earliest trailride would be my choice.  The stable, Spicelands, is located on Middle Road which wil mean nothing to you.  When you are at port in Hamilton this will be your best opportunity to make it happen.  Call from a public phone 441.2388212 and make a reservation. An hour or more from your reserved time get on bus #8.  This will go down Middle Road.  As you board the bus simply ask the driver to let you off at Spicelands.  If you are real sharp you may follow your location along the way on the Handy reference Map that you should always have with you.  The trailride will take you through the spicelands area of Bermuda and along the seashore as you may have seen scenes in movies or elsewhere.  The animals are gentle.  You need not be an experienced rider.  Last time Linda and rode it was around $50.00 each for the hour +.  We also tipped the lead rider.  We were fortunate enough to be immediately behind him.  He kept up a conversation with Linda pointing out all the different spices as we passed them.  Bus #8 inbound back to Hamilton.

If your team are good snorkelers then while you are in St. George take a walk or taxi to Archillies Bay.  You may enjoy the view of Murray's Ankorage and Fort St. Catherine from the pub Blackbeard's Hideaway, have a rum swizzle and not even want to continue to snorkle.  But if you do, snorkle out from Archillies Bay out along the left side of the bay following around and through the rocks. Eventually you will come to Tobacco Bay where most cruise people do their beach stuff.  Walk back to the ship or taxi.

Or if you just want to make the short trek directly to Tobacco Bay and rent the equipment onsite you can simply snorkle around there.  I am not certain of the rental charges for the equipment but it will be short money.

My prefence, Ed, has always been the the pubs on the harbours and water. Do stop off at the White Horse Tavern to enjoy a drink on the porch when you are in St. George.  From St. George you can take bus 1,3,10 or 11 and jump off at The Swizzle Inn for a pitcher of rum swizzle, or have a Dark & Stormy, or a "pint of courage."  The Swizzle Inn is not on the water but I would consider it a must.  A fixture in Bermuda.  If you have a business card bring one to add your mark to the decor.  Sit outdoors of course.  Take in the hybiscus, the ciscadas, the whizz of mopeds driving by and the diesal drone of busses passing by.  It probably doesn't sound nice, or romantic, but this is "choice" Bermuda.  You will see.  By this time in your vacation you, your wife, and friends will be captivated by Bermuda.
If you find yourself down in somerset do stop into the Country Squire ... or maybe it's the Cork & Feather.  If you're in Somerset you'll see this quaint little place on Mangrove Bay.  Again, outdoors.

Musts are: A Handy Reference Map and a Transportation Guide with the very functional bus schedule and ferry schedule.  Both are available at the Bermuda Tourism kiosk just outside the port terminal in Hamilton and another in the square at Ordinance Island in St. George.

Happy planning!
Michael