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12 Family-
By Lisa Plotnick
Every summer, many families hop on board cruise ships to Bermuda—and some are overwhelmed
by the choices that await them. As it takes approximately a day-
These are listed in order of distance from the cruise ship terminal at the Royal Naval Dockyard. All are accessible by bus or ferry.
Bermuda Maritime Museum. Located steps from the cruise terminal, the museum highlights different stages of Bermudian history, including the slave trade, wars, and travel and tourism (including many ocean liner artifacts). Outside the museum, see if you can spot the sheep that keep the grass in shape. The museum’s hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer (last admission at 3:30), and children under age 13 years are admitted free.
Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse. Built in 1846, Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse is Bermuda’s highest structure, at 117 feet tall. The heartiest of visitors are invited to climb the 185 stairs to the top for a spectacular view. The lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (as of this writing).
Horseshoe Bay Beach. Yes, you will find many tourists here, especially when there
are several cruise ships in port, and it can get pricey. Yet, the availability of
changing areas, a small snack bar, and chair rentals, combined with calm water, make
this a top family-
Bermuda Botanical Gardens. You may have to drag older kids here, yet this 36-
Fort Hamilton. This late-
Shelly Bay Beach. If you are looking for a small beach that is used mainly by local residents, consider Shelly Bay. Note that there are no extensive facilities other than a changing room, yet the water is often amazingly clear, still, and shallow. There is also small playground located on the grass between the roadway and the beach. An added bonus is its proximity to the Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo.
Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo. The highlight is the large cylindrical tank in which
schools of fish circle about close to the glass. The zoo is home to animals from
all over the world, and well-
Crystal Caves and Fantasy Caves. Have you ever wondered what lurks underground in Bermuda? Find out on these two, separate guided tours that show you underground lakes, stalactites, and other natural phenomena. Tours leave every 20 minutes between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; combination tickets that include both sites are also available.
Deliverance II. The town of St. George, a roughly one-
Ducking Stool at King’s Square. King’s Square is the historical center of St. George
and contains representative items of its past. These include a ducking stool that
is used in noontime re-
Fort St. Catherine. St. Catherine in St. George’s Parish now serves as a museum of
Bermuda’s military history, and still has many features such as narrow passageways,
antique weapons, and cannons. There are also kid-
This article was originally published by the author on Examiner.com on June 23, 2013.