You’re never too far from the coast in Bermuda which means it’s a great destination for boating and sailing. Numerous options are available for visitors wishing to get out on the ocean, even those with little or no seafaring experience.
Hiring a small motor boat is a good choice for most. The boat of choice for most companies that rent them is the Boston Whaler. They’re unsinkable, stable, economical, require little maintenance, and very easy to handle. They have a steering wheel and a lever that can be placed in forward, reverse or neutral. That’s about all there really is to it.
Companies renting small motor boats include Blue Hole Water Sports, H2O Sports, and Somerset Bridge Watersports. For around $200, plus a bit extra for fuel, you can have rent a boat for 4 hours. They can accommodate 4 to 6 people, so if you’re sharing the cost it’s pretty cheap. In fact, it’s a lot cheaper than going on an organised boat trip.
All the operators will give you a map illustrating all the points of interest in their area. They’ll also ask you what you want to do on the trip and give you appropriate advice on the best places to visit. One of the best things to do is pack a picnic and find a secluded beach on a small island. Provisions can be purchased at any of the island’s supermarkets.
Which operator you choose depends on where you are staying, how far you are prepared to travel, and which area of the island you want to explore. H20 Sports and Somerset Bridge Watersports are based in Sandys Parish. It’s not far from Dockyard (Kings Wharf/Heritage Wharf) so choose from these if you’re a cruise ship passenger and don’t want to travel far.
Blue Hole Water Sports and Tucker’s Point Dive and Water Sports Centre are based in Hamilton Parish; the former at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort, and the latter at Rosewood Tucker’s Point. They’re good options if you want to explore Castle Harbour, Tucker’s Town, and St George.
If you know how to handle a small sailboat there are several places you can hire them. Choices include Blue Hole Water Sports and H20 Sports.
Organised boat trips are another possibility. Fantasea (aka Island Tour Centre) operates out of Hamilton and Dockyard has the biggest selection. Options include sightseeing and snorkelling cruises, sunset cruises, glass bottom boat trips, and more. Ana Luna Adventures is a good choice for those staying at the eastern end of the island. They’re based at Grotto Bay and offer snorkelling sunset, and glow worm cruises.
If you want to plan your own itinerary you can charter a large sail boat. The total cost is fairly high but works out quite reasonable if you’ve got full boat and all passengers contribute. Boats can be chartered from Sail Bermuda, and Ana Luna Adventures.
