A Mini Tour Around Bermuda

For such a compact and accessible destination, holidays to Bermuda can be surprisingly eventful. This island paradise, locked in the warm embrace of the North Atlantic Ocean, has an area of only about 22 square miles, but manages to pack in some of the most stunning beaches and coastal scenery in the world. Long renowned for its relaxed ambience and friendly atmosphere, the cool breezes and temperate climate of Bermuda entice thousands of visitors every year to experience the unique pink sands and turquoise waters of the islands.

With a breadth of only a mile at its widest, it is said you are never more than a stone's throw from the beach in Bermuda so, naturally, many of the activities on offer are water-based. However, if you want to really get out and explore the island, a great way to do it is by scooter. With a leisurely speed limit of 20 mph and not much chance of rain, it's an ideal day trip out, so grab a helmet, pack a picnic lunch and set off on a mini tour of Bermuda!

Set off from Hamilton

Your first port of call, where you hire your scooter, will probably be Hamilton, the island's capital. If you are based in Hamilton on your holidays to Bermuda, the hire company will probably be happy to deliver your bike to you. You can choose from either a single or two-seater and after a short lesson in safety you will be on your way. To get your bearings, why not take in a few of Hamilton's attractions before you set off further afield? You can visit the fascinating Underwater Exploration Institute; or ride along the seafront and enjoy the oleander and hibiscus which decorate the shores of the picturesque harbour. Then, take a quick trip up the hill past the superb gothic architecture of the Anglican Cathedral of Most Holy Trinity, before heading out of town.

Up to the Crystal Caves

Once you leave Hamilton you can motor up along the coast to the Crystal Caves. These magnificent subterranean caves are the highlight of just about everyone's holidays to Bermuda, and the fantastic world which lies beneath the surface is nothing short of entrancing. Visitors enter the caves via a set of steps which lead down into a magical underground world, and then follow a wooden pontoon suspended over the top of the deep aqua water. Other-worldly stalagmites and stalactites adorn the ceiling and you are guided through a silent, eerie journey through the labyrinth. When you emerge into the bright Bermudan sunshine, take a moment to adjust before climbing back on your scooter to continue your tour.

Down to Church Bay

Staying on the main island, you can now veer off down the east coast leg of your mini tour. Take a quick detour to ride around picturesque Harrington Sound, then set off along the coastline past the pink sands of Warwick Long Bay; stop for your picnic lunch at the famous Horseshoe Bay with its fabulous sweeping cove; and then finally arrive late afternoon in Church Bay. Many people on holidays to Bermuda make this location a priority as it is the ideal place to go snorkelling. The coral reef which protects the cove is teeming with colourful fish and marine life, and it is one of the best sites on the island for an underwater encounter.

On your way back to Hamilton stop off at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and brave the 185 steps for a bird's eye view of the entire island, before arriving back in time for cocktails on the harbour under a painted Bermudan sunset.

John Dixon is Managing Director of Prestige Holidays and visits Bermuda at least twice a year. He has been providing luxury holidays to Bermuda and many other destinations for over 30 years.