★ Top sights 10
The Royal Naval Dockyard served as the principal base of the Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic from the late 18th century through the Cold War. Built on Ireland Island at Bermuda's western tip using slave and convict labour, its granite fortifications once supported the entire British fleet in the Americas. The dockyard's strategic position astride Atlantic shipping routes made Bermuda one of the most heavily fortified colonies in the Empire. Today the complex houses the National Museum of Bermuda, craft markets, and the historic Commissioner's House.
The National Museum of Bermuda occupies the historic Keep fortification of the former Royal Naval Dockyard on Ireland Island in Sandys Parish. Originally opened in 1974 as the Bermuda Maritime Museum, it was renamed in 2009 to reflect its expanded scope covering all aspects of Bermudian history. The museum's collections span the island's colonial heritage, maritime traditions, and natural history, displayed within the granite walls of the dockyard's most heavily defended inner compound. It publishes books on Bermuda history and hosts cultural events year-round.
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Bermuda, covering 60 acres (24 ha) along the Atlantic coast of Smith's Parish. The reserve surrounds Spittal Pond, the third largest pond on the island, and is designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, one of seven such sites in Bermuda. The brackish lagoon and surrounding scrubland support large flocks of migratory waterfowl in winter, including herons, egrets, and North American ducks. The reserve's limestone cliffs contain Portuguese Rock, a carving left by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century.
Activities & local 15
Beaches & coast 10
Culture & history 1
Getting there 3
L.F. Wade International Airport is the sole airport serving Bermuda, named after the late Bermudian politician Lois Frith Wade. Located in St. George's Parish approximately 10 km northeast of the capital Hamilton, it handles all international traffic to and from the island. The airport has one passenger terminal and eight aircraft stands capable of accommodating aircraft up to the size of an Airbus A380. Several airlines operate seasonal and year-round scheduled services to North America, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
Nature 5
