Bermuda Highlights Tour: Gibb’s Hill, St. George’s & Ferry Return

Summary

Pink beaches, lighthouse views & ferry back from Hamilton

You’ll ride an air-conditioned minibus from Royal Naval Dockyard through Bermuda’s highlights: climb Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, walk barefoot on John Smith’s Bay pink sand, explore historic St. George’s with free time for snacks or shopping, then finish in Hamilton where your included ferry ticket takes you back along turquoise waters—leaving you with more memories than photos can hold.

What’s the experience like?

I stepped off the ship at Royal Naval Dockyard and right away spotted our minibus—bless that air conditioning. Our guide, Mr. Simmons, had this easy way of slipping in stories about Bermuda as we drove. First stop was Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse. I didn’t expect to feel so small looking up at that old cast iron tower (built in 1846—he said it twice, I remember because it’s older than my great-granddad would’ve been). The wind up there smelled faintly salty and metallic, and you could see both Hamilton and Dockyard from the top if you squinted past the sun glare. There was a tiny gift shop at the base; I bought a postcard but mostly just wanted to stand outside and watch the light move across the water.

After that we hugged the South Shore for a while—windows down for a bit even though it messed up my hair. Horseshoe Bay looked almost fake with those pale pink sands (I tried to take a photo but it never quite catches the color). We stopped at John Smith’s Bay too, and honestly I just took off my shoes and let the surf run over my feet for a few minutes. There was this little girl nearby collecting shells with her grandma, both laughing every time she dropped one. That sound stuck with me more than any photo.

St. George’s was next—felt like stepping into another century with all those narrow lanes and weathered stone walls. We had about 40 minutes of free time; I grabbed a ginger beer from a local shop (the owner called me “luv” which made me smile) and wandered aimlessly past pastel houses. Didn’t buy anything else but kind of wish I’d tried one of those fish sandwiches people were eating outside.

The tour ended in Hamilton, right by the harbor where everything seemed brighter somehow. Mr. Simmons handed us our ferry tickets (“don’t lose these or you’ll have to swim!” he joked). I lingered for an hour before catching the ferry back—there’s something about watching Bermuda slide by from the water that makes you want to stay longer than you should. Still thinking about those pink sands and that salty breeze.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bermuda highlights and ferry return

• Visit Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse
• Shop at lighthouse gift shop
• Drive along South Shore coastline
• Photo stop at Horseshoe Bay Beach
• Walk on pink sand at John Smith’s Bay
• Free time in historic St. George's
• Travel to Hamilton city
• Shop and explore Hamilton at leisure
• Take free ferry back to cruise ship

Top questions

How long is the Bermuda highlights tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours plus your own time exploring Hamilton before returning by ferry.

Is pickup from my cruise ship included?

Yes, transportation from your cruise ship at Royal Naval Dockyard is included in an air-conditioned coach.

Do I need to buy a separate ferry ticket?

No, your ferry ticket from Hamilton back to Dockyard is included in the tour price.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, access to restrooms is provided during stops such as Gibb's Hill Lighthouse.

What if the ferry isn’t running on schedule?

If ferries aren’t available due to holidays or timing, you’ll be returned to your ship by bus instead.

How much free time do we get in St. George's?

You have around 40 minutes of free time in St. George's for shopping or exploring on your own.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No formal lunch is included but you’ll have time in St. George's and Hamilton to buy snacks or meals if you wish.

What are some highlights of this day trip?

You’ll visit Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, see Horseshoe Bay Beach, walk on John Smith's Bay pink sand beach, explore St. George's and finish in Hamilton with a scenic ferry return.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right at your cruise ship dock aboard an air-conditioned minibus with stops at Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse (including access around its base), Horseshoe Bay Beach for photos, John Smith’s Bay for walking on pink sand, free time in historic St. George’s for shopping or snacks, and ends in central Hamilton where you’re given a free ferry ticket back to Dockyard—all coordinated so you won’t miss your ship departure.