Bermuda Island Tour: St. George’s, Hamilton & Pink Sand Beaches

Summary

From Somerset Bridge to St. George’s old lanes, see Bermuda’s colors shift with each stop and meet locals who share the island’s spirit

You’ll cross Somerset Bridge, climb Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for wild views, stroll through Hamilton’s lively streets, and feel centuries-old history in St. George’s—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story worth hearing.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the minibus because I got distracted by a rooster strutting near the Royal Naval Dockyard—honestly, that bird had attitude. But once we squeezed in (the air-con felt like a small mercy), our guide, Miss June, started pointing out things before we’d even left Somerset Village. She waved at a guy fixing his fishing net and told us he makes the best fish chowder on the island—her words, not mine. We crossed Somerset Bridge (the world’s tiniest drawbridge—no joke) and everyone craned their necks for photos. I still can’t believe how narrow it is; you could almost miss it if you blinked.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse was next. The sun was already high but up there, with that salty wind in my face and my shirt sticking to my back (should’ve worn lighter fabric), I just stood quiet for a second. You can see almost everything from up top—the water shifts from turquoise to deep blue in patches, and you get this weird sense of being both lost and found at once. Some folks took selfies; I just leaned on the rail and watched clouds move over Hamilton.

Hamilton itself buzzed—a jumble of pastel shops and people laughing outside cafés. Miss June let us wander for a bit (“Don’t get lost or I’ll have to come find you!” she joked). I grabbed a ginger beer from a corner store; the cashier called me “luv” without blinking. After that came the pink sand beach stop—everyone talks about Bermuda’s beaches but until you squish that powdery sand between your toes, you don’t really get it. There was this faint smell of sunscreen and saltwater everywhere.

St. George’s felt like stepping into another time—cobblestones, old wooden doors, kids playing tag around St. Peter's Church steps while some older men argued softly in the shade nearby. About 65% of these buildings are older than most countries, apparently. I wandered off alone for a bit (probably longer than planned), just listening to distant church bells echoing through those narrow streets. On the way back to the Dockyard we all went quiet for a while—I guess everyone was tired or maybe just letting it all sink in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full island tour of Bermuda highlights

• Drive through Somerset Village
• Cross the world's smallest drawbridge
• Stop at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for photos
• Visit iconic pink sand beach
• Shop and browse in Hamilton
• Explore St. George's town independently
• Scenic journey back to Royal Navy Dockyard

Top questions

How long does the Bermuda Island Tour take?

The full island tour covers all major sites in one day by minibus.

Is pickup included for this Bermuda tour?

The tour includes pickup at the Royal Naval Dockyard cruise port.

What main attractions are visited on this Bermuda island tour?

You’ll visit Somerset Village, Somerset Bridge, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, Hamilton city center, pink sand beaches, and St. George’s town.

Can I explore St. George’s independently during the tour?

Yes, there is free time to explore St. George's historic town on your own.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is provided but there are stops where you can buy food or snacks locally.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Are there bathroom breaks during the Bermuda island day trip?

Yes, stops such as Hamilton and St. George's offer opportunities for restroom breaks.

Does the minibus have air conditioning?

The vehicle used for transport is air-conditioned for comfort throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport in an air-conditioned minibus with pickup at Royal Naval Dockyard cruise port; guided stops across all nine parishes including Somerset Village, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse entry (for panoramic views), time at a pink sand beach to relax or wander barefoot, free time to explore Hamilton city center and historic St. George's independently before returning by scenic route in late afternoon.