Our land might be limited, but our water is boundless.
Whether you want to relax on top, dive down beneath or have fun doing both, the boat charter business in Bermuda is booming and we are spoiled for choice. Sunset cruises, daytime adventures, wildlife encounters and sailing excursions: here are some of the best ways to enjoy Bermuda by boat.
Sail Bermuda
One of the most luxurious ways to enjoy the island’s waters is by catamaran and Sail Bermuda’s Wyuna and Elusive are hard to beat.
Available for private charters only, Wyuna, is 47 feet and can accommodate up to 35 passengers. Elusive is 44 feet and accommodates up to 25.
For fun, both offer kayaks, paddle boards, flotation noodles, snorkelling equipment and an inflatable raft. For entertaining, there is comfortable seating both inside and out, speakers and beanbags. Daytime, evening and corporate experiences are all available, and trips can be customised.
“When we get people on board, we talk to them to see what criteria they want to meet,” said Sail Bermuda co-owner, Jono Dill.
“Whether it’s paddleboarding, snorkelling, cliff jumping, just relaxing on the boat, sailing around and then from there, we tailor the day to whatever they want to do.”
Mr Dill has a lot of favourite spots.
“For sailing, aesthetically, the West End of the island is really beautiful because you’ve got all the different reefs and the sand banks out there. The Vixen, Cambridge Beaches, Ely’s Harbour is really nice.”
However, he also enjoys going down the North Shore because “it’s nice and open for sailing”.
When he gets the chance, he relishes the opportunity to sail around St George’s, but that would be a long charter as his boats are kept in Dockyard.
The more adventurous guests, on a calm day, can go to the outer reef line for offshore snorkelling.
What’s a boat trip without sustenance? Sail Bermuda has its recommended regular caterers, but guests are welcome to use others or bring their own, and the crew will make the process as easy as possible.
“You get in contact with the caterer and after that, they’ll get in contact with us and we liaise with them to pick it up. You just arrive to the boat and it’s all there waiting for you.”
They have also hosted parties with an on-board chef and waiters, DJs and even live music. Through partnerships with local water sports companies can arrange other activities including freediving, scuba diving, water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing.
Some of Mr Dill’s most memorable charters, however, have involved children.
“Sometimes, we’ll get younger kids on and you can literally see them producing core memories while they’re on board here, and just to be a part of that is pretty cool.”
- Sail Bermuda charters are a minimum of three hours, and the maximum is a 10pm finish. For more information, including pricing, visit sailbermuda.com.
Wildlife Watching
If you want to see whales, seabirds or simply enjoy a coastal cruise, boat trips on the Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo’s Endurance or Callista are a must. Their experienced captains and guides not only care deeply about the wildlife and ecosystems they are sharing with their passengers, but their knowledge is world-class too.
In addition to whalewatching, tours include a pelagic sea birdwatching trip with the Bermuda Audubon Society, North Rock Snorkel Adventure and the Cahow Watching Pelagic boat trip. There is also a Harrington Sound Coastal Cruise, during which passengers get to see longtail nests up close.
- For further details about all BAMZ boat tours and prices, visit https://bamz.resqwest.com/web/.
El Zorro
The ultimate party boat for kids and adults, El Zorro, formally known as the PlayPen, is that giant motor yacht you might have seen anchored offshore with the double-decker inflatable slide on one side and a large inflatable raft at the back. Full of other water toys such as fishing rods, kayaks, paddle boards and noodles, they play host to relaxed picnics, fun BBQs, large cocktail parties and even more formal dinners, with long tables and chairs. Daytime, evening or a bit of both, they offer private charters only, which are fully customisable.
- Charters start at $775 per hour for 25 people. For cocktail cruises, they can take up to 100 people. For swimming and water fun, the maximum is around 50 or 60. For more information visit @elzorrobermuda on Instagram, look them up on Facebook, or call 300-8692.
Rising Son Cruises
Available for both private and public charters is Rising Son’s flagship catamaran, Rising Son II, a custom built 60-foot sailing catamaran, and their newest addition to the fleet, the 65-foot, Filante. If private charters aren’t in your budget, you can book one of their three hour snorkel tours for $85 per adult and $65 per child, or their two hour Champagne Sunset Sail for $75 per adult.
- For more information and booking, visit risingsoncruises.com
Glass Bottom Boat Trips
If you want to enjoy what goes on below the surface without getting wet, the Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Captain Kirk’s Coral Reef Adventures, might be the boat trip for you. At $65 per adult and $45 per child, it’s a fun family excursion. Leaving from Dockyard, the 90-minute tour will take in coral reef sea gardens, the HMS Vixen and all the sealife in between.
- For more information visit kirksadventures.com
Water skiing & Wake boarding
For sheer fun and adrenaline, book a trip on Kent Richardson’s motor boat for some water skiing, wake boarding and tubing. From beginners to experts, kids to grandparents, he has taught them all. Prices start at $280 per hour and include all equipment.
- For more information visit bermudawaterski.com.
