Sailing & Watersports
More than 400 years ago, Bermuda was found by a crew of hardy shipwreck survivors. Today, Bermuda still beckons sailors to its shores. With temperate weather all year long, calm and clear waters, and a rich maritime heritage, Bermuda is the perfect place to hoist your sails or drop anchor. Cheer on your team in the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, embark on a sightseeing cruise, or island-hop like a VIP on a private excursion.
From waterskiing to kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing to exploring the many coves, islands and beaches on a self skipper adventure or the comforts of a glass bottomed boat, no trip to Bermuda would be complete without a sail on the ocean blue.
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Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Bermuda boasts warm Island waters and a stable climate throughout the year which also lends itself well to year-round water-based activities.
Nevertheless, while most people associate wreck diving with deep water, it is interesting to note that diving here is generally shallow (45-50 feet), though there are several dives to over 100 foot for those with a deep passion.
All aboard:
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Highlights of the boating calendar include the annual King Edward VI Gold Cup (hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club every October, attracting 32 teams of top professionals as well as up and comers from all over the world), the Newport to Bermuda Ocean Yacht Race (June of even years), the Blue Water Cruising Race (from Marion, Massachusetts in June of odd years), the Bermuda Cruising Rally (every June) and Arc Europe (annually in May). Meanwhile, the Bermuda Fitted Dinghies begin racing in late May until mid-September and the Power Boat Racing system runs from May until mid-November.
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One of the best ways to see Bermuda and her islands is from the sea, which is why hiring a Boston Whaler (up to 4 people) proves so popular with visitors.
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One of the world’s finest fishing centres, especially for light-tackle fishing, best fishing is from May to November, when trophies are offered in competitions such as the Big Game Classic while deep-sea aficionados and shore fishermen are also well catered for.
Sunset & Sightseeing Cruises
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Prefer to be a passenger? Glide over Bermuda's colourful reefs in a glass-bottom boat or book a diving or snorkelling adventure. Wind down with a festive sunset sail or hop aboard a midday outing complete with refreshing drinks. Learn to sail with lessons from a pro, book a deep-sea fishing charter for tuna, marlin, and wahoo, or take a spring whale watching tour to see humpbacks on their journey toward cooler northern waters.
Private Sailing Adventures
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For an elevated experience on the water, splurge on a private sailing excursion and spend a sunny day on the open ocean or an afternoon island-hopping around Bermuda's bays and harbours. Curate your own customizable experience aboard a luxury yacht or catamaran, complete with water activities and private chefs to craft the perfect menu to complement your adventure.
Sailing Races & Events​
Bermuda’s competitive sailing season kicks off in style with the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, presented by Hamilton Princess. Teams from the United States, Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand and beyond compete for the prize at speeds reaching up to 50 knots (about 60 mph) in cutting-edge F50 catamarans. Other renowned events include the Newport-Bermuda Race (the world's longest-running regatta, also known as the "Thrash to the Onion Patch") and the 35th America's Cup. The island's sailing events are fun to watch from the shore, or from a boat on the water – bring your binoculars!
