Itinerary

A Bermuda Superyacht Itinerary

On land and on the water, Bermuda’s allure is boundless – and her appeal is catching the eye of more and more superyacht captains and owners. With the new superyacht legislation enacted January 1, 2020, the island allows transit, cruising and charter permits along with no passenger head tax and import equipment, furnishings, fittings and parts are duty-free.

Sailing

Mild weather and climate make Bermuda a great place to visit year-round. It’s an island where understated sophistication, breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture blend seamlessly for an unforgettable experience. Famous beaches beckon travellers with pink sand and turquoise waters. Natural wonders like Crystal Caves, Spittal Pond and a shallow, colourful reef invite exploration. Lovers of tennis and golf will find no shortage of places to play – or high-calibre sporting events to attend. An ever-evolving food scene melds flavours from the far reaches of the earth into sumptuous dishes. The island offers history enthusiasts much to explore with the likes of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail and Town of St. George.

Plus, it’s easy to get to and around both on the ground and at sea. See the latest COVID-19 guidance. For concerns related to matters such as groceries, fuel, waste, laundry and more contact Bermuda Yacht Services.

All this and more make Bermuda a safe and perfect destination for superyachts. This itinerary can help you make the most of your (and your guests’) time in and around the island’s 21 square miles.

For even more island inspiration, tailormade itineraries and critical information, download the Bermuda Superyacht Guide.

For a detailed technical guide to operating a superyacht in Bermuda, see the Bermuda Superyacht Captain's Handbook.

Day 1:

Arrive at St. George's Harbour

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s first capital, the Town of St. George is an ideal port of entry. Situated on the island’s northeastern tip, it’s the closest port to the ocean, and all shipping traffic that enters Bermuda must enter the surrounding reef in the vicinity of St. George's.

The harbour has offered a safe yacht anchorage for centuries and for many years was the only point of entry for customs clearance, though this has recently changed. Berthing is available at both Penno's Wharf and on the South Side of Ordnance Island. During the season (May and June) you will be required to Med Moor in these locations. St. George's is also only 15 minutes from the airport.

With buildings dating back to the 1600s, the quaint Town of St. George offers amazing restaurants, shopping, beaches and scenic walks.

Interior shot of a superyacht in Bermuda

Bermuda Superyachting Essentials

Our Superyacht Guide and Captain's Handbook offer critical info for operating your vessel in Bermuda. Get yours now.

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Day 2:

Golf, Diving, & Beaches at Castle Harbour

One of the most beautiful anchorages in Bermuda, it’s also where many high-net-worth individuals from all over the world have homes.

Getting to Castle Harbour requires going back out of the channel and into the ocean, then making an approach from the South. While the approach may look tricky on a chart, there’s plenty of water and it’s suitable for drafts to at least four meters. Bermuda Yacht Services offers local knowledge and a Captain’s briefing that can assist with this passage, which should not be attempted if there is a large Southerly swell. Some of the highlights of Castle Harbour include beautiful beaches, snorkelling, excellent golf, luxe spas and some of the island’s best dive sites.

Day 3:

Explore the Reef at North Rock and the Crescent

Once you enter the reef line off of St. George's again, two channels head to the west, the North Channel and the South Channel. Both are deep enough for superyachts, with the South Channel being the shortest way to the City of Hamilton and areas to the west. The North Channel heads north but stays inside the reef line. The barrier reef that surrounds Bermuda extends out to nine miles on the north side of Bermuda, protecting the area from swells. In fact, you can be in waist-deep water nine miles north of Bermuda.

In settled wind conditions, there are a few anchorages off of the North Channel, including just south of North Rock and also in the area of the Crescent. This remote area is ideal for accessing the beautiful outer reefs for snorkelling, diving or submarine exploration.

Day 4:

Shop & Dine in Cosmopolitan Hamilton

The midpoint of the adventure is the perfect time for an excursion on dry land. Head to the Capital of Bermuda, The City of Hamilton. There is a great anchorage to the West of White's Island as well as several options for berthing, including the Hamilton Princess Marina, which has full hotel amenities, the Waterfront Marina, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (vessels to 50M) and – for those that want to be closest to shopping, dining and nightlife – the #1 Dock on Front Street.

Day 5:

Explore the Great Sound & Scaur Hill

Even though Bermuda is surrounded by shallow reef once you have come down the Channel to the island’s West End and entered the area known as the Great Sound, the water is surprisingly deep. It is now possible to leave the confines of the channel and explore a bit of the coastline. A recommended anchorage, especially in the prevailing southwesterly breeze, would be northeast of Fort Scaur. This anchorage offers privacy via high, heavily wooded cliffs on the eastern shore. An expanse of open water makes this a great place to break out the water toys.

A highlight of this anchorage is to take the tender on a circumnavigation of Somerset Island, passing under the smallest drawbridge in the world, through beautiful bays and harbours and past historic wrecks. Most small boat channels are marked by PVC posts with red and green arrows on the top that point to the deep water. This anchorage is also closest to the Royal Naval Dockyard, which houses the National Museum of Bermuda, a place well worth a visit.

Day 6:

Close (Enough) to Town at Granaway Deep

To the southwest of Hamilton Harbour lies the Granaway Deep anchorage, sheltered from most wind directions except due west. The advantage of this anchorage is that you will be close enough to tender guests to Hamilton, yet far enough out to feel that you are not in the city. It is also a great spot to explore the islands that are scattered in between Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound, affectionately known by locals as Paradise Lakes.

Day 7:

Bid Farewell at St. George's Harbour

With its easy access to the airport, safe docking and old-world charm, St. George's Harbour is the perfect place to end your Bermuda itinerary.

Once the guests have departed, St. George's Harbour is a great spot for a bit of crew R&R. It is also possible to provision and bunker fuel in the town. When it's time to go and the right weather window presents, it's the perfect place to slip out to sea by day or night, under the guidance of the exceptionally professional and courteous Bermuda Radio.

Before you set your course for Bermuda's fair shores, don't forget to download our Bermuda Superyacht Guide as well as our Bermuda Superyacht Captain's Handbook – and be sure to keep them beside you at the helm.