Your Bermuda Bucket List: Winter Edition

While the pink-sand beaches can be enjoyed year-round, winter is the perfect time to find yourself off the beaten path. Add these unique island experiences to your Bermuda bucket list.

Learn How to Kite Surf

Bermuda’s winter weather offers all the right conditions for catching air and riding the waves while taking in stunning views. If you’re up for trying a new sport, learn how to kite surf with outfitter Island Winds. Book private and semi-private lessons, or head to Elbow Beach if you’ve already conquered your skills.  

For those new to kite surfing, remember it can be extremely challenging and requires proper instruction. Be sure to take extra precautions before and after storms.

Feast on Spiny Lobster

Dig into spiny lobster, a fresh-caught local favourite that’s in season during the winter. Unlike its distant relative, the Maine lobster, the spiny lobster has a harder shell and doesn't have claws. That means nearly all the tender, succulent meat is found in the tail.  

From September through March, you’ll find this delicacy on the menu across the island. You can try it prepared in a variety of ways at restaurants such as Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio in St. George’s, Henry VIII Restaurant in Southampton, and The Lobster Pot in the City of Hamilton.

Feel festive at the Christmas Walkabout in St. George’s

During the holiday season, experience the magic of the Christmas season in Bermuda at the annual Christmas Walkabout in the Town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Locals and visitors alike join together to celebrate the festive season and admire the magical Christmas lights as the historic streets are lined with live entertainment, local food and artisans. In Bermuda style, friendly residents will even welcome you into their homes for a warm drink. 

Go For a Refreshing Dip

For an invigorating experience, go for a swim at one of Bermuda’s many spectacular beaches. While sunshine is usually abundant, winter temperatures average near 70° Fahrenheit (21°C) during the day and in the 60s (°F) at night, with water temps averaging between 64°F (18°C) to 68°F (20°C). Still, chances are you won’t regret taking a plunge into Bermuda’s pristine waters.

Prefer to take a dip in a hot tub instead? Check out Bermuda’s resorts, many of which offer steamy hot tubs where you can enjoy great views while staying warm.

Eat Your Way Through Bermuda During Restaurant Weeks

Sample the island’s diverse and delicious flavours during Restaurant Weeks, an island-wide culinary event running from mid January through February 16, 2025. Choose from about 50 restaurants offering tempting multi-course meals, from local seafood to international delights. It’s the perfect recipe for savouring a mix of local cuisine while celebrating Bermudian culture.

Dine in or order out. Prices for the special prix-fixe menus range from $25 to $59 per person.

Catch the Excitement at a Pony Racing Night 

Giddy up! Experience a night of exhilarating pony races at The Driving Horse and Pony Club of Bermuda each week throughout January and February. The Bermuda racetrack is unique in size and shape, making it a highly demanding course for both rider and pony. Enjoy a night of nail-biting racing with a fun social atmosphere and see who will become the season’s Champion of Champions.

Do a Rum Tasting Tour 

Warm up from the inside out with delicious Bermudian rum. Discover the history of the spirit and the role it plays in the island’s iconic cocktails. From the Dark 'n Stormy® to the Rum Swizzle, Gosling’s signature blend of Black Seal Rum is one of the key ingredients.

Go bar hopping around the island and try a variety of rum cocktails. Or do a tasting at The Conservatory Bar & Lounge at Rosewood Bermuda, where you can sip craft cocktails and admire gorgeous water views. 

Try to Spot one of the World's Rarest Birds 

Take birdwatching to the next level and try to spot one of the rarest seabirds on the planet, the cahow, which nests only in Bermuda. The cahow was thought to be extinct for 300 years until several nesting pairs were discovered on the East End of the island in early 1951. 

A colony of cahows has since been re-established on Nonsuch Island as part of a world-renowned re-wilding project. Access to the island is strictly controlled, but boats can anchor offshore on the north side of the island. 

Do the Bermuda Triangle Challenge

Bermuda is a runner’s paradise with its scenic natural beauty, variety of trails, and fitness-loving local community. To kick off the new year, resolve to take a runcation and complete the Bermuda Triangle Challenge. 

Participate in one or all three events during the annual The Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge, taking place January 17-19, 2025. Friday evening, feel like a pro athlete as crowds line Front Street in Hamilton to watch the mile run. Tackle a 10k on Saturday, then race to the finish line for the marathon or half-marathon on Sunday. Special packages are available for visitors.

Step Back in Time at one of Bermuda’s Many Forts

Since Bermuda’s first settlers arrived in 1609, over 90 forts have been erected to protect the island shores. Some of the bigger and better-known forts were built between the early 1600s and the mid-1800s and have an interesting and storied past. On your next visit to Bermuda, take a walk through history and admire the archaic architecture at Fort Hamilton, Fort St. Catherine, Ferry Island Fort, Scaur Hill Fort or Fort Victoria. 

Indulge in an Oceanside Spa Treatment During Spa Month

Immerse yourself in peace and tranquility during Bermuda’s Spa Month in February. Besides saving big on massages, facials, and other self-care treatments, you’ll enjoy pure pampering and rejuvenation with relaxing island vibes. For the ultimate experience, seek out an oceanside spa treatment, where the soothing sound of waves and stunning natural beauty bring even more bliss.

Find Yourself in Bermuda this Winter

Ready to pack your bags and get lost on our 21-square-mile island? See deals to start planning your island getaway, and share photos and videos as you check these activities off your list using the hashtag #BermudaBucketList.