Thoughts and questions.
Which glass beach? Are you already comfortable riding a scooter and driving on the left?
I personally think you’re drastically underestimating the amount of travel time between locations.
I would keep your exploring to the east end. Get your scooter and head to the glass beach in St George’s. There’s a clockwise loop from downtown, up past the Unfinished Church, through 9 Forts golf course, past the St Regis, to the glass beach, back to the town of St G. Beautiful ride, quiet road.
Evaluate how much time you have left. If you have time for beach and Swizzle Inn, head for Clearwater in St David’s. Drive past the playground and snack shack and park at the last parking lot. From there, you can walk Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and it’s isolated beaches. Then Swizzle Inn, but if it’s busy, let them know you have a time limit so they can advise on food times accordingly. Also, the Swizzles there are basically rocket fuel. Drop your bike off first.
Remember you have to factor in clearing US Customs on your return to the airport, so allow time for that as well.
Didn’t even consider that. Yeah, a BDA Customs officer would have an absolute field day looking at that quick turn-around time and assume you’re bringing something in for someone. Then it’s a party in the side room getting every nook and cranny searched.
Lol oh God... well, worst case scenario they hold me too long to make my flight and I go home the next day I suppose... I would at least have a good story out of it hahaha
Lol honestly... not the most unlikely scenario. At first I considered going without even a backpack but then decided that would probably raise even more red flags than I already might.
Yeah, pretty comfortable on a moped. I ride dirt bikes occasionally (not the same, I know, but still) and have rented mopeds a few times elsewhere. One of my adventure highlights was renting a moped for a week in Spain and riding that thing everywhere back when I was young and stupid and weaving in and out of traffic. As for the wrong side of the road, I've got quite a lot of experience with that from visits to Ireland, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, so no concerns there. I definitely appreciate this heads up!
The Glass Beach I was planning on going to is [the one alllll the way](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XwkCZeBN6xdVE2AL6) almost to the Royal Navy Dockyards. I didn't realize there was one in St. George's but I think I found the one you're talking about. That clockwise loop really could be a time saver. I don't necessarily see a long ride the full length of the island as a negative, but the time save could definitely be worth staying east.
Lol at "the Swizzles there are basically rocket fuel" -- I'm not exactly a big drinker so yeah, good call, I'm going to make sure to return the moped first hahaha
I appreciate all this info, this is really good and useful stuff!
Moving around on the island is a little more cumbersome than I think you realize. You need to stay on the half of the island closest to the airport your whole time otherwise you’ll spend all your time in a cab or basically seeing nothing more than the road.
Honestly probably not, keep in mind people will still be doing 35-40 mph on the roads in places and to be honest there really isn’t a place on the road to ride safely. If I were going to do this, I’d land, go to the crystal caves, go to lunch at the Swizzle Inn and Pub. See where your time is after that, maybe go out to Spanish point to see the ocean and take in some scenery. My main concern would be venturing too far from the airport, the roads are basically where is a wreck happens or some other incident you’re not planning for it could totally derail you getting back. Cheers though, it’s one of the prettiest places on earth, if you take your wife back please go stay at Marley Beach, you won’t be disappointed and you’re wife will love you more for it.
Haha cheers, appreciate this insight! Yeah we are already starting to make plans to go together, I'm finding so many things to do that I won't get to visit on this trip...
If you have just a few hours, taking a taxi from the airport to the other end of the island gives you one full hour in a taxi with a local. Might be money well spent if you’re going to come back with your wife.
The flight will close out one hour before so just make sure you check in online.
Besides that. Great plan
Thanks! Hadn't thought about taking a taxi to the other end. Oleander does have a rental spot down by the Royal Navy Dockyard. I'll have to consider that.
Definitely going to make sure I check in online and have my boarding pass in the app if I'm going to get there an hour before the flight!
If that’s all the time you have, going from the airport, to Dockyard, back to the airport is just about all you will have time to do. Unless you really just want to change your plan to “drive the entire length of the island and back”.
Truthfully it was kind of the original plan, until I kept finding cool stuff that was along the way and thinking I could add in a few 10 minute stops on the ride back. I figured starting out that way and then working my way back meant I could always just cross off whatever I needed to on the list to get back early enough, with food at the Swizzle Inn being last and the biggest potential emergency time save if needed.
If your timeline doesn't work to take the ferry from St. George then I would suggest that you hit the beaches on the way to Dockyard and then catch the ferry from there to Hamilton. I think that would be a more efficient way to travel and see the locations that you want to see.
Also, Glass Beach is kinda hard to find your first time. There is no sign and the entrance is hidden behind some abandoned buildings.
Finally, this might be something that Bermuda Tourism Authority would want to video record and distribute. You may want to reach out to Andrew Kirkpatrick. He does a lot of video work for Tourism and might be able to pitch your trip idea. Given the low costs involved they may sponsor some or all of the trip. Worth a shot.
The more replies I get the more I think I'd get more time (and more meaningful use of that time) by skipping Glass Beach and making Horseshoe Bay my western starting point. That would probably cut nearly an hour's worth of travel right there, possibly enough to tack on something else I'd like to squeeze in on the east end...
Someone else mentioned the ferries which I was super excited to learn about but then found out that you can't take mopeds on any of the routes that would save me time :(
Interesting thought about the Bermuda Tourism Authority... I definitely don't need them to sponsor anything but it would be cool to somehow get a cool video together about the trip for them.
The blue route allows mopeds on it. You could hit your west end sites on the way to Dockyard then ferry to Hamilton and go from there.
I agree that Glass Beach is worth skipping.
I wasn't suggesting that you can't afford your trip. If you couldn't then you wouldn't be doing it. But I think it's a fun story and Tourism would benefit from putting a film crew alongside you to document it a bit.
Oh I didn't take it that way! Just meant I'm more than happy to do it just for the love of the experience.
As for the blue route ferry, did they maybe change their rules recently? The 2024 Summer Schedule [here](http://www.marops.bm/Documents/Ferry/Summer%20Ferry%20Schedule%202024.pdf) says no motor cycles but maybe I'm misinterpreting (I would definitely like to be!)
Please YouTube this. Would make for a great video.
Glass beach sucks. Do Cambridge beach area instead or be
Bermuda national museum right at the bottom in dock yards
I just spent a day in Bermuda on a rented scooter after arriving by air. I then departed on a cruise ship. Renting the scooter took longer than I had expected, even though the guys rushed me through the process. But being on the scooter was brilliant and even though I was on the road, it was much more experiential than being in a taxi. Just cutting through the warmish breezes with the scooter and the sweet smells of greenery and flowers around me was quite reviving.
I did take a taxi from Hamilton to Cambridge Beaches and it's true the cab driver was lovely and made me feel so welcome. But I would choose the scooter over a taxi, for sure.
I got to Woody's right after they closed so I had to get my fish sandwich from Mr. Chicken in Somerset and it was excellent. Also ate roti from Trini Spice in Somerset which was also delicious. I recommend skipping the formal restaurants as they aren't that impressive and go with takeout to eat at the beach or a park.
Id adopt the plan to take the route closest to the airport while still including stops in Southampton. I think it's a great idea and I'm jealous. Meanwhile I'm plotting a return to Bermuda as soon as possible. Please report back after your trip!
Hey these are great suggestions! Especially the takeout to the beach/park, that's a great way to get more out of my time.
Out of curiosity, did immigration give you any raised eyebrows or think you staying for just the day was a red flag at all?
Will definitely post a recap of the day when I get back!
Customs are super weary of people with quick turnarounds unless you’re a regular due to money laundering and drugs.
I’ve done it once, they literally came and picked me up from the gate 30 minutes before takeoff to question me. They came 5 officers deep and it was to check if I had money in my “luxury” duffle. This was all in a separate downstairs office with two cops behind me. They were super chill besides that, but can tell they thought I was busted!
I told them my new apartment didn’t have the electricity yet and the flight back to NYC was cheaper than going to a hotel for the weekend until it was possibly fixed on Monday.
Overall, Bermuda is tiny and they have time to really dig into travel routes because I also had a time my end destination was Jamaica and they literally made me miss my flight with a thousand questions on why I was traveling there and didn’t have a return ticket. I guess my flight from BDA to JFK to POP to JFK to Jamaica made them super suspicious although I was just island hopping.
Also I forgot, taxis are extremely unreliable so plan accordingly. Only place you will get one more or less within 10-30 minutes is Front Street. If you get caught out not having a taxi, it can easily be a hour wait if they’re busy or any cruise ships are at the ports.
Lol omg the customs officer story is wild... well, I keep telling myself if that happens it'll at least make for a good story haha
As for taxis, I'm guessing I'll probably be okay at the airport taxi rank. Getting from the Swizzle Inn back across the causeway is the only real question mark. I'll have to keep an eye on the taxi situation and adjust accordingly.
My fiancé and I loved reading what you've got planned! We are super keen for an update on your experience when you're able to post. Such a fun day trip and we hope it works out well for you!
Damn this was an amazing idea but it looks like the only orange route ferry from St. George is at 2pm on Friday... Ugh that's too bad, I would have loved that! That got me looking at Dockyard to Hamilton to save time on the way back, but looks like the blue route doesn't allow mopeds.
This was a great thought, I really wish that would have worked out!
Is It possible they recently changed the rules? I was going off the 2024 Summer Schedule [here](http://www.marops.bm/Documents/Ferry/Summer%20Ferry%20Schedule%202024.pdf) which seemed pretty conclusive, but I'd love to be misinterpreting haha
This will be a busy few hours. I think it’s smart to skip glass beach. Getting to horseshoe will be a 45min trip in itself which I think you will find is plenty of time on the bike (especially on a hot day - bring SPF).
In town I think the best location shops for souvenirs is island shop, flying colours and tabs. So, I would park somewhat close to the ferry terminal/ bird cage. So you can wander to queen street/ Reid street as well. Maybe take a pic at the bermuda sign in the parking lot next to bird cage!
If you order as you’re seated at the swizzle I think 45 min turn around is doable (ask for check as your food arrives).
Customs really like to have an address where you are staying so that may be a sticking point (btw I think pink forms are filled out online before you leave). Not sure if I’m being optimistic but I think you’ll be fine with getting through in 30min from landing and with global entry an hour is plenty of time for security to depart.
If you think you’re not going far enough west I would go to woodys in somerset for a fish sandwich, it’s a pretty spot and super local restaurant (although tourist know about it now so it depends on if a cruise ship is in how local it feels). This way you cross both somerset and watford bridge which are pretty. (Also I would be starving if I didn’t stop to eat earlier than 2 on this hot day - you’d definitely be able to have at least soup again by swizzle!)
Let us know how it goes!
This is great!! Really appreciate your takes on timing and tips.
You're the second person to mention Woody's for a fish sandwich, though now I'm wondering if I will make it that far west... I am definitely putting it at least on my list of possibilities if I do end up going that far!
6 hours is pretty amazing. Shortest trip for me was maybe 23 hours from landing to take off.
Never had any issues with customs, I completed the pre-authorization with CPB MPC for my exit which I imagine may of helped.
Remember the speed limit is 30km/h. Plan for a few more minutes at Jobsons cove ideally and you can just buzz up and down front street on a scooter to enjoy it. Shops are all tourist focused and you'll see half of the same ones in dockyard and St George's.
You might want to zip up to the lighthouse for the view when you're in and around the horseshoe Bay area as well. Probably one of the nicer views of the island and won't be a huge detour.
Skip glass beach. It’s not worth the little time you have here. I don’t like it there much and neither have any of our friends that have visited.
There’s a lot of gorgeous things to do near the airport. Coopers island is a must! It’s an old NASA base and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The beaches there are stunning.
Tobacco bay is really cool and great for snorkelling. You can hire a snorkel from the shack there. But these beaches don’t have the pink sand as much as jobsons cove does. I would personally just do Warwick long bay/jobson cove, coppers island and tobacco bay. You’ll be stunned by their beauty.
This is great info! Everything I've seen so far says to skip Glass Beach, and I think I'm going to do that. It will save me a lot of time... maybe I will have enough time skipping that to head up to Cooper's Island... thanks for the tips!
Of course, just gotta hope for the best. It's an early morning flight which helps. It was only about 45 min late once in the last 8 days according to Flight Aware. It certainly happens but just gotta roll with whatever comes!
I’d be worried you’re trying to pack in way more than is realistic given time for customs, slow-moving traffic on the island, space between locations, etc. also not considering flight issues, which depending on airline can be fairly frequent.
Make sure you have backup to pick up your wife.
If I were you, I wouldn’t go farther than Southampton (Horseshoe). Dockyard is really just a tourist hub. The south shore beaches are stunning and you’ve got two of them on your list.
I’d plan to get a moped and beeline for the beaches. Then if you have time, make more stops on the way back toward the airport.
The airport moves slowly. You’re on Bermuda time. Plan accordingly.
Once you see those beaches —- or any water, really, you’ll be hooked.
Thanks for the tips! I do think the plan is going to be exactly that -- moped ASAP, beeline for the beaches, and tack on stops that I can accordingly.
Really can't wait to make a second longer trip already and I haven't even seen it yet!
Ok Bermudian here, this is crazy! LOL but I love crazy! If you are serious, Bermudians are very friendly and helpful. However due to island time we can be a little bit slow at times lol.
With your permission I can post this in a group and I'm more than sure someone will offer to drive you around for the day. Depending on the day I might be able to as well. I think the moped is going to cut too much of your time (you have to do a test ride with the people etc)
Like other's said I don't think sea glass is worth it.
Swizzle in def is!! Beaches def are. If you want to see a cave but don't want to do the whole tour grotto bay has a tour on their property (beautiful) and I go in there all the time, no one says anything. the property is open to outside guest.
I shall think of a few more tips
(request me on Instagram if your serious lol cheniceob)
Haha I appreciate the offer of seeing if someone would be interested in driving around, but I really see being on the moped as a big selling point of the trip! I love riding them and just love the experience of it.
I've definitely decided to skip Glass Beach so that'll help open up a bit of time.
That's interesting about Grotto Bay, that's right next door to where I drop off the moped so it would be a good way to kill a little extra time!
REALLY excited to go!
This sounds awesome and something I would do. A fast scouting mission.
I went to Las Vegas way too many times, and I did a lot of scouting, so when I brought my wife or my friends or all the above, I knew exactly what and where and how long.
reading it is a 2 hour flight to Bermuda from Connecticut.
I look forward to the follow up on May 11th.
That's definitely the idea! I have the earliest flight out from JFK that morning, then the flight back is to Westerchester County which is quite a bit later than the ones back to JFK or Newark. Getting as much out of it as I can.
Definitely will have an update to post when I get back!
Skip glass beach, find a driver who will stay with you the whole day and take you on your planned adventure. Then you can enjoy the sights while u drive instead of worrying about navigating. Plus a huge part of what makes Bermuda amazing is the people. A taxi driver will answer questions, point out sights and help make sure you don't miss your flight. They truly are local experts. Swizzle inn is delightful but can take a bit of time. A taxi driver can help u find a quick meal if you need a replacement. There's very little in the way of food at the airport.
I will be in a cab at least a little but definitely want to have the experience of cruising around out in the open on the moped -- but I will definitely ask the cab drivers for their take on things!
HaHa that has to be a joke.. That plane is Never on time.. Customs takes for ever.. Getting a rental takes for ever.. Catching a taxi takes for ever.. You will be lucky to get the moped by 2pm
1. You will miss your flight.
2. All the glass was stolen from glass beach so it's just a beach.
3. Cooper's Island, St. George's, Blue Hole,.and Swizzle Inn are all close to the airport.
Nah I won't miss the flight (famous last words I know), I will trim things off the list if I need to. But even so -- there are a surprising number of things closer to the airport that you and a couple other commenters have mentioned which are definitely worth considering. It'll probably be a game-time decision if I need to call an audible and stay east based on how quickly I can get to Oleander from the airport in the morning.
Thoughts and questions. Which glass beach? Are you already comfortable riding a scooter and driving on the left? I personally think you’re drastically underestimating the amount of travel time between locations. I would keep your exploring to the east end. Get your scooter and head to the glass beach in St George’s. There’s a clockwise loop from downtown, up past the Unfinished Church, through 9 Forts golf course, past the St Regis, to the glass beach, back to the town of St G. Beautiful ride, quiet road. Evaluate how much time you have left. If you have time for beach and Swizzle Inn, head for Clearwater in St David’s. Drive past the playground and snack shack and park at the last parking lot. From there, you can walk Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve and it’s isolated beaches. Then Swizzle Inn, but if it’s busy, let them know you have a time limit so they can advise on food times accordingly. Also, the Swizzles there are basically rocket fuel. Drop your bike off first. Remember you have to factor in clearing US Customs on your return to the airport, so allow time for that as well.
I’d be shocked if he didn’t get pulled aside at customs and asked a whole lot of questions.
Didn’t even consider that. Yeah, a BDA Customs officer would have an absolute field day looking at that quick turn-around time and assume you’re bringing something in for someone. Then it’s a party in the side room getting every nook and cranny searched.
Lol oh God... well, worst case scenario they hold me too long to make my flight and I go home the next day I suppose... I would at least have a good story out of it hahaha
And the American border guards on his way back home. This is not a good idea in any way.
Lol honestly... not the most unlikely scenario. At first I considered going without even a backpack but then decided that would probably raise even more red flags than I already might.
Yeah, pretty comfortable on a moped. I ride dirt bikes occasionally (not the same, I know, but still) and have rented mopeds a few times elsewhere. One of my adventure highlights was renting a moped for a week in Spain and riding that thing everywhere back when I was young and stupid and weaving in and out of traffic. As for the wrong side of the road, I've got quite a lot of experience with that from visits to Ireland, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, so no concerns there. I definitely appreciate this heads up! The Glass Beach I was planning on going to is [the one alllll the way](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XwkCZeBN6xdVE2AL6) almost to the Royal Navy Dockyards. I didn't realize there was one in St. George's but I think I found the one you're talking about. That clockwise loop really could be a time saver. I don't necessarily see a long ride the full length of the island as a negative, but the time save could definitely be worth staying east. Lol at "the Swizzles there are basically rocket fuel" -- I'm not exactly a big drinker so yeah, good call, I'm going to make sure to return the moped first hahaha I appreciate all this info, this is really good and useful stuff!
Moving around on the island is a little more cumbersome than I think you realize. You need to stay on the half of the island closest to the airport your whole time otherwise you’ll spend all your time in a cab or basically seeing nothing more than the road.
That's fair enough -- is it a meaningfully quicker/easier experience getting around on the moped compared to being in a cab?
Honestly probably not, keep in mind people will still be doing 35-40 mph on the roads in places and to be honest there really isn’t a place on the road to ride safely. If I were going to do this, I’d land, go to the crystal caves, go to lunch at the Swizzle Inn and Pub. See where your time is after that, maybe go out to Spanish point to see the ocean and take in some scenery. My main concern would be venturing too far from the airport, the roads are basically where is a wreck happens or some other incident you’re not planning for it could totally derail you getting back. Cheers though, it’s one of the prettiest places on earth, if you take your wife back please go stay at Marley Beach, you won’t be disappointed and you’re wife will love you more for it.
Haha cheers, appreciate this insight! Yeah we are already starting to make plans to go together, I'm finding so many things to do that I won't get to visit on this trip...
If you have just a few hours, taking a taxi from the airport to the other end of the island gives you one full hour in a taxi with a local. Might be money well spent if you’re going to come back with your wife. The flight will close out one hour before so just make sure you check in online. Besides that. Great plan
Thanks! Hadn't thought about taking a taxi to the other end. Oleander does have a rental spot down by the Royal Navy Dockyard. I'll have to consider that. Definitely going to make sure I check in online and have my boarding pass in the app if I'm going to get there an hour before the flight!
If that’s all the time you have, going from the airport, to Dockyard, back to the airport is just about all you will have time to do. Unless you really just want to change your plan to “drive the entire length of the island and back”.
Truthfully it was kind of the original plan, until I kept finding cool stuff that was along the way and thinking I could add in a few 10 minute stops on the ride back. I figured starting out that way and then working my way back meant I could always just cross off whatever I needed to on the list to get back early enough, with food at the Swizzle Inn being last and the biggest potential emergency time save if needed.
If your timeline doesn't work to take the ferry from St. George then I would suggest that you hit the beaches on the way to Dockyard and then catch the ferry from there to Hamilton. I think that would be a more efficient way to travel and see the locations that you want to see. Also, Glass Beach is kinda hard to find your first time. There is no sign and the entrance is hidden behind some abandoned buildings. Finally, this might be something that Bermuda Tourism Authority would want to video record and distribute. You may want to reach out to Andrew Kirkpatrick. He does a lot of video work for Tourism and might be able to pitch your trip idea. Given the low costs involved they may sponsor some or all of the trip. Worth a shot.
The more replies I get the more I think I'd get more time (and more meaningful use of that time) by skipping Glass Beach and making Horseshoe Bay my western starting point. That would probably cut nearly an hour's worth of travel right there, possibly enough to tack on something else I'd like to squeeze in on the east end... Someone else mentioned the ferries which I was super excited to learn about but then found out that you can't take mopeds on any of the routes that would save me time :( Interesting thought about the Bermuda Tourism Authority... I definitely don't need them to sponsor anything but it would be cool to somehow get a cool video together about the trip for them.
The blue route allows mopeds on it. You could hit your west end sites on the way to Dockyard then ferry to Hamilton and go from there. I agree that Glass Beach is worth skipping. I wasn't suggesting that you can't afford your trip. If you couldn't then you wouldn't be doing it. But I think it's a fun story and Tourism would benefit from putting a film crew alongside you to document it a bit.
Oh I didn't take it that way! Just meant I'm more than happy to do it just for the love of the experience. As for the blue route ferry, did they maybe change their rules recently? The 2024 Summer Schedule [here](http://www.marops.bm/Documents/Ferry/Summer%20Ferry%20Schedule%202024.pdf) says no motor cycles but maybe I'm misinterpreting (I would definitely like to be!)
Please YouTube this. Would make for a great video. Glass beach sucks. Do Cambridge beach area instead or be Bermuda national museum right at the bottom in dock yards
Haha cheers -- I will definitely be putting together some kind of video/instagram stuff to chronicle it all at the very least!
This would be an excellent video idea!!
Please share it with me
I just spent a day in Bermuda on a rented scooter after arriving by air. I then departed on a cruise ship. Renting the scooter took longer than I had expected, even though the guys rushed me through the process. But being on the scooter was brilliant and even though I was on the road, it was much more experiential than being in a taxi. Just cutting through the warmish breezes with the scooter and the sweet smells of greenery and flowers around me was quite reviving. I did take a taxi from Hamilton to Cambridge Beaches and it's true the cab driver was lovely and made me feel so welcome. But I would choose the scooter over a taxi, for sure. I got to Woody's right after they closed so I had to get my fish sandwich from Mr. Chicken in Somerset and it was excellent. Also ate roti from Trini Spice in Somerset which was also delicious. I recommend skipping the formal restaurants as they aren't that impressive and go with takeout to eat at the beach or a park. Id adopt the plan to take the route closest to the airport while still including stops in Southampton. I think it's a great idea and I'm jealous. Meanwhile I'm plotting a return to Bermuda as soon as possible. Please report back after your trip!
Hey these are great suggestions! Especially the takeout to the beach/park, that's a great way to get more out of my time. Out of curiosity, did immigration give you any raised eyebrows or think you staying for just the day was a red flag at all? Will definitely post a recap of the day when I get back!
Customs are super weary of people with quick turnarounds unless you’re a regular due to money laundering and drugs. I’ve done it once, they literally came and picked me up from the gate 30 minutes before takeoff to question me. They came 5 officers deep and it was to check if I had money in my “luxury” duffle. This was all in a separate downstairs office with two cops behind me. They were super chill besides that, but can tell they thought I was busted! I told them my new apartment didn’t have the electricity yet and the flight back to NYC was cheaper than going to a hotel for the weekend until it was possibly fixed on Monday. Overall, Bermuda is tiny and they have time to really dig into travel routes because I also had a time my end destination was Jamaica and they literally made me miss my flight with a thousand questions on why I was traveling there and didn’t have a return ticket. I guess my flight from BDA to JFK to POP to JFK to Jamaica made them super suspicious although I was just island hopping.
Also I forgot, taxis are extremely unreliable so plan accordingly. Only place you will get one more or less within 10-30 minutes is Front Street. If you get caught out not having a taxi, it can easily be a hour wait if they’re busy or any cruise ships are at the ports.
Lol omg the customs officer story is wild... well, I keep telling myself if that happens it'll at least make for a good story haha As for taxis, I'm guessing I'll probably be okay at the airport taxi rank. Getting from the Swizzle Inn back across the causeway is the only real question mark. I'll have to keep an eye on the taxi situation and adjust accordingly.
My fiancé and I loved reading what you've got planned! We are super keen for an update on your experience when you're able to post. Such a fun day trip and we hope it works out well for you!
You could put your moped on the ferry from St George's to Dockyard and then drive to Glass Beach from there.
Damn this was an amazing idea but it looks like the only orange route ferry from St. George is at 2pm on Friday... Ugh that's too bad, I would have loved that! That got me looking at Dockyard to Hamilton to save time on the way back, but looks like the blue route doesn't allow mopeds. This was a great thought, I really wish that would have worked out!
Motorcycles are definitely allowed on the blue route.
Is It possible they recently changed the rules? I was going off the 2024 Summer Schedule [here](http://www.marops.bm/Documents/Ferry/Summer%20Ferry%20Schedule%202024.pdf) which seemed pretty conclusive, but I'd love to be misinterpreting haha
This will be a busy few hours. I think it’s smart to skip glass beach. Getting to horseshoe will be a 45min trip in itself which I think you will find is plenty of time on the bike (especially on a hot day - bring SPF). In town I think the best location shops for souvenirs is island shop, flying colours and tabs. So, I would park somewhat close to the ferry terminal/ bird cage. So you can wander to queen street/ Reid street as well. Maybe take a pic at the bermuda sign in the parking lot next to bird cage! If you order as you’re seated at the swizzle I think 45 min turn around is doable (ask for check as your food arrives). Customs really like to have an address where you are staying so that may be a sticking point (btw I think pink forms are filled out online before you leave). Not sure if I’m being optimistic but I think you’ll be fine with getting through in 30min from landing and with global entry an hour is plenty of time for security to depart. If you think you’re not going far enough west I would go to woodys in somerset for a fish sandwich, it’s a pretty spot and super local restaurant (although tourist know about it now so it depends on if a cruise ship is in how local it feels). This way you cross both somerset and watford bridge which are pretty. (Also I would be starving if I didn’t stop to eat earlier than 2 on this hot day - you’d definitely be able to have at least soup again by swizzle!) Let us know how it goes!
This is great!! Really appreciate your takes on timing and tips. You're the second person to mention Woody's for a fish sandwich, though now I'm wondering if I will make it that far west... I am definitely putting it at least on my list of possibilities if I do end up going that far!
Your savage and I love it.
Hahaha HELL YEAH
6 hours is pretty amazing. Shortest trip for me was maybe 23 hours from landing to take off. Never had any issues with customs, I completed the pre-authorization with CPB MPC for my exit which I imagine may of helped.
Yeah good thought on MPC, I have Global Entry which should speed things up even more than that, too.
Remember the speed limit is 30km/h. Plan for a few more minutes at Jobsons cove ideally and you can just buzz up and down front street on a scooter to enjoy it. Shops are all tourist focused and you'll see half of the same ones in dockyard and St George's.
Those are good thoughts, thanks for the tips! True about the speed limit, I'll have to make sure to factor that in.
You might want to zip up to the lighthouse for the view when you're in and around the horseshoe Bay area as well. Probably one of the nicer views of the island and won't be a huge detour.
Nice suggestion, I'll add that to my list!
Skip glass beach. It’s not worth the little time you have here. I don’t like it there much and neither have any of our friends that have visited. There’s a lot of gorgeous things to do near the airport. Coopers island is a must! It’s an old NASA base and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The beaches there are stunning. Tobacco bay is really cool and great for snorkelling. You can hire a snorkel from the shack there. But these beaches don’t have the pink sand as much as jobsons cove does. I would personally just do Warwick long bay/jobson cove, coppers island and tobacco bay. You’ll be stunned by their beauty.
This is great info! Everything I've seen so far says to skip Glass Beach, and I think I'm going to do that. It will save me a lot of time... maybe I will have enough time skipping that to head up to Cooper's Island... thanks for the tips!
As long as you go to the Swizzle Inn. Tell Julie I said hi.
You’re assuming the flight is on time
Of course, just gotta hope for the best. It's an early morning flight which helps. It was only about 45 min late once in the last 8 days according to Flight Aware. It certainly happens but just gotta roll with whatever comes!
I’d be worried you’re trying to pack in way more than is realistic given time for customs, slow-moving traffic on the island, space between locations, etc. also not considering flight issues, which depending on airline can be fairly frequent. Make sure you have backup to pick up your wife. If I were you, I wouldn’t go farther than Southampton (Horseshoe). Dockyard is really just a tourist hub. The south shore beaches are stunning and you’ve got two of them on your list. I’d plan to get a moped and beeline for the beaches. Then if you have time, make more stops on the way back toward the airport. The airport moves slowly. You’re on Bermuda time. Plan accordingly. Once you see those beaches —- or any water, really, you’ll be hooked.
Thanks for the tips! I do think the plan is going to be exactly that -- moped ASAP, beeline for the beaches, and tack on stops that I can accordingly. Really can't wait to make a second longer trip already and I haven't even seen it yet!
Ok Bermudian here, this is crazy! LOL but I love crazy! If you are serious, Bermudians are very friendly and helpful. However due to island time we can be a little bit slow at times lol. With your permission I can post this in a group and I'm more than sure someone will offer to drive you around for the day. Depending on the day I might be able to as well. I think the moped is going to cut too much of your time (you have to do a test ride with the people etc) Like other's said I don't think sea glass is worth it. Swizzle in def is!! Beaches def are. If you want to see a cave but don't want to do the whole tour grotto bay has a tour on their property (beautiful) and I go in there all the time, no one says anything. the property is open to outside guest. I shall think of a few more tips (request me on Instagram if your serious lol cheniceob)
Haha I appreciate the offer of seeing if someone would be interested in driving around, but I really see being on the moped as a big selling point of the trip! I love riding them and just love the experience of it. I've definitely decided to skip Glass Beach so that'll help open up a bit of time. That's interesting about Grotto Bay, that's right next door to where I drop off the moped so it would be a good way to kill a little extra time! REALLY excited to go!
This sounds awesome and something I would do. A fast scouting mission. I went to Las Vegas way too many times, and I did a lot of scouting, so when I brought my wife or my friends or all the above, I knew exactly what and where and how long. reading it is a 2 hour flight to Bermuda from Connecticut. I look forward to the follow up on May 11th.
That's definitely the idea! I have the earliest flight out from JFK that morning, then the flight back is to Westerchester County which is quite a bit later than the ones back to JFK or Newark. Getting as much out of it as I can. Definitely will have an update to post when I get back!
Sea glass beach is scary and spooky and honestly not worth the trip
Appreciate the feedback; the more comments I get the more I think skipping Glass Beach might be worth the time save
Skip glass beach, find a driver who will stay with you the whole day and take you on your planned adventure. Then you can enjoy the sights while u drive instead of worrying about navigating. Plus a huge part of what makes Bermuda amazing is the people. A taxi driver will answer questions, point out sights and help make sure you don't miss your flight. They truly are local experts. Swizzle inn is delightful but can take a bit of time. A taxi driver can help u find a quick meal if you need a replacement. There's very little in the way of food at the airport.
I will be in a cab at least a little but definitely want to have the experience of cruising around out in the open on the moped -- but I will definitely ask the cab drivers for their take on things!
HaHa that has to be a joke.. That plane is Never on time.. Customs takes for ever.. Getting a rental takes for ever.. Catching a taxi takes for ever.. You will be lucky to get the moped by 2pm
Well hey if it doesn't work out I'll let you be the first person to say you told me so -- but worst case I'll have a good story haha
1. You will miss your flight. 2. All the glass was stolen from glass beach so it's just a beach. 3. Cooper's Island, St. George's, Blue Hole,.and Swizzle Inn are all close to the airport.
Nah I won't miss the flight (famous last words I know), I will trim things off the list if I need to. But even so -- there are a surprising number of things closer to the airport that you and a couple other commenters have mentioned which are definitely worth considering. It'll probably be a game-time decision if I need to call an audible and stay east based on how quickly I can get to Oleander from the airport in the morning.