As you step off the cruise ship at Bermuda’s docking location, travel to Clearwater Beach and feel like traveling through time and space as it will take you Mystic! Clearwater Beach — This sugar-sand paradise with turquoise waters is often rated as the top beach in America due to its historical importance and white sand.
This guide will teach you everything to know about visiting the beach in comfort, by taxi, bus, or even bike from wherever around the island. This article will guide you on your way and inform you about retaining crucial knowledge of the verified insider tips on reaching from the cruise docking station up to Clearwater Beach.
Key Takeaways:
- Clearwater Beach is one of Bermuda’s hidden gems, known for its clear waters and rich history.
- Multiple transportation options are available from the cruise docking station, including taxis, buses, and scooters.
- Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore historical landmarks, local wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
The Distance and Scenic Route From Cruise Docking Station to Clearwater Beach
When traveling to Clearwater Beach from the cruise docking area, one of the key considerations is how far and where you have to go. The cruise docking stations in Bermuda: King’s Wharf and Heritage Wharf, are located about 12 miles out from Clearwater Beach. It is a 30 to 40-minute trip depending on the traffic and method of transport.
This path will take you through beautiful terrain, past cultural sites such as St. George’s and Fort Scaur, and fabulous coastline views! The pristine beaches with deep emerald greens and crystalline blues set against lush wild landscapes make for an Instagram-worthy paradise that can enter any traveler.
Tips for Scenic Stops Along the Way:
- Grotto Bay Beach Resort: Stop here for a quick photo of the beautiful coastline.
- Tobacco Bay Beach: A detour worth taking for a swim or snorkeling adventure.
Transportation Options: Getting to Clearwater Beach
Moving from the cruise dock to Clearwater Beach, there are various ways of transport that everyone can choose, suitable for their desires and budget. Each has its pros to suit your lifestyle and offers various options that may work for you.
Taxis
If driving is not an opportunity for you, maybe the easiest way to get to Clearwater Beach from your cruise ship in Bermuda (but renting a scooter) is by taxi. Since they are authorized taxi drivers, you can anticipate them to service your door and give you a soft ride in the fastest possible time. A taxi ride from the cruise docking station is approximately $40–USD 50 in one form.
Tip: Make sure to carry cash, as many taxis do not accept credit cards.
Public Bus System
Bermuda’s public bus design is a great method to get around for budget-minded travelers since it delivers dependable and affordable transportation. Buses to St. George’s run frequently from the cruise docking station, with a transfer to the bus heading towards Clearwater Beach.
Bus Fees: Buses cost about $5 a ride. Alternatively, you can buy a day pass or tokens available at the stations.
Bicycle Rentals and Scooters
For those handling more adventurous, you can still rent a bike or scooter to investigate the island on your own time. Rentals are open near the docking station, and Clearwater Beach is about 40 minutes out by scooter. Bermuda has narrow roads, but if you’re comfortable with island traffic, this can be a great option.
Pro Tip: Stop at Fort St. Catherine on your way to soak in some of Bermuda’s history.
Uncovering the Beauty of Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is the quietest of all in Bermuda, with clear waters, pure sands, and a rich history tied to an old U.S. Air Force base. Though known for relaxation, Clearwater Beach also has natural attractions. Popular activities include snorkeling and swimming, with shallow waters making it ideal for families with children.
Nature lovers can explore Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, where walking trails and sea turtles in their natural habitat await.
Amenities: The beach offers basic facilities, including restrooms, snack bars, and shaded picnic areas.
History and Significance: Exploring More Than Just the Beach
Clearwater Beach is a first-choice destination for sun-seekers, located in a region rich with history. During the Cold War, the nearby Cooper’s Island served as part of a U.S. Air Force base.
Today, visitors can explore the remnants of these military installations, along with the stunning Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, which offers a chance to see wild Bermuda.
Key Historical Landmarks Near Clearwater Beach:
- NASA Tracking Station: Once used during the Apollo missions, this station now stands as a testament to Bermuda’s involvement in space exploration.
- Fort St. Catherine: A must-see for history buffs, this fort played a significant role in defending the island from various threats throughout the centuries.
Local Wildlife: A Glimpse into Bermuda’s Natural World
Wildlife is abundant in and around Clearwater Beach. With species endemic to Bermuda, you can easily spot members of the tetrixy Plethodon or cahow deeply as you snorkel in its crystal waters or hike along the nearby trails.
Wildlife You Might Spot:
- Sea Turtles: Bermuda is famous for its green sea turtles, often seen grazing on the sea grasses near the shore.
- Birdwatching: The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as white-tailed tropicbirds and Bermuda petrels frequently spotted.
- Coral Reefs: Beneath the water’s surface, coral reefs teem with colorful fish and marine life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Insider Tips for the Best Clearwater Beach Experience
For first-time visitors, planning a day at Clearwater Beach is simple with a few insider tips. These recommendations will enhance your Bermuda beach adventure.
Best Times to Visit: The beach is most peaceful in the early morning, offering solitude before larger crowds arrive. To avoid the heat, visit later in the afternoon when the sun is less intense.
Beach Gear: Bring your gear, such as snorkeling equipment and towels, as rentals are limited at Clearwater Beach.
Local Cuisine: Stop by the local snack bar for fish sandwiches or traditional Bermudian fish chowder.
People Also Ask
How do I get from the Bermuda cruise port to the beach?
Most beaches are easy to reach via taxi from the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda’s main cruise port. Many take taxis to Horseshoe Bay Beach. That’s a 15-20 minute drive and the most popular choice. Routes 7 and 8 (South Shore) stop at many beaches along the way, and buses also serve Par-la-Ville Park. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter or bicycle and go to explore the island yourself.
Can you walk to the beach from the cruise ship in Bermuda?
The Royal Naval Dockyard is at one end of Bermuda, and while most of the best beaches (Horseshoe Bay Beach & Elbow Beach) are on the other side, it would be quite a hike, too far for walking distance.
But you can always find a smaller yet less popular beach, and Snorkel Park is one of them (a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise ships). To access the larger beaches, which are more populated, transportation will be needed.
How do I get to Pink Sand Beach, Bermuda from the cruise port?
Visitors can travel to the famous pink sands of Bermuda, including Horseshoe Bay Beach, via bus, taxi, or shuttle from the Royal Naval Dockyard. By far the easiest way is by taxi, a ride of 20 minutes to South Shore beaches.
You can also catch the local bus route 7, which runs along the South Shore, or use a beach shuttle service offered by many cruise lines to their passengers.
How do I get from the cruise ship to Hamilton in Bermuda?
There are ferries, buses, or taxis that come from the Royal Naval Dockyard (which is another excellent place to spend some time) over to Hamilton, Bermuda, which can be reached within 20-30 minutes.
A popular choice is the ferry, which zips across to Hamilton in around 20 minutes with lovely views of Bermuda’s coastline en route. The buses (routes 7 and 8) are slower, about an hour, but interesting if you want to see more of the island. Taxis are also available, with trips to Hamilton usually taking about thirty to forty minutes.
Conclusion
Getting back from the cruise docking station to Bermuda’s Clearwater Beach would be more fun, combining comfort with island exploration. However you arrive, paradise awaits, leaving a lasting impression.
Your next Bermuda trip couldn’t come sooner! In the meantime, check out our travel guides for great ideas to make the most of this island. What have you most excited about Bermuda? Let us know in the comments!