5 Awesome Things to Do the Next Time You're in Bermuda

BEYOND SAMPLING FISH fish sandwiches, zipping around on scooters, and exploring powdery pink sand beaches, the best part about researching my guidebook, Frommer’s Bermuda , was diving head-first into the island’s outdoor adventures.

After all, the mid-Atlantic archipelago is packed with unique experiences on and off the water. Searching for adventure? Then check out a few of my island faves.

Be Your Own Captain

Bermuda is not one island, but a collection of more than 180 islets and cays best explored by boat. Start by renting a 15-foot Boston Whaler from KS Watersports . Then motor to secluded beaches and hidden coves—or, pull up to the wreck of the HMS Vixen, a Royal Navy gunboat that was scuttled in 1896 near Daniel’s Head off Bermuda’s southwest coast. With its rusty bow peaking out of the ocean’s surface you can’t miss it. Tip: Bring beers from Bermuda Craft Brewing and some stale bread to feed the school of sea chubb that congregate around the wreck. Easy living.

Take the Plunge

As in cliff-jumping. That's right, at Admiralty Park on Bermuda’s north shore, on the outskirts of Hamilton, you can hurdle from a 20-foot-high volcanic cliff into Deep Bay—named for its seemingly bottomless depths. Love the first jump? Climbing back up easy thanks to sea-level passageways carved into the rock. (They were once meant for discreet entrances into admiral’s quarters.) just climb through the caves and they'll lead you back for another leap.

Ride the Railway

From 1931 to 1948 Bermuda had a passenger railway nicknamed “the Old Rattle and Shake.” These days, its former path is known as the Railway Trail, an 18-mile cycle and pedestrian byway where you can ride through its nine non-contiguous sections. Spanning from the Royal Naval Dockyard in the west end to Bermuda’s colonial capital of St. George’s in the east (itself a UNESCO World Heritage site), the trail features overwater bridges, forested tunnels, and some of the most Instagram-worthy riding on the island. Rent a mountain bike from Oleander Cycles or an e-bike from Elbow Beach Cycles. And, whatever you do, don’t miss crossing the epic 740-foot-long bridge that spans Bailey’s Bay.

Reel in Big Ones

Thanks to two 30-fathom sea mounts located just 14 and 30 miles offshore, hauling in some of Bermuda’s biggest game fish is an easy task. Just ask brothers Allan and Delvin Bean who own Paradise One Fishing Charters . It was on their 54-foot sportfish where I hooked a 15-pound barracuda before a long day of reeling in others like tuna, wahoo, and sailfish. (Talk about a forearm workout.) Even better, the brothers cook up their catch at their popular seafood restaurant, Lost in the T. Ariangle . Try the shark hash, a traditional Bermudian dish best served alongside a rum swizzle.

Dive the Deep

With more than 400 wrecks in its waters, Bermuda is widely known as the shipwreck capital of the Atlantic—and thankfully, even non-certified divers (like me) can explore them with the help of a pro. Just tap the experts at Bluewater Divers , who’ll suit you up for a two-tank dive in a mere 30 feet of water. On my last outing, I dove the wreck of the Constellation, which inspired Peter Benchley’s book The Deep ; the Montana, a paddle steamer that wrecked in 1863; and the Lartington, a vintage freighter whose intact bow makes for the ultimate underwater photo op.