King's Wharf (Bermuda) is a cruise terminal located in Bermuda's west end, at the Royal Navy Dockyards. This cruise port is one of 3 cruise ports in Bermuda. While smaller ships may dock in downtown Hamilton or in St. George's, large cruise ships dock at King's Wharf Bermuda.
Bermuda lies approximately 665 miles off the coast of the United States, in the North Atlantic and is the fourth oldest country in the British Commonwealth.
King's Wharf Bermuda, otherwise known as The Royal Naval Dockyards was at one time, Britain's largest naval base outside of the UK, active up until after the second World War. There are wonderfully restored buildings, remnants of walls and the old jail. Warehouses have been turned into museums and art galleries and the clocktower building is now a shopping area.
Many shops, restaurants and a beach are within walking distance from where the ships dock at King's Wharf, making it easy to navigate for quick trips on and off the ship.
🔒 Safety: Bermuda is an extremely safe country with a low crime rate. The locals are very friendly and helpful, but as a tourist it is still wise to leave valuables in your cabin safe.
Know Before You Go
Bermuda has a limited number of cruise berths and restricts ship arrivals to protect the local tourism experience — so it never feels overwhelmed. The ferry system between the Dockyard and Hamilton is the best way to get around; buy a multi-day transport pass on board or at the ferry terminal. Bermuda is significantly more expensive than the Caribbean — budget accordingly for meals and shopping.Hot Tip
Book your shore excursions before you board — Bermuda excursions fill up fast, especially the popular glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling trips. Early bookers get the best prices too.King's Wharf Bermuda – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in King's Wharf Bermuda
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
King's Wharf Bermuda is one of 2 ports that receive cruise ships, depending on the size. Small ships will dock in Hamilton Bermuda, while larger cruise ships will dock in King's Wharf Bermuda, otherwise known as the Royal Naval Dockyards.
When you visit King's Wharf by cruise ship, you will immediately see The Commissioner's House sitting high above harbor, within the walls of the arsenal and citadel known as the Keep. It is home to a number of exhibits from Bermuda's history.
Getting Around King's Wharf Bermuda
Transportation options once you're ashore.
Public transportation in Bermuda is widely available and stops at or near most destinations of note. It is a good idea to buy a transportation pass at the Visitor's Center located right at the dock, which costs $19.00 and is good for 1 day on both buses and ferries, across all transportation zones.
Multi day passes are also available in Hamilton, but no longer available at the Dockyard. See here for more information. Remember that most locals commute into Hamilton to work, so the buses and ferries are quite busy during morning and afternoon "rush hours."
🚌 Buses
The central bus terminal is located on Washington Street in Hamilton, near City Hall and is the hub for the 11 bus routes across Bermuda. Schedules are available at the terminal wherever you purchase tokens or a transportation pass. Take the times on the schedule as a guideline, not a rule. If you need to be back to the port at a certain time, don't cut it too close. Hamilton is about an hour bus ride from either St George's at one end to the Dockyard at the other.
If you want to catch a bus, look for the blue and pink poles along the side of the road. Pink poles are for buses heading to Hamilton. Blue poles are for buses heading away from Hamilton.
If you are looking to just go to the beach, there are designated Beach Express buses within walking distance of the pier. They don't work on a set schedule but wait until the bus is full before leaving.
⛴️ Water Ferries
Sea Express is the company which operates the water ferries and they can be a quick way to get from one point of the island to another. Plus, it's a nice way to see Bermuda from a different vantage point. There are four different ferry routes, of different colors and they follow the schedule fairly closely.
A water ferry is the quickest way to get from the Dockyards to St. George's or Hamilton if you are not taking a tour which includes these destinations.
🚕 Taxis
Taxis are available at the Kings Wharf & Hamilton ports, St. George's and outside of most major hotels and resorts.
Taxi fares are regulated by the government and they do offer tours of the island with prices that start around $40 per person for an hour. Because the speed limit is only 22mph (the roads can be narrow with lots of twists and turns) you wouldn't get too far in just an hour. Usually there is a 3 hour tour minimum. Look for taxis with a blue flag — these have been vetted as qualified tour guides.
🛵 Scooters
You will notice that scooters are a main mode of transportation for locals. While rentals are available around the island, most cruise lines don't recommend their passengers doing this. It's an economical way to tour the island, however there can be some crazy drivers and the roads in some spots are so narrow that two vehicles can barely pass each other. Plus, because it's a British Overseas Territory, people drive on the left side of the road.
🚗 Car Rental
At Kings Wharf Bermuda and throughout the island, only locals can own or rent cars, primarily because driving can be hazardous, with blind curves and narrow roads, most of which have no shoulders.
🚋 Trolley
There is a free trolley that goes right from the ship through the Dockyards at Kings Wharf. It makes several stops where you can hop on and off. It's great if you have mobility issues to get to some of the shops or restaurants around the Dockyard, however there are few benches right by the dock and there may be a 10–15 minute wait for the next trolley.
Things To Do in King's Wharf Bermuda
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Things to do at King's Wharf and around the island:
Dolphin Quest — At the Dockyard, within the walls of the Keep. Swim with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.
National Museum of Bermuda & Commissioners House — If you're a history buff you'll love the exhibits and artifacts including many from shipwrecks.
The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute — A world-first in deep-water exploration. It has a fantastic shell collection and undersea submersible simulator.
The Bermuda Aquarium, Natural History Museum & Zoo — See the large collection of marine life, including a huge 7 foot moray eel. They have exhibits on deep sea exploration, humpback whales and the geology of Bermuda.
⛳ Golf
Golfing is a huge draw in Bermuda. It has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Some great courses are:
Mid-Ocean Club — Rated one of the best in the world. Private, but open to visitors on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Tee times may be made up to 3 months in advance. $250 per 18 holes.
Port Royal Golf Course — One of the most popular on the island. Public course, tee times may be made up to 7 days in advance. Club & shoe rental available. $180 per 18 holes.
Riddell's Bay Golf & Country Club — Bermuda's oldest course. Private, but open to visitors. Call in advance to book a tee time and inquire about rates.
🏖️ Beaches
Snorkel Park
Within walking distance of the dock. There is an admission cost and cost to rent equipment, but if you just want a place close by with beautiful shallow water, this is the spot.
Church Bay
Southampton — this little out of the way beach is great for snorkeling.
Mangrove Bay
Near Somerset Village — calm waters, perfect for kids. No restrooms however.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Southampton Parish — most famous beach in Bermuda. It is quite a hike down a hill to get to the beach and even worse going back up. There are entrepreneurs that offer rides for as little as $1 per person, one way. The undertow can be rough, so keep an eye on the kids.
Tobacco Bay Beach
St. George's Parish — great for snorkeling & has equipment rentals.
Beaches & Outdoors in King's Wharf Bermuda
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ Bermuda's beaches are legendary — pink sand, turquoise water, and remarkably clear visibility:
Snorkel Park Beach
Located right at the Dockyard, this is the most convenient beach for cruise passengers. It has facilities, lounge chair rentals, and snorkel gear available. Easy walk from the ship.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Bermuda's most famous beach and arguably one of the most beautiful in the world. The pink sand and turquoise water are as stunning as advertised. Located on the south shore — take a taxi or scooter. Worth the trip.
Jobson's Cove
A small, sheltered cove near Horseshoe Bay — perfect for families and calm-water swimming. Quieter than Horseshoe Bay and just a short walk away.
Warwick Long Bay
A long stretch of pink sand that rarely gets as crowded as Horseshoe Bay. Great for a peaceful walk or swim.
Shopping in King's Wharf Bermuda
Where to shop and what to look for.
The Dockyard
The Dockyard is located at King's Wharf Bermuda, which is home to some great shops specializing in arts and crafts. Check out the Bermuda Craft Market, home to locals selling handmade goods. The Bermuda Arts Centre is also home to local artists selling their crafts. The Clocktower building also houses different specialty shops and people selling souvenirs. Check out the Bermuda Fudge Co. & Bermuda Rum Cake Company for some delicious treats.
Front Street
Along Hamilton's waterfront is a key shopping area, with boutiques and unique shops offering British items. Look for department stores such as A.S. Cooper & Sons (since 1897), or Cooper's Cachet for jewelry, crystal and high quality clothing. Check out Cecile or Calypso for high end fashion or colorful European style clothing.
Reid Street
Also in Hamilton, Reid Street runs parallel to Front Street and offers department stores such as Marks & Spencer or Gibbons Company which offers duty free fragrances or premium fashions with no sales tax. Visit Benetton or Nine West for high quality fashion.
St. George's
The Town of St. George's Bermuda is filled with history, and many different artists have galleries and shops where you can purchase their works of art in various mediums.
It was named after Sir George Somers after he and others were shipwrecked nearby, on their way to Jamestown, Virginia. A few men stayed behind and within a few years, St. George Bermuda became the capital of Bermuda until it was changed in the early 1800's.
St. George is home to small shops, cafes, restaurants and plenty of history. Its narrow streets and alleys are a great way to spend the day.
Dining in King's Wharf Bermuda
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Bermuda is not really known for innovative cuisine since most of their food has to be flown in. There are a few local favorites including spiny lobster, Bermuda Rockfish, a black-eyed peas and rice dish called Hoppin' John, conch dishes and shark hash.
While Bermuda's restaurants have improved in the last several years, the prices are higher than one would typically pay in the US or Canada. You will also notice that there are no chain fast food restaurants. A Kentucky Fried Chicken managed to set up shop before the government stopped allowing franchise and chain restaurants from outside Bermuda.
Dress Code
Since Bermuda is a fairly conservative country, ensure you are wearing a cover-up over a bathing suit. Jackets are often required for men during dinner. Ask about the dress code when making reservations.
Tipping
Although most diners still prefer to tip a small amount if the service is exceptional, there is an automatic 10–17% service charge added to each bill.
Restaurants Near the Dock
- Bone Fish Bar & Grill — Lunch ($$) Dinner ($$$) · Seafood, Pasta
- Frog & Onion Pub & Dockyard Brewing Co. — Lunch ($$), Dinner ($$$) · Pub Fare, Burgers, Live Music. Free WiFi with purchase. They make their own beer on-site.
- Hammerheads Bar & Grill (inside Snorkel Park Beach) — Pub Fare · $$
- Cafe Amici (Clocktower) — Breakfast ($), Lunch ($$), Dinner ($$$) · Italian Fare, Pizza
- Freeport Seafood Restaurant — Lunch ($$), Dinner ($$$) · Seafood, Sushi
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Best of Bermuda Complete Island Tour
⏱ 4.5 hours minimum · Low activity
Experience the main sites of Bermuda, from one end of the island to another with short stops at Gibbs Lighthouse and St....
Book This Tour →Catamaran Cruise & Snorkel
⏱ 3.5 hours (2 hour activity duration) · Moderate activity
Board a spacious catamaran to a secluded shallow water cove where you will snorkel in some of the most beautiful water s...
Book This Tour →Golf at Belmont Hills Country Club
⏱ 5 hours (or time it takes for 18 holes) · Moderate activity
Golf at one of Bermuda’s premier golf clubs! Designed by Algie Pulley, these 6100 yards are surrounded by narrow fairway...
Book This Tour →King's Wharf Bermuda – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
Is King's Wharf a good cruise port?
Yes — King's Wharf is one of the best cruise ports in the Atlantic. The Dockyard itself is a destination, and Hamilton is a short, scenic ferry ride away. Bermuda's safety, cleanliness, and friendliness make it a standout port of call.
Can I walk from the ship at King's Wharf?
Yes — the Dockyard has shops, restaurants, a beach (Snorkel Park), the National Museum, Dolphin Quest, and the Clocktower Mall all within easy walking distance of the cruise pier.
How do I get from King's Wharf to Hamilton?
The best way is by ferry — the Blue Route runs directly from the Dockyard to Hamilton in about 20 minutes and the views are spectacular. Taxis and buses are also available if you prefer to travel by road.
What is the currency in Bermuda?
The Bermudian Dollar (BMD) is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar. US dollars are accepted everywhere on the island so there is no need to exchange currency.
Is Bermuda safe for cruise passengers?
Bermuda is one of the safest destinations in the Atlantic region. Crime rates are very low and the locals are welcoming and helpful. Standard tourist common sense applies — keep valuables in your cabin safe.
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