Helpful King's Wharf Bermuda Links
Port Bermuda Webcam Royal Navy Dockyard MapWhere You Dock in King’s Wharf Bermuda
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
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 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, its 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, let alone a scooter on the side of the road. 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.
Shopping In King’s Wharf Bermuda
Note that store hours are typically 9am-5:30pm Monday-Saturday and closed on Sunday. If large ships are in port, some stores may have extended hours.
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. It’s narrow streets and alleys are a great way to spend the day. 
Dining In King’s Wharf Bermuda
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
Also, since Bermuda is a fairly conservative country, ensure you are wearing a cover-up over a bathing suit. Also, 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 – $$
Cafe Amici (Clockwork Tower) – Breakfast ($), Lunch ($$), Dinner ($$$) – Italian Fare, Pizza
Freeport Seafood Restaurant – Lunch ($$), Dinner ($$$), Seafood, Sushi
Things To Do in King’s Wharf Bermuda
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
Resort Day Pass – Spend the day enjoying the amenities at a beach resort, including daybeds, pools, restaurants, drinks and of course, the beach. Check out ResortPass for more info.
Top Tours & Excursions In King’s Wharf Bermuda
Best of Bermuda Complete Island Tour
Experience the main sites of Bermuda, from one end of the island to another with short stops at Gibbs Lighthouse and St. George. Tour ends in Hamilton where you’ll have opportunity to explore before catching the ferry back to the Dockyards....
- Duration: 4.5 hours minimum
- Activity Level: Low
Golf at Belmont Hills Country Club
Golf at one of Bermuda’s premier golf clubs! Designed by Algie Pulley, these 6100 yards are surrounded by narrow fairways, multi-tiered greens and Bermuda’s naturally gorgeous surroundings. Price includes golf cart....
- Duration: 5 hours (or time it takes for 18 holes)
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Note: Clubs and Shoes available for rent. Dress code in effect.
Catamaran Cruise & Snorkel
Board a spacious catamaran to a secluded shallow water cove where you will snorkel in some of the most beautiful water seeing marine life and coral. Complementary beverages & fresh-baked cookies provided...
- Duration: 3.5 hours (2 hour activity duration)
- Activity Level: Moderate
