Experience Bermuda Off The Beaten Path - Forbes

Bermuda Spittal Pond Trail along the ocean

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Bermuda’s world famous pink-hued beaches and picturesque candy-colored houses make this sub-tropical island a sought-after destination. The cobblestone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George’s, bustling city of Hamilton, magical cave systems and shipwrecks are well worth exploring on this gorgeous British Overseas Territory. However, the fish-hook shaped island spanning 22 miles, has several delightful surprises for visitors. It’s one of the best spots in the North Atlantic to view migrating humpback whales in the spring, the surrounding islets host the second rarest sea bird in the world and its hidden coves and nature reserves provide respite from the crowds. 

Here are some unique ways to explore this slice of paradise beyond its pristine beaches. 

Bermuda Railway Trail National Park 

Railway Trail in Bermuda

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 Following an abandoned railway path, the 18-mile Railway Trail traverses the island from end-to-end, through beautiful landscapes along the coastline and connecting major attractions. The “Old Rattle and Shake” train was the primary method of getting around for Bermudians in the 1930s and 40s, and it ran from St. George’s station in the east to Somerset Station at the west end. 

Divided into nine sections, each ranging from one to three miles, the tree-lined Railway pathway passes Bermuda’s parishes and has paved sections, steep slopes and bridges. Designated a National Park in 1986, the trail is now maintained by the Bermuda Parks Department and can be explored on foot or by bike. Take a break to enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean at a secluded beach or stop by some of Bermuda’s attractions, including Gibbs Hills Lighthouse, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo and the Railway Museum.   

Jobson’s Cove

The beautiful secluded romatic Jobson Cove Beach on the south side of Bermuda.

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A postcard-perfect beach awaits you at Jobson’s Cove, on the south shore in Warwick Parish. Encircled by jagged rock formations, this stretch of pink sand seems a world away from everything. Escape crowded beaches like Horseshoe Bay Beach and revel in the serenity and beauty of Jobson’s Cove, just a mile away from the popular beach. 

Snorkelers will enjoy its calm waters and the colorful marine life beneath the surface. If you are thinking about proposing, there’s no better spot. The beach is also accessible from Horseshoe Bay Beach via a walking trail over sand dunes and cliffs between stretches of pink sand.  

Spittal Pond Nature Reserve

Calm waters of the pond, a meadow of bright coloful blooms, scenic rocks and the deep blue sea. Who ... [+] could ask for more?

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As the largest nature reserve on the island, Spittal Pond spans 64 acres and is a Wetland of International Importance for being a haven for wildlife. Located in Smith’s Parish, Spittal Pond is one of the best spots for sightings the Northern waterthrush, white-eyed vireo, white-tailed tropicbird, American redstart, warblers and waterfowl. 

This protected area provides habitat for the sally lightfoot crab, buckeye butterflies and the rare Bermuda skink. A winding trail with stunning coastal views leads to the brackish water pond where visitors can picnic in a tranquil setting surrounded by lush hills. Don’t miss the rocky shore pavement locals calls the “Checkerboard,” featuring a distinctive limestone formation with natural cracks. 

The reserve is also where you will find the landmark Portuguese Rock, with letters 'R' and 'P' carved by a shipwrecked sailor in 1543 (believed to be the earliest human to set foot on the island). This is the best spot to watch the sun rise and set, and witness migrating humpback whales in the spring. 

Nonsuch Island 

Cahow chick

Lavanya Sunkara

For nearly 300 years, Bermudians believed their national bird, the cahow (also known as the Bermuda petrel), had gone extinct. Early explorers shied away from Bermuda and deemed it the “Devil’s Isle” because of the birds’ screeching calls, which sound exactly like their onomatopoeic name.

However, in the 1950s, the rediscovery of 18 nesting pairs on four tiny offshore islets started the effort to bring back this national treasure. Today, a new nesting colony of cahows has been successfully established on Nonsuch Island Nature Reserve; 2019 saw the highest number of pairs ever spotted (at an impressive 130 pairs with 65 chicks). Despite its growing population, this small pelagic seabird remains among the rarest seabirds in the world. 

Although Nonsuch Island is protected and not open to the public, many avid birders sail out to the surrounding waters and anchor offshore to catch sightings of these beautiful birds as they fly to their nests and chicks in the spring. Occasionally, the general public can tour the island with the Bermuda Zoological Society. Even if you can’t make it out there in person, you can always see the birds and their chicks up close in their nests on a live feed from Nonsuch Island starting in January.  

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