Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in BERMUDA: Sights to see, things to do, where to shop & hit the beach
King’s Wharf—Royal Naval Dockyard ~ Bermuda
Following the American Revolution, Great Britain could no longer use ports in the former American colony and needed a dockyard facility and resupply depot midway between Nova Scotia and the British West Indies. On the western tip of Bermuda, Ireland Island fit the bill with its deepwater cove and sheltered anchorage. The Georgian style fort was completed in the 1820s.
Diversions
King’s Wharf is the farthest cruise port from Bermuda’s main attractions but taxis, buses, and ferry services are all available. Taxi drivers are qualified to act as tour guides and their commentary is often more personable and colorful than that delivered by shore excursion guides. If you can get a group together a taxi tour is also less expensive but don’t get into the habit of hailing a cab—they cost far more than the near-by ferry for a trip into Hamilton.
The main attraction at King’s Wharf is the renovated fort and its associated buildings and clocktower. The fort houses the Bermuda Maritime Museum containing naval exhibits and displays as diverse as artifacts from shipwrecks and collections of old coins and antique bottles. The building itself is worth the admission price but don’t miss the outside spaces—the Keep Pond and its statue of Neptune and the upper grounds where cannons still point to the sea.
In the nearby Cooperage there’s a small Visitors Service Bureau where brochures, maps, and tourist information is available. The bus stops and ferry landing are clearly marked and mopeds are available for rent.
Shopping
The Bermuda Arts Centre and Bermuda Craft Market are located in the Cooperage area of the fort. All the items displayed in the Arts Centre are the work of local artists and everything is for sale. In the Craft Market’s stalls are stocked with moderately priced jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and other items that make nice souvenirs.
Clocktower Mall is home to an array of shops and boutiques, some of them small branches of the larger stores in Hamilton.
You may notice that the two clocks on the towers display different times. That’s because one is the actual time while the other indicates the time of high tide.
Beaches
The Bermuda Snorkel Park is located on the north side of the Royal Naval Dockyard. It has a shallow lagoon and rather mean little beach; however, it’s suitable for children. Showers and changing rooms are available as are mask and snorkel rentals. Its main advantage is that it’s the only beach within walking distance of cruise ships berthed at King’s Wharf.
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