Kayaking is one of the best and most rewarding ways to see Bermuda by water. Go at your own pace and explore the bays and coves that larger vessels are unable to manoeuver into. Here are our top picks for where to go kayaking in Bermuda.
Nonsuch Island and Cooper’s Island, Castle Harbour
This beautiful harbour is much too large to kayak in a single outing. Instead, we’ve chosen some of the most beautiful islands to paddle around. These two islands are both very important spaces for conservation. Landing on Nonsuch is not permitted in order to enable these delicate activities, including protecting the endangered Bermuda Petrel, to take place, and some islands off Cooper’s Island coast are also no-landing zones.
You can see the beautiful coasts of these important sites comfortably from a kayak, perhaps spotting creatures such as the yellow crowned night heron and West Indian top shell. We recommend a loop starting from Clearwater Beach, going around to Nonsuch and finishing in the Cooper’s Island’s western bay.
Hinson’s to Hawkins Island, Great Sound
This long kayak is sure to satisfy desires for aesthetically pleasing surroundings as well as a good workout. This collection of quaint little islands contains luxury private homes with properties full of grand verandas and boat slips. To see these wonderful places up close, the only way to go is by kayak. Weave through the intricate archipelago and be dazzled by the mini universes only accessible across the water.
Setting off either from Darrel’s Wharf or a mooring on Point Shares is an ideal location to begin your kayaking adventure. Why not head into Hamilton afterwards for a well deserved lunch at one of Bermuda’s best restaurants?
Ely’s Harbour, Somerset
This picturesque harbour lies in the inlet protected by Somerset Bridge. To get to experience the smallest drawbridge in the world firsthand, plan an outing to explore the mangrove fringed waters of this Bermuda treasure.
The medium lengthed kayak will take you through winding boat moorings in tranquil, brilliantly blue waters teeming with life. Park at Somerset post office and launch your kayak there. Follow the coast and see if you can spot the secluded for Scaur, and end up at the north end of the harbour where you can beach the kayak and take a well deserved pause before following the opposite side of the harbour back around.
Smith’s and Paget Island, St. George’s Harbour
These closely nestled islands stand on the southern side of town cut, what used to be the only entry point for many shipping vessels to the island. Smith’s Island is home to an archaeological dig site and various private homes, while Paget Island is owned by the government. Both islands were used as whaling centers before Bermuda banned the practice with increased awareness of the importance of whales.
You can start your kayak at any entry point around St. George’s Harbour. Spend some time inside Paget Island’s wonderful little lagoon, entering on the south side of the island. This little spot is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places in Bermuda. On Smith’s Island, spend time exploring the various coves on the large and heavily forested little oasis.
Gibbet’s Island, Hamilton Parish
This short kayak is perfect for families with small children. The lovely little cove is home to an extensive reef system around a small island. The island actually has a dark past, as it was used in the 1600s and 1700s as a public execution post for slaves and criminals. Though the island isn’t much to explore, it’s great to kayak around. If you want to extend your trip, you can even kayak into Flatt’s Inlet and anywhere in Harrington Sound.
