Bermuda's Nature Sites

The beauty of Bermuda is all-encompassing.  Whether purposely planned like a colorful garden, organically created like the limestone caves, or protected by the government such as the nature reserves, there is so much nature to be found and explored on the island.  Take a break from sunning on the equally beautiful beaches, and breathe in the breath of fresh air that is Bermuda's natural side.

Nature Preserves

Bermuda's nature reserves offer visitors the opportunity to explore some of the island's untouched lands and take a glimpse into what the island was like before human hands ever touched it. In the city of Hamilton is Gilbert Nature Reserve, which is 5 acres of pristine woodlands.  Featured here are Bermuda cedars and excellent birdwatching. 

Just outside of Hamilton in Smith's Parish is Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, the islands largest reserve.  The reserve covers 64 acres, including Spittal Pond and much of the south shore.  This is one of the top birdwatching locations on the island.

Then, in Paget, visitors will find Paget Marsh, 25 acres of woodlands and marshlands.  There are hiking trails throughout the reserve, as well as a boardwalk over the marshlands that allow for a closer view. 

Further inland is Seymour's Pond Nature Reserve in Southampton Parish.  The reserve spans 2.5 acres, and is another haven for birds in Bermuda.  Behind the pond is a picturesque view of some farmlands.

Warwick Pond in Warwick Parish is another nature reserve that sits on the interior of the island.  It is the second largest freshwater pond in Bermuda, and surrounded by allspice and cedar trees.  There is a trail through the area, which is a great place for birdwatching.

Nature Preserves Name Location Island Blue Hole Hill Park 3.1 mi. (5.0 km) South West of St. George St. David's Island Cooper's Island Nature Reserve 2.2 mi. (3.5 km) South-Southeast of St. George St. David's Island Gilbert Nature Reserve 0.1 mi. (0.2 km) North of Somerset Village Somerset Island Hungry Bay Nature Reserve 1.9 mi. (3.0 km) East of Hamilton Bermuda Seymour's Pond Nature Reserve 3.5 mi. (5.6 km) South-Southeast of Somerset Village Bermuda Sherwin Nature Reserve 2.3 mi. (3.7 km) South-Southwest of Hamilton Bermuda Spittal Pond Nature Reserve 3.8 mi. (6.2 km) East of Hamilton Bermuda Winter Haven And Summer Haven National Reserve 4.5 mi. (7.3 km) East of Hamilton Bermuda

Gardens and Parks

Gardens in Bermuda are bright and colorful, filled with healthy, lush greenery and flowers.  The plants in these gardens thrive in Bermuda's warm climate. 

Maintained by the Department of Natural Resources, Bermuda Botanical Gardens is 35-acres of featuring hundreds of plants that are clearly marked so that visitors can tell each apart.  Within the Botanical Gardens, visitors will find several smaller themed gardens: the Japanese Gardens, Persian Gardens, Children's Maze Gardens and more.  A 90 minute tour takes off each morning Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 10:30 a.m.  The Gardens are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Learn about the island's other gardens and parks below.

Parks Name Location Island Abbott's Cliff National Park 3.9 mi. (6.3 km) South West of St. George Bermuda Admiralty House Park 1.1 mi. (1.7 km) West-Northwest of Hamilton Bermuda Alexandras Battery Park 0.8 mi. (1.2 km) East of St. George St. David's Island Arboretum 1.4 mi. (2.2 km) East of Hamilton Bermuda Astwood Park 2.5 mi. (4.1 km) South of Hamilton Bermuda Barnes Corner Park 3.4 mi. (5.5 km) South-Southeast of Somerset Village Bermuda Barr's Bay Park 0.5 mi. (0.8 km) South of Hamilton Bermuda Church Bay Park 3.7 mi. (5.9 km) South-Southeast of Somerset Village Bermuda Daniel's Head Beach Park 0.6 mi. (1.0 km) Northwest of Somerset Village Somerset Island Devonshire Bay Park 2.6 mi. (4.1 km) East of Hamilton Bermuda Ducks Puddle Park And Annex 2.9 mi. (4.7 km) South West of St. George St. David's Island Ferry Point Park 2.2 mi. (3.5 km) West-Southwest of St. George St. George's Island Great Head Park 1.9 mi. (3.0 km) Southeast of St. George St. David's Island Hog Bay Park 1.9 mi. (3.1 km) South-Southwest of Somerset Village Bermuda Kindey Field Park 1.1 mi. (1.8 km) South West of St. George St. David's Island Little Head Park 1.7 mi. (2.7 km) East-Southeast of St. George St. David's Island Mullet Bay Park 0.8 mi. (1.2 km) West-Southwest of St. George St. David's Island Paget Marsh 1.2 mi. (2.0 km) Southeast of Hamilton Bermuda Par-La-Ville Park 0.4 mi. (0.7 km) South-Southeast of Hamilton Bermuda Point Pleasant Park 0.5 mi. (0.9 km) South of Hamilton Bermuda Robinson Bay Park 1.6 mi. (2.6 km) East-Northeast of Hamilton Bermuda Rocky Hill Park 0.9 mi. (1.5 km) West-Southwest of St. George St. George's Island Scaur Hill Park 1.0 mi. (1.6 km) South of Somerset Village Somerset Island Shelly Bay Park 3.8 mi. (6.2 km) Northeast of Hamilton Bermuda Somerset Long Bay Park 0.3 mi. (0.5 km) North-Northwest of Somerset Village Somerset Island Spanish Point Park 1.6 mi. (2.6 km) West-Northwest of Hamilton Bermuda Victoria Park 0.3 mi. (0.5 km) Southeast of Hamilton Bermuda Virginia Park 0.7 mi. (1.1 km) South-Southwest of Somerset Village Somerset Island Watch Hill Park 4.6 mi. (7.4 km) East of Hamilton Bermuda West Whale Bay Park 3.0 mi. (4.9 km) South of Somerset Village Bermuda Wilkinson Memorial Park 3.0 mi. (4.9 km) South West of St. George Bermuda Botanical Gardens Name Location Island Bermuda Botanical Gardens 1.5 mi. (2.5 km) East-Southeast of Hamilton Bermuda Palm Grove Gardens 2.4 mi. (3.8 km) East of Hamilton Bermuda Somer's Gardens 0.1 mi. (0.1 km) East-Northeast of St. George St. David's Island Sommers Garden 0.1 mi. (0.1 km) East-Northeast of St. George St. David's Island

Caves

There are over 150 caves in Bermuda, most of which are underwater and accessible only by divers.  Others, however, can be accessed on land by those interested in exploring them.  These caves began forming over one million years ago, and today the limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites are awe inspiring.  Tours take visitors through many of these caves, which includes Crystal Caves in Hamilton Parish.  Crystal Caves have been popular since it was discovered in 1907.  Located within the caves is Cahow Lake, a lake that is so clear you can see the stalagmites reaching up from the floor of the lake.  Other visitable caves in Bermuda include Fantasy Caves, which is nearby Crystal Caves, Admiral's Cave, Cathedral Cave, Leamington Cave,Prospero's Cave, also in Hamilton Parish, and Jeffery's Cave in Smith's Parish.

A comprehensive list of Bermuda's caves can be reviewed below.  This chart includes location, which may help you to determine if it is feasible for you to tour a particular cave during your trip.

Caves Name Location Island Admiral's Cave 3.1 mi. (4.9 km) South West of St. George Bermuda Cathedral Cave 2.9 mi. (4.6 km) South West of St. George St. David's Island Crystal Caves 3.1 mi. (4.9 km) South West of St. George Bermuda Fantasy Caves 3.1 mi. (4.9 km) South West of St. George Bermuda Jeffery's Cave 3.9 mi. (6.2 km) East of Hamilton Bermuda Leamington Cave 3.3 mi. (5.2 km) South West of St. George Bermuda Prospero's Cave 2.9 mi. (4.6 km) South West of St. George St. David's Island

Around the island o Bermuda, you'll find many, many more natural attractions beyond those discussed above.  Check the chart below to see if you'll be able to squeeze a visit to any of these spots into your vacation.

Other Natural Attractions Name Type Location Bermuda Aquarium, Museum And Zoo Aquarium Smith's Parish Mangrove Lake Lake 4.2 mi. (6.8 km) South-Southwest of St. George Spittal Pond Pond 3.8 mi. (6.1 km) East of Hamilton St. George's Harbour Harbour St. George's Island Trott's Pond Pond 4.0 mi. (6.4 km) South-Southwest of St. George

Many vacationers travel to Bermuda to get away from it all.  There is no better way to escape city life than by spending time surrounded by nature.  Luckily, Bermuda offers that in abundance.