Most Bermudians have pastimes that revolve around sport. Although this serene getaway has more golf courses than anywhere else in the world per capita, a variety of sporting activities are played on the beautiful island. From those that were influenced by Great Britain, such as cricket and tennis, to sports that are nationally popular like sailing, there’s so much to do here.
Want to get involved in the Bermuda sports scene? Here are the most popular sports and everything you need to know about getting involved.
Golf
Championship oceanfront courses and a sub-tropical climate makes Bermuda the perfect destination to get your golf fix. Tee time has never been more enjoyable and the panoramic ocean views aren’t too bad either.
One golf club keen golfers should swing by is Port Royal. Now home to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, it was recently renovated with new fairways and greens. It’s also rated amongst the best public golf courses in the world.
Want to put your golf swing to the test? There are several golf tournaments throughout the year. Here are just a few of the many you can attend:
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Grey Goose World Par 3 championship at Turtle Hill every March
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Annual Couples’ Golf Tournament at Port Royal every April
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Bermuda Goodwill Golf Tournament every December
If it’s an unhurried round of golf you are looking for the golf courses in Bermuda aren’t crowded; there are plenty of tee times and a round here is generally very sociable.
Cricket
This sport with its strong British roots is played in private clubs across the island. There are even streets named in honor of the sport - Bat ‘n’ Ball Lane is just one you’ll see.
Cricket is popular amongst locals and visitors and is really easy to pick up! You might even see the local kids hitting the ball for six.
Cup Match is one of Bermuda's biggest cricket events of the year and takes place on Emancipation Day, a national holiday. A fierce cricket match between the two island rivals, St. George’s and Somerset, sets the scene for one of the most competitive events of the year.
Spectators are welcome and are encouraged to dress in their favorite team colors.
The fun continues all weekend long with concerts, beach parties and plenty of Rum Swizzles. There’s nothing stopping you from grabbing a bat and playing cricket on the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda.
Running and Marathons
ITU World Champion and Bermudian, Flora Duffy Credit: Nhuri Bashir
The island’s cooler months attract many enthusiastic athletes. Events like the Bermuda Race Weekend in January are perfect for avid runners looking to spend some time here. Combining sport and ocean views is never a bad idea.
Here are a few of the events that take place over this weekend to get your blood pumping.
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KPMG Front Street Mile is the only street race held at night and gathers a large crowd cheering you on.
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Bermuda 10k is a non-competitive walking event along the stretch of Bermuda’s North Shore. The finish line greets you with a festival and award ceremony.
There are many more running activities on the island. If you’re not quite up for that, you can always take a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens or bike along the Bermuda Railway Trail at your own pace.
Water Sports
Bermuda’s cerulean seas present a multitude of water activities. From exhilarating kiteboarding to a leisurely paddle in a glass-bottom kayak or snorkeling through vibrant marine life, the island offers it all.
Don some Bermuda shorts and head to the shore. You’re never more than a mile away from the ocean.
Here are just some of the ways you can take advantage of the crystal clear waters:
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Take a jet ski tour around the secluded beaches of Bermuda and explore hidden gems and isolated coves.
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Head to Salt Kettle Charters (Paget) or Royal Naval Dockyard and rent a boat, travel around on the sun-flecked waters and take in the view. If resident, you can join a local sailing club. If you are visiting there is a company called ‘Usailbda’ which offers a great sailing experience with an RYA qualified guide.
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Book a trip with Sail Bermuda, who offer some wonderful sailing tours for groups if being a ‘social sailor’ is more your style.
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See the underwater world of Bermuda and spend a relaxing day snorkeling in the azure lagoon at Snorkel Park Beach. For the slightly more adventurous, some tour companies take guided snorkeling tours to explore famous shipwrecks and reefs.
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Take to the skies and flyboard. This high adrenaline sport lets you soar high above the sea.
Honorable Mentions
Tennis, rugby, swimming, badminton, squash, pickleball, football (or soccer), dressage, trail rides, basketball, beach volleyball and more. Bermudians are a sporty lot and there's plenty to choose from when it comes to activities. What better way to enjoy the sport you love than from a spot just across from the beach?
You might see a game of football being played by the locals on the street or perhaps you want to hire an inland court for a game of tennis (there are also classes held at Bermuda’s National Sports Centre if you want to brush up on your skills).
Get involved with the sport scene on the island and feel the beat of Bermuda’s heart.
Now you know all about Bermuda’s sporting activities and how you get involved, it’s a perfect time to see what else the island has to offer to make your time here even more memorable.
Get involved with Bermuda
There isn’t just a thriving sports scene here in Bermuda. There's also the culture, cuisine and many more unique traditions to take notice of.
Whenever you’re thinking of visiting the island, there's always something to get involved with. Plan your next trip with the help of our 12-month guide.
It features all of the unique events and activities that Bermuda celebrates as well as useful information like the perfect water temperature to take to the seas and when you can watch the spectacular humpback whale migration.
Download your free copy now using the link below.
