Bermuda Island Tours By Minibus
Photo: Bermudaful Tours
What to Expect from a Bermuda Road Tour
There are many ways to get around Bermuda. The public buses and ferries are excellent and can take you to almost every corner of the island. But if you do not want the headache of planning every detail of your day, a guided tour on a minibus or van is the easiest way to see Bermuda. It works particularly well when you are with your family or a small group of your own.
These road tours run in two main formats. The first is a shared, per person tour that you join with other guests. The second is a private charter that you book for your group only. Charters usually require a minimum number of seats or a minimum hourly payment.
Most operators are flexible about the route, so on a private booking you can ask your driver to focus more on beaches, history, food or shopping based on what you want.
Overland tours typically cover one part of the island (east, central or west) or the entire island. A full island tour by minibus takes around 5 to 6 hours with a stop for lunch or snacks. A half day tour usually runs about 3 hours and covers the headline landmarks. On a few tours, lunch or a picnic is included in the cost. On most, you pay for your own food at one of the local diners along the way.
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Why Take a Tour with a Local Bermudian Guide
If you want to know what Bermuda is really like, beyond the postcards, a local guide is worth the cost. The drivers and owners I describe below are born and raised on the island. Most are certified by the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Many hold Blue Flag Ambassador status, which the Department of Tourism uses for taxi drivers and tour operators who pass extra training in island history and customer service.
What you get from a Bermudian guide is the small stuff that no map shows you. Why the roofs are white. Where to buy a fish sandwich the locals actually eat. Which cliff at Admiralty House is safe to jump from. How Tucker's Town went from a fishing community to one of the most expensive zip codes in the world. The history of the railway that used to run across the island until 1948.
You also get help with the practical things. Most guides will time the stops so you can avoid the cruise ship crowds at Horseshoe Bay or St. George. They will know which restaurant has a table free for a group of 10. They will get you back to your ship or hotel on time, which is not a small thing in Bermuda where road traffic can clog up around Hamilton at peak hours.
Types of Road Tours You Can Pick From
Before you book, it helps to know what is on offer. The road tours in Bermuda fall into a few broad types.
Half day group tours run for about 3 hours, usually out of Royal Naval Dockyard. These suit cruise passengers who want a quick orientation of the island and still have time to swim or shop. The route normally covers Somerset Bridge, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, a south shore beach photo stop, and a drive past Hamilton.
Full day group tours run for 5 to 7 hours. These cover the western, central and eastern parishes, with a lunch break in St. George or at a local diner. You see the World Heritage town of St. George, Crystal Caves (entry separate), Bermuda Aquarium, the south shore beaches and Hamilton. This format gives you the most for your money.
Private charters and minibus rental put the whole vehicle at your disposal. Useful for families, small groups, weddings, golf groups and corporate visitors. You set the route, the pace and the stops. Most operators charge by the hour or by the half day for private bookings.
Shuttle and shore transfer services are not full tours. They take you from one place to another (cruise ship to a beach, hotel to the airport, dockyard to Hamilton for Harbour Nights). I cover these in detail on my Bermuda Minibus Service page.
Hop on hop off services run a fixed loop in eastern Bermuda during the summer cruise season. You buy a day ticket and use it as a beach shuttle.
Best Minibus and Van Tour Operators in Bermuda
In the section below I describe the operators I rate for shared and private island tours by minibus and van. Most depart from the Royal Naval Dockyard since this is where the cruise ships come in. Several will also pick you up from your hotel or from the Hamilton ferry terminal for an extra fee.
Bermudaful Island Tours
Bermudaful is run by Jonathan Hayes, a born and raised Bermudian, with a small team of local guides. The company won a Viator Experience Award in 2024 as one of the top 20 experiences in the Caribbean. They run two air conditioned, accessible minibuses out of Royal Naval Dockyard, right next to the cruise piers.
Bermudaful Tour Minibus at Dockyard
They offer a half day Bermuda highlights tour of about 3 hours and a full island tour of about 5 hours. There is also a 6 hour private tour and a 7 hour beach hop for guests who want to spend most of the day on the pink sand beaches.
Cruise passengers can meet the bus at the cruise pier with a dock attendant in a blue vest. Guests staying east of Hamilton are better off picking a different operator since Bermudaful does not recommend its tour for that group given the drive time.
Bermudaful Island Tours
Website: bermudafulisland.com
Phone: (441) 707-3287
Pickup: Royal Naval Dockyard, next to the cruise piers
Ricky's Island Tours and Minibus Service
This is run by Kevin out of Sandys, near the cruise berths in Dockyard. His signature Total Island Experience Tour is a 6 hour run covering Heydon Trust Chapel, Fort Scaur, Somerset Bridge, Hamilton, Bermuda Aquarium, St. George and the south shore beaches, with a lunch stop at Swizzle Inn or White Horse. He also runs a 4 hour evening tour in summer.
I have written a full description with the route, hours and contact details on the dedicated page. See
Ricky's Minibus Tour of Bermuda for the complete write up.
Ricky's Island Tours and Minibus Service
Address: 11 Pinkhouse Lane, Sandys, Bermuda
Phone: (441) 703-3659
Ricky's Minibus
Byways Tours
Byways is run by Heidi Cowen, a fifth generation Bermudian and the granddaughter of the last lighthouse keeper of Gibbs Hill. Her 5 hour island tour takes up to 10 passengers in a small minibus and includes a picnic lunch or a stop at a local diner. She prefers smaller, less crowded beaches like Warwick Long Bay and Jobson's Cove. Note: only cash is accepted.
I cover Byways and the full route in detail on the dedicated page. See
Byways Minibus Tours, Bermuda for routes, contact details and what is included.
Byways Tours
Phone: (441) 535-9169
Website: bermudabyways.com
Note: Cash only
Flexi Transport Services
Flexi Transport was set up in 2011 by the Outerbridge family. They run a fleet of air conditioned minibuses with PA systems out of Royal Naval Dockyard. The standard island tour goes from Dockyard to Hamilton and on to St. George, taking in Somerset Bridge, Fort Scaur, the south shore beaches and a lunch break at a waterfront restaurant in St. George.
Flexi Transport Services Ltd.
Flexi Transport Services Ltd.
Phone: +1 441-505-7690
Website: sightseeingbermuda.com
Bermuda Island Tours and More
This company is run by Juanita Jones, a former Bermuda police officer with more than 20 years in the trade. She has a 15 seat minibus and a 30 seat coach, both air conditioned with PA systems and reclining seats. Most tours run for 5 or 6.5 hours.
Her main tours are useful to know about. The Island Wrap Around Tour covers Dockyard history, Heydon Trust Chapel, Somerset Bridge, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, a photo stop at Horseshoe Bay, the south shore beaches, the historic town of St. George with the 17th century ducking stool re-enactment, Hamilton and the harbor drive.
The Crystal Caves, Shopping and Beach Tour pairs the caves with Hamilton shopping and a swim at Horseshoe Bay. She also runs a dedicated tour of historic St. George covering King's Square, the World Heritage Center, Bermuda Heritage Museum,
St. Peter's Church, the replica of the historic ship Deliverance, the Globe Hotel (now Bermuda National Trust Museum), Tucker House Museum and the Unfinished Church.
There is also an
African Diaspora Heritage Trail tour that covers the slavery history of the island, including Tucker House Museum, Pilot Darrell's Square, the Commissioner's House at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Cobbs Hill Methodist Church (built by enslaved people under moonlight) and the slaves' graveyard at St. Peter's Church.
Bermuda Island Tours and More
Address: 8 Riddell's Bay Road, Warwick, Bermuda
Phone: (441) 704-8477
Bermuda Triangle Minibus Tours
This is run by Calworth Furbert, who has more than 40 years in Bermuda hospitality. He runs private bus tours for groups of up to 15 in Toyota minibuses, and can book more than one bus for larger groups.
He offers a 3 hour and a 6 hour sightseeing tour with experienced guides, a 4 hour shopping tour to the best designer stores in Hamilton (David Winston, Boutique CC, Cecile, The English Sport Shop for original Bermuda Shorts, Lusso and Marks and Spencer), and Dine Around tours on Tuesdays and Fridays where you sample restaurants in the island.
The company also handles airport transfers, golf transportation and wedding transportation.
Photo: Bermuda Triangle Tours
Bermuda Triangle Tours
Address: 65 Middle Road, Hamilton, Bermuda
Phone: (441) 293-5806
Also has an office at L.F. Wade International Airport.
Beeline Transport
They are one of the oldest transport operators in Bermuda and offers complete transportation management services. Their buses can accommodate large groups. The services include Group Transportation, Group Tours (Sightseeing and Dine Around), Airport Shuttles, and catering to any special requirement. They also offer airport receiving and luggage handling services.
Photo: Beeline Transport
Beeline is one of the oldest transport operators in Bermuda. Their buses can hold large groups, which makes them useful for weddings, corporate visits and multi generational family trips. Services include group sightseeing tours, dine around tours, airport shuttles and luggage handling.
Beeline Transport Ltd.
Phone: (441) 293-0303
Postal Address: Beeline Transport Ltd., P. O BOX HM 2270, Hamilton, Bermuda HM JX.
Titan Express
Titan Express runs a fleet of newer coaches with seating capacity of 22 to 24 per bus, equipped with audio and video systems. The buses accept Visa and MasterCard, which is rare among small operators in Bermuda. They handle custom day and night tours, bus charters, wedding transportation and group transfers. Their guides are Blue Flag and Certified Tourism Ambassadors.
Photo: Titan Express
Titan Express Ltd.
Phone: (441) 234-1096
Website: titanexbda.com
Accepts Visa and MasterCard.
Hop On Hop Off Beach Buses in the East End
During the summer cruise season, beach shuttle minibuses run a fixed loop in the eastern end of the island. The St. George's Beach Bus operates between Kings Square, Penno's Wharf, the Unfinished Church, Tobacco Bay Beach, Achilles Bay and St. Catherine's Fort.
There is also a separate route to St. David's covering Carter House Museum, St. David's Battery, St. David's Lighthouse and Clearwater Beach.
Train Trolley Tours
Train trolleys are not real trains. They are road vehicles built to look like an old fashioned train and run on rubber wheels. Separate trolley tours operate in St. George (the Olde Towne Railway, now run by Ralph Smith and Allana Iris-Smith) and in Dockyard and Hamilton (the Bermuda Train Company).
Train Trolley on Front Street, Hamilton
Photo: Darryl Brooks, Shutterstock
The St. George trolley runs from Ordnance Island and lasts about 45 minutes with audio commentary on the World Heritage town, the fort and Tobacco Bay Beach.
Segway Tours on fun machines
If you would rather glide than ride a bus, the Segway tour of Royal Naval Dockyard is one of the most fun ways to see the west end of Bermuda. The Segway is a two wheeled, self balancing electric machine that you stand on and steer by leaning forward, backward or sideways. It looks tricky in photos. It is not. Most riders are gliding around within ten minutes of training.
Touring the dockyard on Segway machines
Photo: Viator
The tour is run by Bermuda Segway Tours, locally operated and based out of the Island Tour Centre in Dockyard. The owner and lead guide is Khy. Tours run all year, Monday through Sunday, from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, with set departure slots through the day. Bookings during the cruise season fill up fast, so reserve a few days in advance.
What the route covers
You start at the Island Tour Centre with a safety video and a hands on training session in a quiet corner of Dockyard. Once your guide is satisfied you can balance and steer, you set out.
The route covers the Clocktower Mall (the 1856 building that was once a Royal Navy warehouse and is now a shopping arcade), Casemates Barracks (the old British fortress and prison), the
National Museum of Bermuda and the Commissioner's House inside it, the Victualling Yard, the Historic Sail Loft and the Bermuda Rum Cake Company and Dockyard Glassworks where you can stop for samples.
The Segway is the only vehicle allowed inside the National Museum complex, which gives you views that you cannot get from a bus or scooter.
You glide along the cobblestones and the harborfront with breeze in your face and panoramic ocean views on one side and 19th century British naval architecture on the other. Your guide speaks to you through a wireless headset, so the running commentary on Dockyard history, the yellow fever epidemic, the Keep Yard fort, and how the Royal Navy purchased the dockyard in 1809 comes through cleanly even with wind.
The tour lasts about 90 minutes to 2 hours including training. Plan for around 2.5 hours from arrival to finish.
Who can ride, who cannot
There are a few firm restrictions you should know before you book. You must be at least 16 years old. Your weight must be between 100 and 260 pounds (roughly 45 to 118 kg). You need good balance and full use of your hands and feet.
Closed toe shoes (sneakers are fine) are required, so leave the sandals on the ship. Each Segway carries one rider only, no double riders. Riders with significant back, knee or inner ear problems should think carefully. Pregnant women are usually not allowed.
The tour does run in light rain but is canceled in heavy rain or thunderstorms. If a cancellation happens, you get a full refund or a re-booking.
What it costs and how to book
Current rates are around USD 92 to 106 per adult when you book direct through the Island Tour Centre at Dockyard, Viator. If you book the same tour through your cruise line shore excursion desk, you will typically pay around USD 95 or more with the cruise line markup added on top. Direct booking saves you the markup and lets you change the time if your day plan shifts.
You can book in three ways:
First, online in advance through the operator's listing on Viator.
Rates by Viator
Second, in person at the Island Tour Centre booking office in Dockyard, which is right next to the cruise piers. Walk ins are taken if there is a free slot on the day, but in peak season this is not guaranteed. To contact Island Tour Centre directly, you can call (441) 236-1300. They operate daily, with the booking office open from around 8 am to 5 pm during the cruise season (April to October) and 9 am to 4 pm in the winter.
Third, through your cruise line.
Practical tips
Wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses. The dockyard is open and sunny. Bring a small bottle of water and a hat. Leave bulky bags on the ship or in the cruise terminal locker since the Segway has no real storage. Cameras and phones are fine, but use a wrist strap.
The training session is short and the guide will not rush you, but speak up early if you do not feel stable. It is far easier to switch your booking to a refund than to fall.
Minibus Rental for Private Groups
If you are travelling with a family of 8 or more, a wedding party, a golf group, a corporate group or any other gathering, you will find a private charter cheaper and more flexible than a per person tour.
Most of the operators I have listed above (Flexi Transport, Bermuda Triangle Tours, Beeline, Titan Express, Bermuda Island Tours and More) take private bookings.
A few practical notes on charters. First, charter rates in Bermuda are usually quoted per hour or per half day. As a rough benchmark, A+ Transport Services (which is wheelchair accessible) charges around USD 330, 440 and 550 for 3, 4 and 5 hour private tours for up to 9 passengers, with an additional per person charge up to a 13 passenger maximum.
Other operators are broadly in this range. Second, the rates are regulated by the Bermuda government for minibus services and are not negotiable below the minimum. Third, most operators want a deposit or full payment in advance for private charters. Always confirm cancellation and refund terms in writing before you pay.
For your own group, ask the operator to put together a custom itinerary based on your interests. The standard island route is the same with every operator. The differences show up in the optional add-ons (Crystal Caves, swimming at a hidden cave, a long stop in St. George for lunch, a sunset drive along the south shore) and in the personality of the guide.
What These Tours Typically Cost
Tour prices in Bermuda move every season and I do not want to mislead you with a price that turns out to be wrong by the time you book. As a current benchmark, a half day shared minibus tour with a top rated operator runs around USD 80 to 100 per person.
A full day shared tour is around USD 120 to 175 per person, sometimes with lunch included. A private full day charter for up to 9 passengers runs around USD 450 to 700 in total depending on the operator and the season.
Train trolley tickets in St. George are currently around USD 20 to 25 per adult. The St. George beach shuttle day ticket is USD 6 and the St. David's roundtrip is USD 12.
Most operators do not include entry fees for paid attractions like Crystal Caves or the National Museum of Bermuda. Lunch is usually separate too unless the tour description specifically says it is included (Byways and a few others do include it).
How to Book and Practical Tips
For shared group tours, the easiest way is to book online in advance through the operator's own website or Viator. Cruise lines also sell shore excursions on their own ships, but you almost always pay a meaningful premium versus booking direct.
The trade off is that if your cruise excursion runs late, the ship will wait. A privately booked tour will not get the ship to wait.
Rates by Viator
For private charters, email or call the operator directly. WhatsApp also works for many of the small operators. Send your group size, preferred date, pickup point (cruise pier, hotel, or airport), and what you most want to see. Confirm the bus type (look for air conditioning and a PA system), how many seats, what is included and the payment method.
A few operators still take cash only, which is worth knowing before you arrive. If credit card payment is important to you, Titan Express is one of the few that accepts Visa and MasterCard on the bus.
A practical tip for cruise passengers. The Bermuda traffic around Hamilton clogs up in the mornings between 8 and 9 and again from 4.30 to 6 in the evening. Most private operators will time the route to avoid the worst of it. If you are catching a ferry from Hamilton or St. George, plan for an extra 15 to 20 minutes at peak hours.
Last point. The independent guides I have described are small business owners, not large cruise line concessions. Email replies can take a day or two in the off season and not all of them work on Sundays. Book early, especially in May, June, September and October when the cruise traffic is at its peak.
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
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Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Docysy (September 2013)
Dear Raj, Excellent information. Will be traveling in October 2013 with RCL. We have a family of six, including grandparents, and 3 year old and 8 month old children. Is there any minivan service for smaller group or is it better to take a regular taxi? Thank you in advance.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) September 2013
Hi, A 6-passenger taxi will be the most economical option for your group. Take a Blue Flag taxi (which has a driver certified as a tour guide). Another great option is to take the mini bus of Byways (which accommodates 6-8 persons). Although Heidi (the owner) offers a set tour of the island, you can always customize that. She will pick you up and drop you at the dockyard. Regards,
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