Adventures in Hamilton, Bermuda: Sun, Caves, and a Splash of Rum

Bermuda had always felt like a postcard kind of place—pink sand, turquoise water, and a touch of British flair. So, when my friend Maya suggested a trip to Bermuda, I was in before she finished her sentence. We landed in Hamilton with big plans to see as much of the island as possible. I was especially excited to see the famous Crystal Caves and get out on the water, which, as an artist, I knew would be inspiring. Bermuda's mix of old-world charm and vibrant natural beauty felt like the perfect backdrop for a much-needed getaway.

Crystal and Fantasy Caves: A Journey Underground

Our first adventure was exploring the Crystal and Fantasy Caves. I’d seen photos of the caves before, but nothing quite prepared me for the real thing. After paying our entrance fee, we descended down a steep staircase into a world of stalactites, deep blue pools, and narrow walkways. The cool, damp air was refreshing, and each step took us deeper into a surreal landscape.

Our guide had a great sense of humor, sharing stories of how two young boys discovered the caves by accident over a century ago. Maya and I looked at each other, half-joking that we’d never have been brave enough to wander that far into the unknown. Seeing the shimmering pools below, lit by careful lighting, was like stepping into another planet. I pulled out my sketchbook, but the humidity made it impossible to draw much more than a few rough lines before the pages began to warp. Still, it was worth the attempt—I love capturing places that feel ancient and a bit mysterious, and this cave felt like it held secrets.

Tip: If you’re heading to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, wear good shoes and bring a light sweater. It’s cooler down there than you might expect, and the steps can be slippery.

Swizzle Inn: Enjoying the Signature Drink of Bermuda

After the caves, we made our way to the Swizzle Inn, a famous spot for Bermuda’s signature drink: the rum swizzle. The inn has this laid-back, slightly kitschy vibe with walls covered in graffiti and signs from travelers around the world. We ordered two swizzles and grabbed a seat on the outdoor patio, soaking up the warm island breeze.

The swizzle itself was delicious—fruity, a bit strong, and dangerously easy to drink. After a couple of sips, Maya and I were already chatting with the table next to us, comparing notes on must-see spots in Bermuda. One thing led to another, and we ended up spending a good chunk of the afternoon here, sharing stories, laughing, and writing our names on the wall (in a small, inconspicuous spot).

Our plan had been to check out a few more sights that day, but by the time we left the Swizzle Inn, we realized we’d missed the last ferry back to Hamilton. We managed to find a taxi, and our driver gave us an impromptu history lesson as he drove, telling us about Bermuda’s British roots, its unique climate, and even a bit of island gossip. It wasn’t the evening we’d planned, but it turned out to be a memorable detour, one of those unexpected twists that make travel fun.

Bermuda

Catamaran Ride and Snorkeling with Captain Matt

The next morning, we were up early for a catamaran ride that promised a day of sun, sea, and snorkeling. Our captain, Matt, greeted us with a big smile and upon introducing himself to the passengers had an unbelievable thick Jamaican accent. Maya and I looked at each other in surprise since neither of us had seen a white guy with such a thick Jamaican accent. After his intro he dropped the accent, it was all a joke that he pulled over on all of us. His laid-back, funny personality set the tone for the whole trip, and by the time we reached our snorkeling spot, the whole group felt like old friends.

Once we anchored, Captain Matt handed out snorkel gear and gave us a few tips for spotting the best fish. The water was unbelievably clear, almost like swimming through liquid glass. I saw parrotfish, bright blue tangs, and even a little barracuda hanging out near the rocks. Maya spotted a sea turtle, but I missed it—a good excuse to come back, I guess.

Snorkeling has always felt like meditation to me. There’s something about the quiet, the rhythm of your breath, and the sight of colorful fish darting around that just puts me in a calm headspace. I found myself wishing I could capture the colors underwater in my art—nature’s palette here is something else entirely.

Advice: If you’re going snorkeling in Bermuda, bring a waterproof phone case or GoPro. The water is so clear, and you’ll want to capture the underwater beauty. And if you’re lucky, Captain Matt might throw in a few good jokes along the way.

An Unexpected Downpour and a Cozy Night In

Our last night on the island, we’d planned to wander around town and catch some live music. But, true to island weather, the skies opened up just as we were getting ready to head out. The rain was relentless, the kind that soaks you in seconds, and we quickly realized that our night out wasn’t going to happen.

So, instead, Maya and I ordered some room service and spent the night in, watching old movies and laughing about the randomness of our trip. It’s funny—sometimes the best nights are the simplest ones, and our little “rain check” on going out turned into one of my favorite memories from the trip. We ended up talking for hours, comparing our travel stories, and planning our next adventure, wherever that might be.

Leaving Bermuda: Reflections on Island Life and Friendship

Bermuda turned out to be the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and a few unplanned moments that made it feel real. From the quiet magic of the Crystal Caves to snorkeling with Captain Matt, each experience left me with a little something to take back with me. It’s a place that feels both familiar and foreign, where you can go from cave depths to coral reefs all in a day.

For me, this trip was as much about reconnecting with Maya as it was about exploring Bermuda. Sometimes, we get so caught up in daily life that we forget how good it feels to just wander with a friend, sharing a drink, a laugh, and the occasional rainstorm. Bermuda has that effect—slowing you down, making you appreciate the simple moments, and reminding you that some of the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan.

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