6 Reasons Bermuda Belongs on Your Superyacht Cruising List

Just as cruising preferences change, where owners and guests like to go, and how long they plan to stay, changes. Bermuda has been reaping some of the rewards, in part due to revising its superyacht cruising permits in 2019. According to the Bermuda Tourism Authority, 2025 was a record year, with more than 80 superyachts visiting its waters. Simultaneously, 30 percent of the yachts had guests aboard. Of course, regulations alone don’t account for why the numbers are increasing. Here’s why Bermuda is well suited to being explored from a yacht, not simply reached by one.

Bermuda has earned a reputation as the Shipwreck Capital of the Atlantic. Ringed in coral reefs, it has more shipwrecks per square mile than anywhere else in the world, with more than 300 documented. Some date back well more than a century, too. More importantly, the wrecks span different depths, so mixed groups of snorkelers and divers aboard the same superyacht can explore maritime history together. Constellation and Montana, for instance, are two wrecks nearly atop each other at around 30 feet (9 meters) down. Fun fact: They’re the inspiration for Peter Benchley’s best-selling novel and movie The Deep. Upper sections of Cristóbal Colón, the largest known wreck in Bermuda, begin around 15 feet (4.6 meters). Mary Celestia, Hermes, and Pelinaion, meanwhile, offer certified divers progressively deeper experiences.

As mentioned, Bermuda has an abundance of coral reefs. It sits on an approximately 200-square-mile (518-square-kilometer) shallow reef platform, the northernmost coral reef in the Atlantic as well. Stronger conservation laws and the higher latitude have helped protect the coral, so it’s visually fascinating, as is the marine life surrounding it. Blue angelfish, parrotfish, sea turtles, and barracuda are just some of what snorkelers and divers can see. Additionally, the reefs act as natural breakwaters from ocean swells. The result is an abundance of calm, and clear, water for swimming, paddleboarding, and watertoy fun.

Some traditional megayacht anchorages essentially are just overnight stops, while others are for an afternoon, due to varying conditions. In Bermuda, yachts can anchor as far as six miles offshore without swell, opening up unusually broad opportunities. Similarly, different anchorages offer different experiences. Castle Harbour, for example, is renowned for being among the most beautiful and protected natural anchorages. Paddleboarders and watertoy enthusiasts alike can explore to their heart’s content. Its secluded coves and soft sand also make it ideal for private beach setups. Equally protected and well-suited to these activities, the Great Sound also provides a beautiful spot to enjoy sunsets. Finally, forts and limestone cliffs characterize the vibrant and deep-water St. George’s Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plenty of shops and restaurants are in town, too.

Increasingly, yacht owners and guests are seeking immersive experiences. In Bermuda, the opportunities go beyond simply hiring a guide. Environmental-minded yacht visitors can welcome Weldon Wade aboard. An ardent diver, he’s further the founder of Guardians of the Reef, an ocean-conservation organization. Its mission includes educating people about Bermuda’s barrier reefs, plus encouraging new divers o explore and protect the ocean Philippe Max Rouja is a medical and cultural anthropologist, plus the Bermuda government’s historic-wreck custodian. He can share stories for children and adults alike to make the shipwrecks come alive. Then there’s Kristin White, whose e-bike storytelling trips along the coast offers social and cultural context, even for locals.

Bermuda’s maritime history doesn’t end with the shipwrecks. St. George’s, in the East End, dates back 400 years, with 24 forts and other properties on land and in the water having earned it its UNESCO status. The West End’s Royal Naval Dockyard features restored architecture and is the most-visited site in the country. Fort Scaur is a good place to head before or after the Royal Dockyard, plus offers some of the best Instagram-worthy views of the Great Sound. Speaking of the Great Sound, you can retrace the racecourse the America’s Cup boats competed on in 2017.

Beyond restaurants, historic sites, and other attractions, one-of-a-kind experiences are available exclusively for superyacht guests. Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, on a private 23-acre peninsula, has recently added private beach setups. You can stay all day, too, and catch the sunset. Lili Bermuda lets you create a custom fragrance while you learn about essential oils and families of scent. Finally, for parties and special celebrations, the team at Lost Society arranges local and international DJs, bringing the vibe of Ibiza to your decks.

Of course, Bermuda also has modern marinas, some capable of accommodating 328-foot (100-meter) megayachts. But with excellent anchorages and nature in abundance, there are plenty of reasons to stray from shore.

Bermuda Tourism Authority gotobermuda.com/superyachts

• St. George’s: best for arrival, history, East End exploration, and Castle Harbour
• Hamilton: best for city access, dining, and nights ashore
• Great Sound: best for anchoring, watersports, and island-hopping
• Castle Harbour: best for secluded coves, tenders, and beach setups
• West End: best for the Royal Dockyard, Cambridge Beaches, and quieter anchorages