SHAKE HANDS WITH A SWASHBUCKLER

As part of Dockyard’s past-meets-present style, you may just encounter a pirate as you explore the area. The great pirate Henry “Swagga” Darrell is stationed along the boardwalk just north of the visitor’s centre, ready to answer your questions about Dockyard’s shopping, amenities, and activities, or about transportation to and from Royal Naval Dockyard. He may also engage in discussions about the history of Dockyard and Bermuda.

Swagga is a fictitious character created from bits and pieces of the history of late-1700s and early-1800s black sailors, including inspiration from Michael J. Jarvis’s book, In the Eye of All Trade. The Darrell name was given to this character in homage to Captain Jimmy Darrell, an enslaved Bermudian whose skill as a maritime pilot gave 18 British ships a head start to the U.S. to fight in the War of 1812.

Whether you have questions about modern-day Dockyard, or you’d like a window into the past, seek out Swagga for a conversation, a photo op, or both! — Andrea Milam

INSIDER’S GUIDE

and twists and turns on this adrenaline-packed ride! Fun for all ages and great for groups and families looking for adventure.

Private Boat Charters:

Are you looking for that amazing Bermuda on-the-water experience? Then privately charter one of their premium charter boats ranging from 23 feet to 65 feet long, which are perfectly priced for groups, families, and friends who want to relax, cruise, and explore Bermuda’s waters, islands, and beaches in style and comfort. Swim, snorkel, cliff-jump, tour the coastline, picnic, spot sea turtles, enjoy a sunset, and more. Your dedicated captain will customise your charter experience to suit all your needs.

Longtail Water Park

Heritage Wharf

Tel: 747-2204 / 234-2193 www.kirksadventures.com

Spend a day aboard the MV Longtail floating water park on Heritage Wharf. With three waterslides, a brandnew floating obstacle course, and, of course, a three-storey diving board, what’s not to love. The kids will have endless fun all day long. They also offer a full cash bar, so the adults can stay hydrated, too! Fun for the whole family. Need a breather for an hour or two? No problem. Check out the rest of Royal Dockyard and what it has to offer, have a bite to eat, then head back and enjoy even more fun. Your entry ticket is for the day, and you may go back and forth as much as you please. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., May through September.

National Museum Of Bermuda

1 The Keep Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 234-1333 www.nmb.bm

Immerse yourself in 500 years of history and culture at the National Museum of Bermuda (NMB), located in Bermuda’s largest fort in the historic Royal Naval Dockyard. Explore the extensive grounds of the museum, which are filled with exhibits on topics ranging from the discovery of Bermuda to connections with the West Indies and the Azores, enslavement in Bermuda, and the island’s defence heritage. Jaw-dropping ocean views, massive cannons, shipwreck artefacts, local watercraft, a stunning mural, contemporary art exhibits, and family activities make the museum fun for all ages. Kids will love the whimsical Museum Playground & Playhouse, complete with fun interactives, a wooden 70-foot moray eel, and lighthouse to play in. Visit NMB, your Dockyard destination for history and culture. NMB is open April through November from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.), December through March from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.), and is home to Dolphin Quest Bermuda. Adults, $18; seniors, $15; free for children under 16.

OLEANDER CYCLES AND BERMUDA RENTAL CAR LTD.

1 Maritime Lane Tel: 234-2764 www.oleandercycles.bm www.oleanderebikes.com www.bermudarentalcar.com

Visitors can rent a scooter, electric pedal bike, or a fun, easy-to-manoeuvre twoseater car from Oleander Cycles and Bermuda Rental Car in Dockyard. They offer quality scooters and cars at competitive rates. The new addition to their fleet — compact cars featuring A/C, Bluetooth stereo, and electric windows — means you can now travel around Bermuda in style and comfort. The company provides instructions and a practice area. The Dockyard location is open when the cruise ships are in port.

SNORKEL PARK BEACH CLUB & NIGHTCLUB

Tel: 705-2582 www.snorkelparkbeachbermuda.com

Dockyard’s exclusive beach conveniently located one block from the Dockyard cruise ship port. Spend an amazing, relaxing day sunbathing, swimming in beautiful turquoise waters, or snorkelling in the crystal-clear lagoon. Dip into the shallow reefs as you explore undersea marvels, including sunken British cannons and a variety of colourful fish and sea life. Enjoy their DJs and/or live music, games, and attractions for both kids and adults of all ages. Snorkel Park Beach Club truly is your destination for everything you need for the day — from beach bars serving a variety of local specialities and exotic refreshments and restaurants with delicious food to watersports, beach rentals, and restrooms. Open daily. At night the party really starts, as Snorkel Park transforms into a massive outdoor nightclub on the beach, with drinks and dancing for the 18+ crowd. Featuring the hottest DJs and entertainers from Bermuda and worldwide. Welcome to paradise! Come early, stay late! Snorkel Park Beach Club is a part of the BBL Group of Restaurants & Bars, which includes the famous Tobacco Bay Beach Club & Bar and White Horse Pub & Restaurant, both located in the east.

Shopping

9 PARISHES AUTHENTIC RUM SWIZZLE

The Rum Barrel

Dockyard Terrace

See website for locations. Tel: 535-6463 www.9parishesbda.com

9 Parishes, the Authentic Bermuda Rum Swizzle, is a hand-mixed and -bottled, ready-to-drink Rum Swizzle and a potent cocktail