Hamilton Parish, Bermuda

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Established in 1926, the Bermuda Aquarium is the island's premier natural attraction. Now teamed with the Bermuda Zoo and the Bermuda National History Museum, this Hamilton Parish/Flatts Village area stop gives you three things to enjoy on one $10 adult/$5 child ticket. Referred to in some corners by the BAMZ acronym (Bermuda Aquarium Museum Zoo), it's well-run and internationally recognized. Allow yourself 2-3 hours to enjoy the whole shebang.

As you might expect, the Aquarium is really the major attraction of the three. And ITS centerpiece is the 150,000 gallon "North Rock" tank, a slice of a living reef on full view for aquarium visitors. You'll see all sorts of tropical fish, sharks, eels, crabs, spiny lobsters and other inhabitants of the Bermuda deep.

The zoo is small, when compared to many of the world's more famous establishments. However, they've done a nice job of setting up very natural environs for their animal exhibits. One warning... the little snack bar, "Peacocks Cafe" leaves a lot to be desired. However, if you're lucky, you'll get a visit from a Peacock while you're having tea or some ice water.

The Natural History museum is the least visited, at least by the younger BAMZ patrons. However, don't sell it short... there are interesting exhibits on life in Bermuda, from the recent to very distant past. Bermuda is truly a unique geological and ecological place on this earth, and the museum does a nice job of giving you a peek.

The museum is open daily from 9 am - 5 pm.

This is the SS Denmark (kinda looks like the "Ghost Ship"), but this was an event that drew thousands out to view almost 200 antique and modern vessels passing through the ship channel. Awesome in scope, and fantastic to view. Considering this happened right in our backyard, we had a slew (nautically speaking) of People on the terrace to witness it.

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A bus took us to the perfumerie where we learned about how perfume was made in the past and present. We were told that it took a staggering amount of blossoms to make just an ounce of perfume!

The perfumerie had a gift shop which displayed the various scents it offered--like Easter Lily, Frangipani, Oleander, Passion Flower and Bermudiana. A new fragrance, Paradis, is a combination of floral scents.

I included a photo of the scent I chose...Oleander--it's heavenly!

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The beaches we traveled to in Bermuda were striking in their beauty! I included views of two beaches: Horseshoe Bay and the beach by St. Catherine's Fort. They were fantastic examples of the pristine beaches on two different parts of the island.

Horseshoe Beach was located at the Hamilton side of Bermuda. It had a beach house where snacks and beverages could be purchased, as well as sand chairs, lounges and umbrellas. There were also changing rooms. We were told to beware of rip tides that occasionally appeared in this area. The address is South Shore Park, 94 South Road and phone number is 441-238-2651.

The beach at St. Catherine's Fort was at the St. George's side of Bermuda. This was our favorite beach because it was the prettiest! We retrieved LOTS of beach glass from the water in colors of cream, orange, purple, amber, brown and green. There were restrooms and a small snack area. We could see St. Catherine's Fort looming over us as we swam below. I want to return to this beach again someday!

Crystal Caves is a great place to visit in the heat of the afternoon. The history of the caves began in the early 1900's when some boys discovered it while playing. Once inside you'll see clear water and delicate rock formations. The line was long, but moved steadily. The cost was inexpensive at $6 for adults and $3 for a child 4-12.

A guide escorted us through the caves, but try to get in front of the line if possible. We were at the back and could not hear what he was saying. There is a nice gift shop--our grandchild used souvenir money to buy lots of polished rocks. That's logical!