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Royal Naval Dockyard: The Dockyard Experience
Royal Naval Dockyard’s offerings are like none other on Bermuda, and exploring them is a world-class adventure.
The party doesn’t stop in Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard. While the stores in Hamilton close Sundays, the Royal Naval Dockyard shops are open, as well as: restaurants, the craft market, glass blowing, pottery and art centers. During winter months the hours are 10am - 5pm and in the summer from 9 am - 6pm.
Every Monday, from June through September, at 7:30 p.m., the cool of the evening brings in the festivities of Destination Dockyard. Join in the fun with music and entertainment for the whole family.
 It has been almost 200 years since Royal Naval Visitors flock to this bastion in the West End for a good dose of culture, food, fun and lots of shopping. Whether you crave heart-racing water activities, encounters with marine mammals, a lesson in Bermudian craft-making, a stroll through Bermuda’s history, a taste of delicious Bermuda rum cake or simply a lazy afternoon on the beach, you’ll find it all in Dockyard.
Built in 1814 as a strategic outpost for the British Royal Navy, Royal Naval Dockyard played roles in many historic events, including the War of 1812 and World War II. But after 1945 the role of Dockyard diminished, and eventually the Royal Navy sold the land to Bermuda. Decades passed whilst the old fort and its buildings sat abandoned. However, that all changed in 1982, when a massive redevelopment effort began that restored Dockyard and its surroundings. The old warehouses and barracks were transformed into workspaces, the clocktower regained its former glory, and The Keep took on a new life as the National Museum of Bermuda. Artists, retailers and restaurateurs soon moved in — the rest is history.
  Development of Royal Naval Dockyard has been guided by WEDCO, the West End Development Corporation, with a variety of events and amenities for adults and families in mind. WEDCO’s goal, says Joanna Cranfield, assistant business development manager, is to continue developing in Dockyard “a world-class destination built proudly on the past but looking firmly to the future.” Testament to WEDCO’s success: The challenge for most visitors is choosing what to do first. (234-1709, thewestend.bm)
The Dockyard Visitor Information Centre has everything you need to have a Bermudaful day. Conveniently located adjacent to the cruise ship pier and bus and ferry stops, the VIC offers up-to-date information on local events, attractions, tours and transport. The friendly staff is on hand to assist you with local knowledge on where to go and what to do, and you will find the best selection and prices on Bermuda souvenirs, T-shirts, hats, bags and sundry items in the adjoining Gazebo Gift Shop. Public transportation passes, Wi-Fi, phone cards and tour tickets are also available for purchase. (238-4842 vic@pier41.bm)
 TeleBermuda International Limited, a leading international telecommunications and managed-IT provider in Bermuda, is pleased to add Wi-Fi to their portfolio. In conjunction with WEDCO, TBI recently rolled out full Wi-Fi coverage for the Dockyard area. Available from any Wi-Fi-enabled device, visitors and residents can access the Internet for a nominal fee — fast and secure. As an added benefit, from the main sign-up page the public can view services and promotions available in the Dockyard area free of charge. (296-9000, telebermuda.com)
At the National Museum of Bermuda you can explore 500 years of local history and culture displayed in British military buildings of the 10-acre Keep citadel, including the award-winning restored Commissioner’s House. Learn about Bermuda’s connections with the West Indies and the Azores, transatlantic slavery, underwater archaeology and the Island’s defence heritage. Don’t miss local artist Graham Foster’s spectacular 1,000-square-foot Hall of History mural. Bastions, cannons, shipwreck artefacts, local watercraft, maritime art, spectacular sea views and dolphin encounters are all found in Bermuda’s largest fort. Winter hours, November through March, are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Last admission 3 p.m.) Summer hours, April through October, are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last admission 4 p.m.) Free for children under 13, $10 for adults.
Wet and Wild
 It’s hard being on an island like Bermuda without wanting to get in the water. Even in Dockyard, there are plenty of opportunities to get wet and have fun. Dolphin Quest, located at the National Museum of Bermuda, is a place where you can let loose, laugh and have loads of fun swimming with dolphins. Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you touch, swim with and even kiss a dolphin. Programmes are available for adults, children, families and groups. Dolphin Quest is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reserve your encounter by phone or online. (234-4464, dolphinquest.com)
The most fun you can have is available at the Dockyard Tour Booth & Watersports Centre, located directly adjacent to the ferry stop. Dockyard is the ideal jumping-off point for unbeatable diving and snorkelling opportunities, as well as glass bottom boat cruises, catamaran sails, Jet Ski tours, parasailing, fishing trips, sightseeing cruises, Segway tours, kayaking, biking, stand-up paddleboarding, power boat rentals and more. Dive the depths of the Bermuda Triangle, skim across the surface on a Jet Ski, glide through historical forts on a Segway or soar above the action on a parasail. Choose from a huge selection of exciting land and sea tours that are sure to be the highlight of your vacation. (236-1300, fantasea.bm)
 Get ready for the time of your life with K.S. WaterSports (Thrill Adventures & Tours), Bermuda’s No. 1 water sports company for fun and adventure, offering Jet Ski rentals, parasailing and WildCat adventure tours out of Royal Naval Dockyard. Experience the thrill of a lifetime on one of their amazing Jet Ski tours, where you splash and dash throughout Bermuda’s aqua-blue waters, passing many reefs, shipwrecks, forts and beautiful landmarks. Regular Jet Ski tours are between 60–75 minutes long. Customised Jet Ski tours available. Instructions are provided. All ages welcome. You must be 16 or older to operate a Jet Ski.
Fancy something a little more daring and exciting? Then experience the high-flying thrill, panoramic views and pure excitement of parasailing in Bermuda. Soar over crystal-clear waters onboard the Thrill Seeker. This powerful winch boat allows you to take off and land without getting wet, unless of course you request a dip. The professional crew assures you a safe and memorable experience. Ages 5 or older welcome. No experience is required.
 Looking for the ultimate thrill ride and adventure? Then step aboard the WildCat, Bermuda’s spectacular tour sensation, now owned and operated by K.S. WaterSports. The WildCat is a high-speed powered catamaran boat that is capable of speeds up to 55 mph and carries up to 54 passengers on an exhilarating and exciting adventure. See more in less time. Enjoy the speed, comfort and safety of the WildCat, not to mention it’s one wild ride! Several adventures to choose from, which take you around the islands’ beautiful coastline, passing many historic landmarks, forts, beaches, and famous homes and hideaways. Suitable for ages 5 or older. Located at the Dockyard Tour Ticket Booth, across from the Bonefish Bar & Grill (1-441-238-4155, kswatersports.com)
Royal Naval Dockyard’s Snorkel Park Beach may be the most fun beach in Bermuda because all of the exciting water sports and activities you want are in one fantastic beachfront location. Rent a Jet Ski for a guided island tour. Kayak or snorkel with a digital camera mask over stunning coral reefs just feet from the sheltered beach. Relax and enjoy spectacular views, sunsets, great food and refreshing drinks at Hammerheads Bar & Grill or Club SPB. Day into night, it all happens at Snorkel Park Beach. (234-6989 main, 234-2100 water sports, snorkelparkbeach.com)
Something for Everyone
 Maritime Lane runs around the far end of Dockyard. Here you find diverse artisans, exhibits and historical delights. Bermuda Arts Centre, voted Best of Bermuda’s “Best Art Gallery 2006,” is one of the island’s premium galleries. It features both traditional and contemporary art, all created by local artists. On location are four working studios where you can meet the artists and see them at work, including an oil painter, a cedar-wood sculptor, a jeweller, and textile and ceramic artists. The gallery also has a large selection of prints and locally crafted gifts, ensuring no one need leave empty-handed. The centre is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (234-2809, artbermuda.bm)
You will sense your next attraction from the delicious aroma. Follow your nose to the Bermuda Rum Cake Bakery! Enjoy a taste of the islands with traditional rum cakes, baked in the Cakery, a micro-bakery custom-designed for this island indulgence. Rum cakes are made exclusively with Bermuda’s signature Gosling’s Black Seal rum. They are a duty-free item. Flavours include Traditional Rum, Rum and Ginger, Rum Swizzle, Banana Rum, Coconut Rum and Rich Dark-Chocolate Rum. Famous is their Black Rum fruit cake.
(234-4216, bermudarumcakes.com)
 Your tour of Royal Naval Dockyard is just heating up. Steps from the Bermuda Rum Cake Bakery, temperatures really rise at Dockyard Glassworks. At this spacious studio, artists tempt your senses with their glass creations. Visitors can relax in an armchair theatre and watch for hours as craftsmen and women create practical and fantasy from molten glass. Purchase classic blown glass, sculptures and collectibles like Bermuda’s whistling tree frog, honeymoon hogs, and multicoloured fish and birds, all available in the Glass Art Gallery. The glassworks Studio opens daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until 9 p.m. when ships are docked. (234-4216, dockglass.com)
Dockyard Pharmacy opened its doors in 2009 as a division of Phoenix Drug Stores. The pharmacy stocks a wide selection of European and American prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as vitamins. It carries an assortment of local and international newspapers and magazines, European and American health and beauty supplies, snacks and beverages, postcards, greeting cards, souvenirs, beach gear and sun-care products. Open Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the pharmacy is located adjacent to popular tourist attractions in Royal Naval Dockyard. (279-5410, phoenixstores.bm)
 The Dockshop at Pier 41 Marina is your one-stop-shop for all your cravings. Located harbourside at the Pier 41 Marina, they can be reached by land or sea for a variety of snacks, hot food, drinks, beer and liquor. Pick yourself up a bottle of world-famous Black Seal Rum and Bermuda Gold Liqueur. Chill out in their huge hammock with a Cuban cigar or enjoy an al fresco snack. They also carry a complete supply of marine items for all your boating needs, as well as fishing gear, ice, international calling cards and much more. (238-4141, dockshop@pier41.bm)
Great Food, Great Times
Don’t worry if shopping or action on the water make you work up an appetite. The restaurants and dining options at Dockyard will satisfy even hardcore adventurers.
 Experience Bone Fish Bar & Grill. With an exquisite view of Bermuda’s breezy Great Sound, an award-winning, top-rated chef at the helm, plenty of fresh fish and top-grade meats, how can you go wrong? Bone Fish Bar & Grill offers locals and tourists alike a reasonably priced menu with seafood, homemade pasta, great wines from around the world, draft beer and desserts to die for. Dine in the main restaurant or alfresco on the sun-drenched deck. All are welcome at the newest happening place to eat in Dockyard. (234-5151, bonefish.bm)
An Italian family-style restaurant in the heart of Dockyard, Café Amici brings friends and family together to enjoy the spirit of Italian culture and cuisine, enjoying laughter, exceptional food and each other. Executive Chef and Owner Livio Ferigo has created a menu with many dishes that he enjoyed whilst growing up in Italy. The café offers a friendly, intimate atmosphere, with casual attire and uncomplicated, affordable Italian fare, as well as a traditional Bermuda codfish-and-potato breakfast every Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Located at the corner of Clocktower Mall, Café Amici and its staff look forward to serving you a flavourful, relaxing meal. Open seven days a week, serving breakfast 9 to 11 a.m., lunch to 4 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Where friends and family come together — buon appetito! (234-5009)
 The casual Freeport Seafood Restaurant & Bar serves up fresh local fish and other family favourites. Surf the web or e-mail your friends at one of four computer terminals in the cybercafé. Just inside the Royal Naval Dockyard gate, Freeport caters to all appetites and budgets. (234-1692, freeportseafood.com)
Hammerheads Bar & Grill at Snorkel Park Beach is the place to relax and unwind island-style. Enjoy delicious food, snacks, and the most refreshing frozen cocktails and swizzles at the huge terrace bar whilst you take in spectacular beach and ocean views. Island favourites are served daily, and sunset dining features live entertainment on select weekdays. When the sun goes down, the nightlife heats up at the open-air, top-40 Club SPB. (234-3100)
DID YOU KNOW? The Dockyard Keep was used to store gunpowder and ammunition for the British Royal Navy.
Visit Royal Naval Dockyard at thewestend.bm.
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