The Sporting Life
For such a relatively small island out in the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda has a remarkable history of sports activities and events.

Visitors don't have to worry about spending much of their time on the numerous beaches just lolling in the sun. You can do as much or as little as you want on this island paradise. There is a multitude of sports activities to choose from, with golf and tennis being the top two nonspectator land sports — but the surrounding waters also offer opportunities to play.

The United States gave us baseball. Scotland is the "holy land" for golfers from around the world. Japan came up with the curious concept of sumo wrestling... But Bermuda has strong ties to two sports — one on land and one beneath the sea.

Tennis may have been invented in England, but it was in Bermuda that tennis really took off. In the late 19th century, Sir Brownlow Gray built Bermuda's first tennis court on the grounds of his home in Paget Parish. His daughter Mary was Bermuda's first female tennis champion. Another Bermudian, Mary Outerbridge, promoted the sport in the United States and persuaded the Staten Island Cricket Club to build a court on its grounds.

Bermuda also broke ground in the 1930s, when helmet diving caught on with marine enthusiasts. Helmet diving — a truly Bermudian experience — is a great way for novices to experience the deep. Operators, like Bermuda Bell Diving, take you out to shallow waters, about 10 to 12 feet deep. Wearing a custom-made helmet, you can breathe normally under water as you walk along the sandy bottom, viewing coral reefs and tropical fish.

"There are all sorts of things to do in Bermuda," says Derek Morris, who operates a tour attraction, Bermuda Island Cruises, and a destination management company, Bermuda Incentives and Conventions. "Tourists today are far more active than they used to be. They're much more into getting out and doing things."

Picture yourself snorkelling along a multicoloured coral reef, exploring a sunken galleon on a shipwreck dive or skimming the waves in a sailboat. In our watersports section you will find in-depth information about water sports activities in Bermuda and over a dozen businesses who specialize in water-related activities, such as; boat charters — both power boats and sailboats, jet skis, parasailing, diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, Bermuda bell diving — an activity that Bermuda is famous for — even a thrilling high-speed adventure boat tour. Just use the Watersports link to learn more, including information about Dolphin Quest — one of Bermuda's most popular attractions. Also visit our Beaches section to learn about where to picnic and play on Bermuda's most popular, or, most secluded pink sand beaches.

Don't feel like getting your feet wet? Not a problem in Bermuda. There are loads of sports to try on terra firma. And if you're craving action but don't want to work up a sweat, why not take in a spectator sport? In Bermuda, you've got everything from oh-so-British cricket to rough-and-tumble rugby.

"Only a few years ago, rugby conjured images of overgrown schoolboys who had to juggle a day job if they wished to indulge in their favourite sport," says Bermuda rugby aficionado Neil Redburn. "Now rugby's in the mainstream."

Bermuda offers eight gorgeous golf courses on an island approximately the size of London's Heathrow Airport. That means Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world! Your hotel can arrange tee times for you or check our Land Sports section for specifics.

Of course, you can always work out in the gym at your hotel. But why pedal a stationary bike when you can pedal a real one across one of the most beautiful island archipelagos on earth?

Bermuda also offers its visitors world-class spas. If its pampering you seek, the spas in Bermuda are some of the best you will ever experience. Each offers a multitude of healing therapies, from soothing massages and detoxifying body wraps to energy-balancing Reiki sessions and other holistic spa treatments — as well as first-rate salons.

Whether you're trying your hand at a new endeavour or honing your game to a fine edge, you'll soon discover that Bermuda makes getting physical a lot of fun.

As Morris puts it: "We have that little zip that appeals to people."

Bermuda offers an incredible and diverse assortment of tours and attractions. Before you visit — make sure to look through the dozens of tours and attractions that you will want to explore when you reach the island. From underground caves to historic sites and museums - make sure to research to you can plan ahead. We welcome you to Experience Bermuda and enjoy!

Use the links at right to find your special interest and more about the Sporting Life, Attractions, Tours and Spas in Bermuda.

DID YOU KNOW? Spelunking is a sport you can enjoy in Bermuda, which has one of the highest concentrations of limestone caves in the world.

DID YOU KNOW? Bermuda waters are warm most of the year, but islanders have designated May 24 as the traditional "first swim of the year."

DID YOU KNOW? Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world.

Read unbiased opinions about Bermuda activities at TripAdvisor.

Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!

Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today!

Bermuda Breeze Transportation Passess are the best value for visitors, good for unlimited rides on the bus and ferry system. Passes are available for one, two, three, four and seven days.