The Royal Naval Dockyard is large, flat and full of stone, which makes it ideal Segway territory, and this guided tour makes use of it. The ride is a guided circuit around the Dockyard, and the tour carries a 4.8 rating from more than eighty travellers. You begin with a short lesson in how to balance, steer and stop, then glide along the waterfront and between the massive stone buildings with a guide who explains what you are passing. Expect views of the Keep, where the National Museum of Bermuda stands, the Clocktower buildings, the old storehouses and the basin where ships and boats come and go, and plenty of photo stops. Because the Segway covers ground quickly and with little effort, you see more of the Dockyard than you would on foot in the same time, and the ride suits visitors who enjoy something playful as well as informative. The tour pairs well with the museum, which you can visit on foot afterwards, and with the boat trips that leave from the same area. It is a social activity, usually done in a small group, and the guide's commentary adds the history of the naval base to the fun of the ride.
Before you go
Segway tours have age, weight and height limits, and some medical conditions or pregnancy may rule you out, so check the operator's conditions when you book. Wear closed, flat shoes, comfortable clothes and sunglasses, and bring water and sun protection. A helmet is normally provided and should be worn throughout.
The tour is weather dependent, so check the forecast, and expect it to be cancelled or changed in heavy rain or high wind. Allow a little extra time for check-in and training, and confirm the meeting point and duration when you book, because they can vary by departure.
What the ride is like
After a few minutes of practice, most people find the Segway intuitive, and the Dockyard's wide, level paths make it forgiving. You will move at a walking-to-jogging pace, stopping at points of interest for commentary. The commentary typically covers how the Royal Navy built the Dockyard in the nineteenth century, why the walls are so massive, and how the area has been reborn as a visitor destination with shops, studios and restaurants.
Travellers who prefer to move at their own pace may find a group ride restrictive, in which case a self-guided walk of the ramparts and museum is an alternative. Photographers should keep their phone secure, since both hands are needed on the handlebar for some manoeuvres.
Fitting it into your day
The Dockyard has plenty to fill a day, so do the ride first, then visit the museum, take a glass-bottom boat or snorkel trip, and finish with lunch on the waterfront. The ferry from Hamilton is the most scenic way to arrive, and most boat departures are within a short walk.
Out of season, tours may be less frequent and the cruise-ship crowds are smaller, so check availability and book ahead. For families, check that every rider meets the age and weight limits, and consider the glass-bottom boat or the museum for younger children.
What to expect
The experience
A guided Segway circuit of the Royal Naval Dockyard with a short lesson first and commentary and photo stops along the way.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon on a dry day, when it is cooler and the light is good.
How long
Roughly an hour to an hour and a half including training; confirm when you book.
Tips
Age, weight and health limits apply. Wear closed flat shoes, bring water and sun protection, and expect changes in heavy rain or wind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a fun, efficient way to see the Dockyard with a guide.
- Families
- Suitable only for riders who meet the age and weight limits; younger children are better off at the museum or on a glass-bottom boat.
- Couples
- A playful start to a Dockyard day, followed by lunch on the waterfront.
- Pair with
- The National Museum of Bermuda, the glass-bottom boat and a catamaran cruise.
- Time needed
- Under two hours.
Good questions
Do I need Segway experience?+
No. The tour starts with a short lesson in balancing, steering and stopping.
Where does it go?+
Around the Royal Naval Dockyard, past the Keep, the Clocktower buildings and the waterfront, with stops for commentary.
Are there age or weight limits?+
Yes, as with most Segway tours. Check the operator's conditions when you book.
What if it rains?+
Tours depend on weather and may be changed or cancelled in heavy rain or high wind. Check the cancellation terms when you book.
What should I wear?+
Closed, flat shoes, comfortable clothes and sun protection. A helmet is normally provided.
