Bermuda is one of the Atlantic's major sailing capitals. Many sail-yourself boats are available for rent to qualified skippers, and kayaks, paddle boats, sailboards, and more are available for everyone. If you'd like to sail on a larger craft, the outfitters will provide you with a captain. Here are some of the best outfitters.
Blue Hole Water Sports (Grotto Bay Beach Hotel, Hamilton Parish; tel. 441/293-2915; www.blueholewater.bm): Here you'll find a large selection of watercraft, including Sunfish, sailboards, kayaks, Paddle Cats, and Sun Cats. Rentals are available for up to 8 hours.
Pompano Beach Club Watersports Centre (Southampton Parish; tel. 441/234-0222; www.pompano.bm): This is the best outfitter in this tourist-laden parish. Open from May to late October, it offers a variety of equipment, including the O'Brien Windsurfer, a popular sailboard suitable for one person at the intermediate or advanced level. Its fleet also includes vessels that hold one or two people: Dolphin paddle boats, Buddy Boards, Aqua-Eye viewing boards, Aqua Finn sailboats, and kayaks. These can be rented for up to 4 hours.
Somerset Bridge Watersports (Somerset Parish; tel. 441/234-0914; www.watersportssomersetbridge.com): This is the best place to rent a Boston whaler, a small boat that can hold three or four passengers. It's an ideal craft for exploring the archipelago's uninhabited islands. This outfitter rents 4m (13-ft.) whalers and a 30-hp, 5m (16-ft.) Open Bowrider, a speed-craft often used to pull water-skiers, which accommodates four.
