Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo
Committed to inspiring appreciation and care of island environments

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ), located in Hamilton Parish, is, without question, one of our favorite Bermudian attractions.

What To See
We recommend that you begin your visit by picking up one of the "sound sticks" at the Aquarium entrance, which provide interesting tidbits about the inhabitants of each fish tank. Watch for the green light on top of each tank, so you'll know when the recording for the tank you are in front of is on. You'll see over 100 native tropical species, including parrotfish, jacks, groupers, triggerfish, angelfish, and squirrelfish, plus the popular seven-foot Moray Eel (if it can be enticed away from the sheltering rocks in its tank).

Even more impressive is the Aquarium's signature exhibit, North Rock Tank, which offers a breathtaking look at a replica of one of the island's natural coral reefs. Look for the large schools of exotic fish, plus Barracuda, sharks, and Spotted Eagle Rays and groupers. You can even climb into a Plexiglas bubble that provides the feeling of diving in a coral cave! Placards around the tank explain the importance of coral reef conservation.

The Natural History Museum is BAMZ's most recent addition. It cost of $1.7 million to build and focuses on the Island’s geology, native biodiversity and habitats.

The Museum also provide a bridge to the wonders of the Zoo. Our favorite exhibit is the Australasia area which provides close-up looks at wallabies (the smallest of the kangaroo family), tree kangaroos, and ring-tailed lemurs, all among exotic plantings and waterfalls.

We're also impressed by the Discovery Room in the Local Tails Exhibit. This room is a magnet for children who love the hands-on activities such as puzzles and interactive learning stations. On Fridays, BAMZ offers animal story time for young children with songs, rhymes and the occasional animal visitor.

And don't miss the exhibit of green turtles in front of the Aquarium! These huge creatures' history is intertwined with that of Bermuda; once exploited for food (turtle soup was de rigeur at chic dinner parties for years), oil and their shells, green turtles are now protected by international conservation efforts.

Tours and Other Events
Try to time your visit to coincide with the Guided Tours of BAMZ (free with admission), which are offered at 1:10 PM daily (from April to September) and Saturdays and Sundays only (October through March). The tour begins at the North Rock exhibit, where visitors can see and hear a diver as he swims with the fish in the 140,000-gallon tank. Specialized microphones enable the diver to respond to visitor questions. The tour continues on to the Harbour Seal feeding, then to the Flamingo exhibit, and finally to the Australasian exhibit. The tour lasts about an hour.

Seal Feedings are at 9 AM, 1:30 PM and 4 PM daily. So just what do Harbor Seals eat anyway? And what makes these blubbery creatures so agile in the water? Find out during these informative presentations about BAMZ's resident seals, affectionately named Archie, Charlotte, Calico, Ariel, and Pebbles.

Getting There
By bus: From Dockyard, take the #7 or #8 bus towards Hamilton. From Hamilton or St. George's, take either the #10 or #11 bus. The bus stops directly in front of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. For bus schedules and fares, call (441) 292-3851.

By moped. From St. George's, go west over the Causeway and take North Shore Road to Flatts. BAMZ is on the left; parking is on the right. From Hamilton, follow Middle Road to Flatts. BAMZ is on the right, parking is on the left.

Travel time: By moped or taxi, allow about 15 minutes to get here from Hamilton or St.George's. By bus: allow 20 minutes, except from Somerset/Royal Naval Dockyard, when you will need to allow about an hour.

Other Information
For further details, call BAMZ at (441) 293-2727 or visit their web site.

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