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Nature reserve · Flatts Village, Hamilton
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
The largest wildlife reserve in Bermuda, on Smith's south coast, with a bird pond, a cliff trail and the Spanish Rock.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve covers about 25 hectares on the south coast of the parish of Smith's and is the largest protected wildlife area in Bermuda. It is managed by the government and the Bermuda National Trust and was designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1999.
At the center is Spittal Pond, a brackish lagoon and the main area in Bermuda for waterbirds in winter. Herons, ducks and shorebirds gather there especially from October to March.
A circular trail leaves from the east and west car parks and follows the pond and the cliff tops over a limestone pavement called the Checkerboard. Along the way is Spanish Rock, a rock with a 16th-century inscription attributed to navigators who passed the island before English colonization. In spring, from the high coastal points, humpback whales can sometimes be seen offshore.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour for the circular trail.
Best time
October to March for migratory birds; in the morning, with softer light and less heat.
How to get there
On South Road in Smith's. Buses that run along South Road stop near the car parks; you can also reach it by taxi or scooter.
Tip
Stay on the trail near the cliffs and wear closed shoes: the limestone pavement is uneven.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
What to see at Spittal Pond?
The pond with waterfowl, the cliffs of the south coast, the Checkerboard limestone pavement and Spanish Rock.
Is there an entry fee for Spittal Pond?
There is no charge. The reserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
How long is the Spittal Pond trail?
About an hour on the circular trail that links the east and west car parks.