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Firstly, I’d like to send a big thank you to Arron from K.S. Watersports for being such an awesome guide. Arron showed me the best swimming locations only accessible by boat or jet ski, the Billionaire Row, Castle Harbour Fort, Nonsuch island and a cool ship wreck.

It wasn’t my first time riding a jet ski, but I was still a little nervous about what I was getting myself into. Arron started me off with safety instructions and tips on how to ride and I thought, “Great, I’m even more nervous now as I have to remember important information.”

We departed from Whitehorse Tavern in St. George’s square and before I knew it I was riding the ski like I stole it!

I was having the time of my life hitting the suggested speed limit of 45mps, leaning into every turn. I yelped screams of excitement and giggles because of how much fun I was having!

First stop was the Billionaire Row which is visible from the Causeway. However, when you’re up close and personal on a calm morning it’s a gorgeous view of the Rosewood Hotel and few billion-dollar homes — not to mention one called the Golden Eye.

Arron asked me which home did I think Oprah Winfrey attempted to purchase and right away I knew it was the Golden Eye. The estate is a stunning shade of yellow, perfectly positioned on the peak of a cliff overlooking Castle Harbour. Literally a dream come true for anyone looking to own a home in Bermuda.

The water was getting a bit choppy as we made our way over to Nonsuch Island, the location where Cahow’s are known to reside. Almost once reaching extinction, conservationist, David Wingate dedicated his time and efforts in reversing that fact and becoming quite successful in doing so.

Continuing the ride, I managed to catch a few good douses of cold waves to the face trying to keep up.

We reached Coopers Island and Arron informed me that the large white globed stationed there doing absolutely nothing, was once owned by NASA. If NASA’s space shuttle ran into any complications while on a mission, it had rights to land at the L. F. Wade International airport without providing any notice.

A small part of me wished the U.S Navy base was still situated in Bermuda just to see it in operation. My memory is not serving me very well since I was quite young at the time and only recall McDonald’s.

Being it wasn’t very calm at Cooper’s Island I declined the opportunity to swim in exchange for a final picture of the L.F. Wade International Airport. No turtles today but I was content either way with the tour and wasn’t quite ready for it to end. I have never laughed so hard and felt so free all while being informed on a tour.

Sign up now or sign up later with K.S. Watersports and live your best life in Bermuda!

Deanna Williams – DWPerception is a landscape, architecture, portrait and fashion photographer, who thrives on fresh ideas and collaborative opportunities. Here’s the world from her perspective: www.dwperception.com

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I have never kayaked in Bermuda, so I wanted to do so and learn a bit more about my home from a tourist perspective. We began by departing from Dockyard starting with a boat ride to our official departure location which was Ely’s Harbour. During the off season a mini bus is normally provided to avoid the refreshing splashes from the waves against the boat. Our tour guides were Ashley, Adrian and Josh all very knowledgeable and friendly individuals.

A quick stop to the northern point of the Bermuda Triangle, locally known as The Vixen, a boat which was once upon a time filled with prisoners who were later put to work. Currently the Vixen provides a lovely residence for greedy tenants that know to expect food when boats arrive to the area. Although the temptation to throw over a line comes to mind, fishing is not allowed.

Once we arrived at Ely’s Harbour I could not get my bearing’s from this perspective. I was completely turned around yet amazed by the landscape surrounding the harbour. The wind was not in my favor on this day however I was completely fine being left behind by the group! I wanted to give up, but instead I made more of an effort to catch up and hear interesting facts about Bermuda.

Here’s a fun fact: Thousands of the very tiny insects called the lady bird beetle, commonly known as the lady bug were brought to Bermuda to destroy the cedar scale insects that was killing the cedar trees. Unfortunately, this was unsuccessful, and a high number of cedar trees died.

We paddled our way around the harbour, passing a well-kept dwelling on a private island fixed with anything you could possibly ask for. Straight ahead we made our way to the mangroves where turtles come to enjoy a fresh meal of sea grass. Not many were spotted on this day but in the warmer months more are known to visit the area.

Here’s another fun fact: It was once said that turtle eggs where brought to Bermuda from Puerto Rico with hopes to have more live in Bermuda waters. Unfortunately, this too was unsuccessful as once the eggs hatched the turtles made their way back to Puerto Rico. While on a roll with unsuccessful experiments, Bermuda’s weather temperatures were not taken into consideration as it only assisted in producing male turtles. The temperatures in Puerto Rico produce an even number of males and females.

While I tried to keep up with the group I was still fighting my hardest to avoid trees and rocks. I had no choice but to laugh at how pathetic my kayaking skills were! However, I quickly realized that I should have been stirring the kayak and not paddling my little heart out as the wind was now working in my favor!

Note to remember: When you change direction, the wind will make life a bit easier just be mindful of how you use your paddle.

Nevertheless, the tour guides found me amusing and we shared a moment in laughter as we made our way to the last stop called the Elephant Rock. I was able to see right away the reason behind the name as I saw a cluster of elephant heads in the rock formation. It was a two for one special as the opposite side of the rock formation showcased a cathedral. Pretty fascinating how the elements create such artistic formations.

We were on the home stretch and the sun was beginning to be a tad bit aggressive on my skin. Thankfully, we were given a moment to take a swim and cool down after an awesome upper body work out — quite refreshing if I do say so myself!

It was all aboard as we made our way back to Dockyard while consuming a complimentary glass of Rum Swizzle! While feeling like a tourist for three hours I was intrigued, learning new and refreshing information about Bermuda. Would I do it all again? Absolutely, only this time I’ll bring someone else to paddle me around.

* To book a kayaking adventure, simply log on to www.islandtourcentre.com and follow the instructions online. With a simple click, you can be scheduled for a tour in no time. Once the desired date is confirmed, print out your e-ticket for easy reference and arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time as suggested. By doing so this provides enough time to check-in and sign any necessary waivers.

Deanna Williams – DWPerception is a landscape, architecture, portrait and fashion photographer, who thrives on fresh ideas and collaborative opportunities. Here’s the world from her perspective: www.dwperception.com

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So, on Sunday, September 10, we arrived for our morning tour at Island Tour Centre in Dockyard ready for our flight.

Waiver forms were completed prior to commencing our tour with our driver, Skye, and instructor, George. George prepared us for our adventure with a harness, life vest and instructions for taking off and returning safely.

Among a small tour group of brave females I jumped at the opportunity for my friend and I to go first.

We were instructed to sit in harnesses, and before we knew it we were up and on our way high in the air. We both let off nervous laughs as it was our first time parasailing, but we were just fine moments after and began taking in the view.

This particular Sunday rain had been forecast, but in true unpredictable Bermuda fashion it never rained, instead it presented perfect parasailing conditions, with a blue sky, few clouds, and a gentle breeze.

Vibrant building colours complimented the turquoise sea that housed playful turtles and other sea life — It was a view that will stay embedded in my mind forever.

Everyone in the group had their turn flying high over the Great Sound, and eventually the tour was coming to a close, or so we thought, but Skye surprised us with a boat ride.

First stop was to the Vixen shipwreck to feed the fish and to share a surprising fact that we were  located at one of the points of the “Bermuda Triangle”. Next was Daniel’s Head to visit the camera shy turtles! I was completely prepared to enjoy a quick swim with the turtles, but my request was politely declined with a laugh from Skye and George and we made our return to Dockyard to end the tour. These gentlemen were an excellent team and as tour guides I felt it was money well spent.

Before returning to reality my friend and I stopped to Woody’s for a bite to eat while reflecting on what was a truly memorable experience. What local tour will we engage in next is unknown, but it must top our parasailing experience.

* To book a parasailing adventure like ours, simply log on to www.islandtourcentre.com and follow the instructions online. My friend and I were registered and confirmed within moments. The user friendly calendar system on the website allows you to see what days are available and the times. Once booking is complete, an itinerary screen is displayed for easy printing.

Deanna Williams – DWPerception is a landscape, architecture, portrait and fashion photographer, who thrives on fresh ideas and collaborative opportunities. Here’s the world from her perspective: www.dwperception.com

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