Caribbean - 24 Hours in BDA -- Seeking Advice

I've perused some of the info in this thread about BDA and I see that there are a fair number of BDA activities and restaurants to choose from. I'm going to be arriving on the US non-stop from DCA on a Saturday at 11:48AM, returning on the next day's non-stop, a 12:40PM departure. I got a decent fare for the route, but this is not a mileage run by any stretch, more of a silly indulgence of a trip.

I'm staying at the Fairmont Southampton. I realize that when one factors in BDA immigration and ground transport on day 1 and ground-transport and early check-in on day 2, I lose a lot more time, so logistically, it's going to be difficult for me to accomplish much in my short time on the island. Nevertheless, I figured I might as well put my feelers out and see if anyone could offer any good suggestions for me based on where I'm staying. My default plan is to relax on the beach or by the pool and have some good meals at the hotel or nearby. I am willing to pay for transport to go to another part of the island. I'd be interested in snorkeling (and I have my own gear) or seeing historical sites. I've pretty much written off Sunday morning since I'll probably have to go to the airport around 10.

Also, I'm looking for restaurant ideas. Coco's at the Reef Hotel (looks like a short walk from the Southampton) sounds good, but also I see that there are some pretty well-reviewed spots at the Fairmont, all of which are only open for dinner. So any tips on the dining front, particularly in that area, would also be great.

My last question is about U.S. immigration when leaving BDA as a Global Entry member. I know BDA isn't equipped with Global Entry kiosks, but there are reports of other airports without GE kiosks that often allow GE travelers to jump the queue, even though policy doesn't allow this. Can anyone report their experiences on this with respect to CPB in Bermuda?

My last question is about U.S. immigration when leaving BDA as a Global Entry member. I know BDA isn't equipped with Global Entry kiosks, but there are reports of other airports without GE kiosks that often allow GE travelers to jump the queue, even though policy doesn't allow this. Can anyone report their experiences on this with respect to CPB in Bermuda?I can confirm no queue jumping permitted at BDA, but the line moves at a reasonable pace so don't sweat it. I am a NEXUS card holder also enrolled in Global Entry. I was in BDA in mid-June. The DHS officer who processed me had never seen a NEXUS card before. Instead of my passport, he ran my NEXUS card through the reader. It worked fine.

If your schedule permits, and as long as it's not raining, I suggest taking the Fairmont's free water taxi (ferry) from the Southhampton to the Hamilton Princess. It is a very pleasant ride and you will see parts of Bermuda you wouldn't otherwise.
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13F

I can confirm no queue jumping permitted at BDA, but the line moves at a reasonable pace so don't sweat it. I am a NEXUS card holder also enrolled in Global Entry. I was in BDA in mid-June. The DHS officer who processed me had never seen a NEXUS card before. Instead of my passport, he ran my NEXUS card through the reader. It worked fine.

If your schedule permits, and as long as it's not raining, I suggest taking the Fairmont's free water taxi (ferry) from the Southhampton to the Hamilton Princess. It is a very pleasant ride and you will see parts of Bermuda you wouldn't otherwise.
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13F

Great. Thanks for the tips. I have the new GE card that they started issuing recently. I didn't realize WHTI compliant documents could be used for travel by air between BDA and the U.S. That's pretty cool. And jeez, what a tough life to be a CBP officer in Bermuda. Work an afternoon bank of less than a dozen flights and then go home.

I did some more poking around after my initial post and discovered that the beach by the Fairmont Southampton is decent for snorkeling, which is great. With your water taxi tip and snorkeling, I think I can pretty much occupy my day. Now the problem is deciding where to eat my meals. I see that Windows on the Sound (Fairmont Southampton) has a decent looking Sunday breakfast buffet, so I need to figure out where to eat lunch and dinner on Saturday. Maybe lunch at the other Fairmont property and dinner at the Coves or one of the restaurants at the Fairmont Southampton.

Now the problem is deciding where to eat my meals. I see that Windows on the Sound (Fairmont Southampton) has a decent looking Sunday breakfast buffet, so I need to figure out where to eat lunch and dinner on Saturday. Maybe lunch at the other Fairmont property and dinner at the Coves or one of the restaurants at the Fairmont Southampton.You're welcome.

The breakfast/lunch restaurant at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess has lots of windows overlooking the pool area and the harbour, but it's more convenient than special. I would walk into town along the front street. There are a few pubs with 2nd floor patios with a nicer view of the waterfront.

Another interesting place to visit is the town of St. George. This is the most historic part of Bermuda with lots of small shops and restaurants, all surrounded by water. It is very close to the airport, so you could do this upon arrival or just before leaving the island.
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13F