Bermuda Travel Guide
Bermuda lies in the Atlantic Ocean, just north of the Caribbean. Now self-governing, it is one of the last North American territories in the British Empire.
Bermuda is a popular spot with British and American tourists, with many cruise ships dropping anchor here for a day or two. Your ship will either dock at St George’s Parish, which is home to the historical St George town; Hamilton Parish, which boasts Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo; or Kings Wharf, with its pink sand beaches and golf courses.
In all, 138 islands make up the country of Bermuda, many of which lie in a hook shape and are connected by bridges. Bermuda is usually, therefore, referred to as a single island, which can be confusing for visitors.
Bermuda is home to coral reefs, sheltered coves along its southern shore and some beautifully green rolling hills. There is plenty to do here, from working your way around the island’s many museums, to sunbathing, golfing and snorkeling. There are also many forts and some nice shopping areas to be found, although Bermuda tends to be slightly more expensive than elsewhere in the region.
Why You Should Go
What’s Cool: Countless duty-free shops, beautiful pastel-colored victorian buildings and the famous Harbor Nights in the summer.
What’s Not: Jacked up prices.
Essential Info
Language: English, although often spoken with a strong accent.
Money: the Bermuda dollar, although US dollars are normally accepted.
Essential information: Temperatures are high year-round here and sit between 70 and 80°F
Trivia: despite ample rainfall, there is no fresh water on the island. Drinking water is collected from the roofs.
Getting Around
By bus: buses are frequent on the island and connect to all areas from Hamilton. They are air conditioned and a good option, as car hire is not available here.
By ferry: ferries run between Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound, as well as from the Dockyard to St George.
By taxi: taxis are available in Hamilton and at all the big hotels. They are fitted with meters and can also be flagged-down from the road. Be aware that 10 minutes’ late is not late here, however.
By motorized bicycle or moped: these can be hired and are popular with locals and tourists alike. But Americans should note that cars drive on the left here.
Shopping
You will find a nice variety of shops in Hamilton, around the Front Street area, facing the harbor. You can easily get here on foot if your boat docks at Hamilton. AS Coopers is the remaining department store here.
You can also shop on foot easily at St George’s shopping mall, and smaller boutiques are scattered across the island. There is a big mark-up on goods here, however, so don’t expect too many bargains.
Nightlife
St George’s town is a nice place to go for a drink, with many of the stylish café-bars serving up good cocktails. Try a ‘dark and stormy’ or a ‘rum sling’ cocktail, made with the local rum, and enjoy people-watching in the main square.
Bars around the harbors are also nice for a romantic setting, but wherever you go, keep your wits about you, as unfortunately, tourists being robbed is not a rare-enough occurrence here.
Where to eat
There are restaurants everywhere on the island, but many can be found in St George’s town and Hamilton. Some of the hotels have good menus too, but be prepared to pay a little over the odds.
For cheaper prices explore away from the cruise ship docking areas. Food can be almost three-times the price in these areas.
Highlights
the-bermuda-railway: can be explored, with sections stretching from St George’s town to the city of Hamilton. It was dismantled in 1948 after just 17 years of service.
bermuda-forts: are located throughout the island, with many recently restored. Some are located only by boat, however, on the outlying islands.
bermuda-maritime-museum: is in the Royal Naval Dockyard. It is home to limestone storage buildings, which now serve as a shopping center and tourist attraction.
bermuda-aquarium-museum-and-zoo: in Flatts Village, is one of the island’s main attractions due to its huge replica coral reef and vast collection of fish, mammals and reptiles.
gibbs-hill-lighthouse: Located in St Southampton Parish, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is one of the oldest cast iron buildings on the planet and was first lit in 1846.
Activities
Exploring: the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, in Bailey’s Bay are both very different and worth a look.
Golfing: is plentiful across Bermuda with many good courses to choose from. Try St George Golf Course, Tuckers Point Golf Course or Ocean View.
Snorkeling: at Snorkel Park, in Royal Naval Dockyard. Here you will find a limestone tunnel to swim through and plenty of water sports.