Bermuda is a land of pink sandy beaches, clear turquoise seas and picturesque old colonial towns. Britain's oldest colony was once known to fearful sailors as Devil's Island, its shallow waters and coral reefs claiming many shipwrecks. Today, these reefs and wrecks provide a wonderful playground for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
The archipelago of Bermuda lies 650 miles (1,046km) off the east coast of America in the Atlantic Ocean, forming one corner of the legendary Bermuda Triangle. The seven main islands are linked by causeways and bridges, and stretch just 20 miles (32km) from tip to tail.
The majority of American visitors think of Bermuda fondly as being English in character. British visitors, by contrast, seem to feel that it has a strongly American flavour. The reality is somewhere in between. Bermuda has a unique culture that draws influence from both British and American traditions. Business attire on
the island might constitute a jacket and tie with Bermuda shorts, while bikinis are banned further than 25 feet (7.6m) away from the water!
Not just a coveted holiday destination, Bermuda has become a centre of high finance thanks largely to generous tax advantages and advanced satellite communications. Major corporations have flocked to set up shop on the island, helping the country become one of the richest, per capita, in the world.
With its stunning natural beauty and close proximity to Florida, Bermuda has become a popular destination for cruise ships and yachts, with over 200,000 people visiting the islands from cruise ships every year.
Key Facts
Language:
English is the official language.
Passport/Visa:
All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket and any documents required for further travel, as well as a valid passport. We recommend that passports be valid for six months after arrival at destination. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. Visa requirements vary according to country.
Currency:
The Bermudan Dollar (BMD) is divided into 100 cents, and is tied to the US Dollar (US$1=BD$1). US currency is accepted almost everywhere and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours vary, though most are open weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and ATMs are easily available. Visitors are advised to exchange all their Bermudan Dollars before leaving, as it is impossible to exchange once outside the country.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. US flat, two-pin plugs are used. Power outages and surges are common, as a result visitors should bring surge protectors for the safety of their devices.
Travel to Bermuda
Overview
'You go to heaven if you want - I'd rather stay here in Bermuda.' gushed Mark Twain in the 19th century, and Bermuda's promise of sun, sea and paradise still lures thousands of vacationers to its shores year after year. The island is surrounded by a fantastic coral reef that harbours colourful fish and has ensnared scores of shipwrecks, making for memorable diving and snorkelling at spots like Elbow Beach in Paget Parish. Elsewhere, the crystal-clear waters of Southampton Parish provide the perfect conditions for kayaking and yachting.
The offerings on land are splendid as well. Visitors can play a round at one of nine world-class golf courses, including the Belmont Golf Club, Ocean View Golf Course, Port Royal Golf Course, St. George's Golf Club, and The Fairmont Southampton Golf Club. Booking ahead in summer is advised. Tourists can also hike peaceful trails and sunbathe on glorious, pink-sand beaches, or stroll the crooked streets
of the colonial settlement of the Town of St George, Britain's oldest surviving town in the New World, which is so well preserved it has been designated a World Heritage site.
Bermuda boasts a balmy climate that's comfortable for most of the year and friendly people who readily strike up conversations with strangers. There is plenty of distinctive local colour as well, from a landscape of tidy pastel houses to dapper businessmen dressed in Bermuda shorts.
Climate in Bermuda
Bermuda weather features a very mild climate with very little cold. Temperatures average 68°F (20°C) in winter and 86°F (30°C) in mid-summer, although they have been known to soar far higher in summer when humidity can become uncomfortable. The best time to visit Bermuda is March or April, as the temperatures are moderately warm and islands are yet to see the full rush of high season.
Some facilities are limited in the winter months but room rates are much cheaper over this period. For those primarily interested in playing tennis or golf, winter is the time to come. Short but heavy showers can occur during any time of the year so it is advisable to bring suitable clothing.
Health Notes when travelling to Bermuda
There are no specific health risks for visitors to Bermuda and medical care is of a high standard. Health insurance is recommended, as medical treatment is expensive. Food and water are considered safe for consumption.
Safety Notes when travelling to Bermuda
Bermuda is relatively crime-free but visitors should exercise the necessary precautions to safeguard personal possessions. Care should be taken after dark, avoiding quieter, poorly lit streets in particular. Hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
Customs in Bermuda
As a general rule, dress conservatively. Bathing suits are acceptable only on the beach, and it is considered an offence to appear in public without a shirt. Casual sportswear can be worn in restaurants during the day, but in the evening men should dress more formally with slacks and a shirt. Good manners are expected, and asking a question without first offering a proper greeting is considered extremely rude. Nude or semi-nude bathing is not permitted in Bermuda.
Duty Free in Bermuda
Travellers to Bermuda over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 500g tobacco; and 1 litre liquor and 1 litre wine. However, duties may have to be paid on perfume and certain gifts. Spearguns are prohibited.
Doing Business in Bermuda
Bermuda's economy is dominated by tourism and international financial services. Business etiquette is conservative, and businessmen and women should stick to formal dress or lightweight suits. For meetings, punctuality is important, people are greeted with handshakes, and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communication in Bermuda
The international access code for Bermuda is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 441. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); no outgoing code is needed to call the US. Mobile phones operate on a GSM 1900 network. Free wifi is widely available in restaurants, pubs and other tourist areas.
Tipping in Bermuda
If not included in the bill, a 15 percent tip is generally expected at restaurants and hotels. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10 percent, and all Bermuda hotels add a hotel tax of 10 percent to the bill at check-out.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors must hold a return or onward ticket and any documents required for further travel, as well as a valid passport. We recommend that passports be valid for six months after arrival at destination. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. Visa requirements vary according to country.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States passport holders must have a valid passport. No visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
Entry requirements for Australians:
A valid passport is required for Australian nationals, but a visa is not required for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to six months; period of stay will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require both a visa and a valid passport for entry to Bermuda. Passports should be valid for at least 45 days beyond intended period of stay.
Tourist Offices
Bermuda Department of Tourism, Hamilton: +1 441 292 0023 or http://www.gotobermuda.com.
Bermuda Embassies
In the United States:
Embassy of the United Kingdom, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 202 588 6500.
In Canada:
British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 613 237 1530.
In Australia:
British High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Bermuda): +61 2 6270 6666.
In Ireland:
British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Bermuda): +353 1 205 3700.
In New Zealand:
British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Bermuda): +64 4 924 2888.
In South Africa:
British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Bermuda): +27 12 421 7500.
Foreign Embassies in Bermuda
American Embassy
United States Consulate, Hamilton: +1 441 295 1342.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Consulate General, New York City, United States (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 212 596 1628.
Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Bermuda): +1 613 236 0841.
Irish Embassy
Honorary Consul for Ireland, Hamilton: +1 441 295 6574.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Bermuda (U.K.)
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Bermuda, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Bermuda. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Bermuda, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Bermuda. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Bermuda, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Bermuda. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Bermuda include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Bermuda’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Bermuda may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Bermuda, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Bermuda (U.K.) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The Bermudan Dollar (BMD) is divided into 100 cents, and is tied to the US Dollar (US$1=BD$1). US currency is accepted almost everywhere and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours vary, though most are open weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and ATMs are easily available. Visitors are advised to exchange all their Bermudan Dollars before leaving, as it is impossible to exchange once outside the country.
Exchange rate for 1 BMD - Bermudan Dollar
infEUR Euro
infUSD U.S. Dollar
infGBP U.K. Pound Sterling
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infCHF Swiss Franc
infAUD Australian Dollar
infUAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
infKZT Kazakhstani Tenge
infLBP Lebanese Pound
infLYD Libyan Dinar
infBOB Bolivian Boliviano
nanNPR Nepalese Rupee
nanOMR Omani Rial
nanQAR Qatari Rial
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infSEK Swedish Krona
nanTTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
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infDOP Dominican Peso
nanHRK Croatian Kuna
infMXN Mexican Peso
infXOF West African CFA Franc
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nanBSD Bahamian Dollar
nanFJD Fiji Dollar
nanHNL Honduran Lempira
infDZD Algerian Dinar
nanMMK Myanma Kyat
nanBWP Botswana Pula
infPEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
infCLP Chilean Peso
infAMD Armenia Dram
infCZK Czech Koruna
infMDL Moldova Lei
infISK Icelandic Krona
infUZS Uzbekistan Sum
infILS Israeli New Sheqel
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nanNIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
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infPLN Polish Zloty
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infTHB Thai Baht
infAED U.A.E Dirham
infBRL Brazilian Real
infRON Romanian New Leu
infHKD Hong Kong Dollar
infXAF Central African CFA Franc
infVND Vietnamese Dong
infARS Argentine Peso
nanXCD East Caribbean Dollar
nanGTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
infMAD Moroccan Dirham
nanBHD Bahrain Dinar
infPAB Panamanian Balboa
infAZN Azerbaijan Manat
infCOP Colombian Peso
infKGS Kyrgyzstan Som
infHUF Hungarian Forint
infTJS Tajikistan Ruble
infIDR Indonesian Rupiah
infEGP Egyptian Pound
infKRW South Korean Won
infPYG Paraguayan Guaraní
infMYR Malaysian Ringgit
infCRC Costa Rican Colón
infNZD New Zealand Dollar
infPKR Pakistani Rupee
infRUB Russian Rouble
infZAR South African Rand
infTND Tunisian Dinar
nanBBD Barbadian Dollar
infBGN Bulgarian Lev
infTRY Turkish Lira
infPHP Philippine Peso
infTWD New Taiwan Dollar
infNGN Nigerian Naira
nanXPF CFP Franc
nanGHS Ghanaian Cedi
nanJMD Jamaican Dollar
nanANG Neth. Antillean Guilder
nanBND Brunei Dollar
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infCNY Chinese Yuan
infDKK Danish Krone
infTMT New Turkmenistan Manat
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Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Bermudan Dollar
1 USD = 0.00 BMD
Exchange Rate for Euro to Bermudan Dollar
1 EUR = 0.00 BMD
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Bermudan Dollar
1 CAD = 0.00 BMD
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Bermudan Dollar
1 GBP = 0.00 BMD
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Bermudan Dollar
1 AUD = 0.00 BMD
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Bermudan Dollar
1 NZD = 0.00 BMD
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Bermudan Dollar
1 ZAR = 0.00 BMD
Bermuda International Airport (BDA) L.F. Wade International Airport http://www.bermudaairport.com
Location: Hamilton The airport is located towards the north of the islands, 10 miles (16km) east of Hamilton.
Time: GMT –4 (GMT –3 from first Sunday in April to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Getting to the city: Buses 1, 3, 10 and 11 service Hamilton and St Georges, but have no luggage storage space and cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Taxis are also available for hire at the airport.
Car rental: There are no car hire companies on the island.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities: The airport terminal has ATMs and a currency exchange on the ground floor. The newly renovated shops in the check-in concourse sell a variety of goods including magazines, books, souvenirs, jewellery, perfume and clothing. Duty-free is also available. There are coffee bars/bistros, snack bars, and cocktail bars in both the US and international departure lounges.
Parking: Short-term parking costs BMD 1 per hour, up to a maximum of two hours. Long-term parking at Bermuda International Airport is charged at BMD 5 per day.
Departure Tax: None.
Overview of the Attractions in Bermuda
'You go to heaven if you want - I'd rather stay here in Bermuda.' gushed Mark Twain in the 19th century, and Bermuda's promise of sun, sea and paradise still lures thousands of vacationers to its shores year after year. The island is surrounded by a fantastic coral reef that harbours colourful fish and has ensnared scores of shipwrecks, making for memorable diving and snorkelling at spots like Elbow Beach in Paget Parish. Elsewhere, the crystal-clear waters of Southampton Parish provide the perfect conditions for kayaking and yachting.
The offerings on land are splendid as well. Visitors can play a round at one of nine world-class golf courses, including the Belmont Golf Club, Ocean View Golf Course, Port Royal Golf Course, St. George's Golf Club, and The Fairmont Southampton Golf Club. Booking ahead in summer is advised. Tourists can also hike peaceful trails and sunbathe on glorious, pink-sand beaches, or stroll the crooked streets
of the colonial settlement of the Town of St George, Britain's oldest surviving town in the New World, which is so well preserved it has been designated a World Heritage site.
Bermuda boasts a balmy climate that's comfortable for most of the year and friendly people who readily strike up conversations with strangers. There is plenty of distinctive local colour as well, from a landscape of tidy pastel houses to dapper businessmen dressed in Bermuda shorts.
Fort Hamilton Hamilton
Fort Hamilton is a substantial Victorian fort with a panoramic view of Hamilton Harbour, built in the mid-19th century during a period of rising tensions between Britain and the USA. The ramparts are mounted with 18 ton artillery pieces capable of firing 400 pound (181kg) cannonballs through iron-hulled vessels. Nearby is Clarence Cove, a popular beach forming part of Admiralty House Park. The house itself dates from the early 19th century, built as the residence of the Royal Navy's regional commander. Another military echo along North Shore Road, Black Watch Well, was dug by troops of the famous Scottish regiment during a drought in 1849.
Address: Pembroke, Middle Road, Bermuda
Botanical Gardens Hamilton
Paget is a delightful park providing the perfect environment to experience the island's flora. It is a fragrant haven of exotic subtropical plants, flowers, and trees. Highlights of this 36-acre paradise include the palm garden with native palmetto trees, the subtropical fruit garden, a garden for the visually-impaired which features scented plants, a ficus collection, and a flowering hibiscus garden. There are greenhouses with orchids, bromeliads, a miniature forest, an aviary, and a variety of flowering houseplants. The white house on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens is Camden, the official residence of Bermuda's Premier, open for tours except when official functions are scheduled.
Address: Point Finger Road Pharmacy, 16 Point Finger Rd, DV 04, Bermuda
Telephone: +1 441 236 4201
Harrington Sound Hamilton
Harrington Sound is a large inland sea five miles (8km) northeast of Hamilton. Its calm waters provide perfect sailing territory. The Sound is linked to the ocean by the narrow Flatts Inlet where changes to the tide are magnified and waters rush beneath a bridge connecting the two sides. On the north side of the inlet, opposite Flatts Village, is the Bermuda Aquarium where visitors can enjoy more than 100 species of indigenous Bermuda fish in ocean and reef environments. Located within the same complex is the Natural History Museum and zoo that features animals from the Caribbean, Australia, Asia, Madagascar and the Galapagos.
Website: http://www.bamz.org
Crystal Caves Hamilton
The stretch of land between Harrington Sound and Castle Harbour is riddled with caves. Located 80 feet (24m) underground, Crystal Caves never ceases to amaze with its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. There is a wonderful walk over the pontoon bridge to Cahow Lake, with crystal-clear water that reaches a depth of 55 feet (17m). Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Palm Garden. A little further on are the Leamington Caves with their incredible crystal formations and underground pools that can be explored along well-marked paths. More caves are located on the grounds of the 300-year-old Walsingham House, now a well-known restaurant.
King's Square Saint George
Many attractions are located around King's Square where a beautiful 18th century town hall overlooks the old pillory and stocks. The hall is no longer in use but does provide great photo opportunities. Located close by is the dunking stool where gossips and petty offenders were forced to endure the humiliation of being dunked in the harbour. A few minutes walk from here is the Old State House, Bermuda's first all-stone structure and oldest building, dating to 1620. Originally known as Sessions House, it was the first permanent home of the colonial assembly, which until then, had held their debates in St Peter's Church.
Address: Downtown, St George.
Somers's Garden Saint George
Located North of King's Square is Somers Garden, named after the colony's founder whose ship, Sea Venture, was wrecked off the island in 1609. Finding it a fairly nice place to be washed ashore, Sir George Somers built a replacement vessel from the local cedar, left some sailors behind to establish British claim to the islands and then headed home. He returned within the year but died shortly after arrival, leaving his heart, quite literally, on the island (his vital organs and entrails are in a small tomb in the Garden). The rest of his body, however, was sent back to England, as was customary at the time.
Address: Government Hill Road.
St Peter's Church Saint George
St Peter's Church is one of Bermuda's most cherished landmarks, and the oldest Anglican Church outside Britain. The original wooden structure was built in 1612 and its roof is thatched with palmetto. Among St Peter's many treasures are a mahogany altar, the St George's chalice that was presented in 1625, a Bible from 1594, Charles I silver, open cedar timber beams, beautiful chandeliers, and marble memorials to some of the Island's earliest governors. St Peter's served as the only public meeting place in Bermuda until the State House was built. The churchyard is also well worth walking around in, with tombstones telling stories of epidemics, shipwrecks and war.
Website: http://www.anglican.bm
Somers's Wharf Saint George
Somers Wharf is steeped in the varied and vibrant history of St. George's. The Wharf has commanded a bird's-eye view of the Old Town's fascinating maritime past, situated on the picturesque edge of St George's Harbour. Today, Somers's Wharf is a tastefully redeveloped area on the waterfront with a selection of shops and restaurants. The Carriage Museum has a collection of well-maintained carriages ranging from a dog-cart to a four-horse brake that ruled the roads until as recently as 1946 when cars were legalized. Situated nearby is Tobacco Bay, a good spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Address: Pennos Drive, St George's Town.
Website: http://www.somerswharf.com
Fort St Catherine Saint George
On the northern tip of St George's Island is Fort St Catherine, overlooking the beach where Sir George Somers and his shipwrecked crew came ashore in 1609. Bermuda's first governor, Richard Moore, who was a carpenter by trade, built a wooden fort on this site several years later. Today it is a massive fortification complete with a moat, drawbridge, ramparts and a maze of tunnels. Fort St Catherine is now used as a museum containing period weapons, colourful dioramas, a wax figure of Queen Elizabeth II, and replicas of Britain's crown jewels. An audiovisual presentation focuses on the many forts located around Bermuda.
Address: Retreat Hill Road
Somerset Island
The world's smallest drawbridge links Somerset Island to Bermuda's main island. The section that flips up is only two feet (60cm) across, just wide enough to allow a sailboat mast through. At the centre of the island set in nine hectares (22 acres) of parkland is Fort Scaur. It was built during the American War of Independence to protect the Naval Dockyard and is now a great picnic spot with good views of the island. Somerset Long Bay, with its 600 feet (183m) of brilliant-white sand is the largest and best of the island's west side beaches.
Bermuda's beaches
Whether sunbathing, swimming, or entertaining the kids, there is a beach in Bermuda for all-comers. The sweeping half-moon of Horseshoe Bay is recognised as one of the world's finest beaches. Wawrick Long Bay, on the east fringe of South Shore Park coastal reserve, is a wonderful stretch of pink and white coral sands, great for snorkeling. West Whale Bay welcomes Humpback Whales in April and rewards visitors with spectacular sunsets. There are summer bonfire and music nights on Tobacco Bay Beach, also a haven for marine life. Church Bay and Clarence Cove both offer safe swimming and snorkeling year round, while those seeking a bit of peace and quiet can head to the tiny but stunning Jobson's Cove.
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
Bermuda's largest and most accessible nature reserve offers excellent trails and the island's finest bird watching. The reserve attracts scores of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, with the greatest variety to be found during spring and autumn. Of the two dozen shorebird species that feed at the edge of the brackish Spittal Pond, the Lesser Yellowlegs are the most abundant. Egrets and Herons are frequent visitors as well. Visitors can also walk along a scenic mile-long nature trail that runs through the reserve along the shoreline and through woods and farmland.
King's Wharf
A former Royal Naval Dockyard turned holiday resort, King's Wharf is a favourite port of call for cruise liners visiting Bermuda. The old Georgian maritime fort has been re-invented into a playground for the thousands of cruise passengers who come ashore. The old buildings of the dockyard, constructed by convicts from prison ships and once known as the 'Gibraltar of the West', have been cleverly adapted to suit the new resort role, now housing cinemas, craft markets and malls. Local tour operators also offer a vast range of activities to amuse and amaze the thousands of holiday visitors that flock into the Dockyard every week.
Address: North Arm, Royal Naval Dockyard.
Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo was founded in 1926 and is one of the world's oldest aquariums. Found in the picturesque Flatts Village, the aquarium is home to over 200 species of fish, making it a fantastic place to spend the day with the kids exploring marine life and coral exhibits. The zoo is also home to more than 300 birds, reptiles and mammals from the oceanic islands. The Natural History Museum is also located here, giving kids more than enough variety to keep them entertained.
Website: http://www.bamz.org
Bermuda Maritime Museum
Displaying over 500 years of history, the National Museum of Bermuda is a wonderful place to take the family for a day out in Bermuda. Visitors learn about Bermuda's discovery and early settlement through a collection of 16th and 17th century shipwreck artefacts recovered from local waters, while kids will love the cannons and displays. The museum is located in Sandys Parish at the Keep, inside the large fort at the far end of the dockyard. Ferries run regularly between Hamilton and the dockyard, and between the dockyard and St George's.
Website: http://www.bmm.bm
Bermuda Railway Trail Hamilton
Bermuda used to have a public railway that served the island's eastern and western cities between 1931 and 1948. In 1984, the government opened the Bermuda Railway Trail as a walking trail and bridle path. A great way to spend a few hours with the kids, the trail can also be cycled, traversed on horseback or even rollerbladed in certain areas. This 21-mile (35km) trail is a great way to see the island's flora and fauna, made even better with some breathtaking views and plenty of chances for bird watching. Organised walking tours are also available.
Bermuda Snorkel Park
Located at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the Bermuda Snorkel Park is a wonderful place for kids to explore the marine life that surrounds this island. There is even a beach bar and restaurant where parents relax with cocktails while children enjoy all the water sports on offer, such as pedalos, kayaks and a giant water slide. The picturesque beach provides easy access for exploring the amazing sea life, and is the perfect environment for kids and adults alike to learn how to snorkel. Calm, clear waters provide a safe environment for snorkelers of all levels.
Website: http://www.snorkelparkbeach.com
Hartley's Undersea Walk
Admission: $95
Bermuda's best-loved tourist attraction, the Hartley Diving Helmet, allows anyone - even those who can't swim - a chance to spend some time on the sea floor, with ten feet of turquoise water above them, and a perfect view of tropical parrotfish and beautiful white angelfish browsing among the coral. The Helmet, is suitable for adventurers of all ages, sizes and abilities and the charismatic Greg Hartley does everything in his power to ensure the experience is unforgettable. Although there are many imitators offering undersea walks in Bermuda, Hartley's is the original and remains the favourite among travellers to the region.
Telephone: +1 441 234 3535
Website: http://www.hartleybermuda.com
Public Holidays in Bermuda
Port of Call - Hamilton
Hamilton Photo credit: Jon Dawson
Hamilton, port city and gorgeous capital of Bermuda, is a small and picturesque pastel-coloured town retaining the strong character of its English colonial roots. Hamilton is a small town, which burgeons with regular influxes of visitors, and is home to clear waters and a sophisticated approach to island living.
There are many things to see and do in Hamilton and it is relatively easier to venture out into the rest of Bermuda from this central point. Visitors will find themselves sampling the local cuisine and cocktails, visiting craft markets or enjoying the spectacular natural beauty of the islands. For those interested in learning, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is sure to captivate, although it competes with historic Fort Hamilton and the natural beauty of Shelly Bay and Elbow beaches, as well as many golf courses.
Post-Panamax ships (more than maximum dimensions for the Panama Canal) cannot enter Hamilton
Harbour making it less visited than it once was and often a ferry excursion from the King's Wharf which was built to accommodate larger vessels. Yet cruise liners less than 700 feet can enjoy Hamilton Harbour's central location at the heart of town.
Shopping in Hamilton
The best place for shopping is directly off the cruise ship at Front Street. Hamilton has duty free shopping although high prices may negate the tax free benefits. A trip over to King's Wharf offer some additional shopping opportunities.
Dining in Hamilton
Blue Bar and Grill serves a range of fine, international, bistro-level fare.
Baracuda Grill offers classic surf and turf options in Hamilton's centre.
Hog Penny is a local hangout with pub food and a delcious, south Asian menu.
The FBI is accusing two tourists of swiping nearly $13,000 worth of sculptures in the early morning hours of a recent Carnival cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda
Have a penchant for pink sand beaches and Goslings Rum? A new airline can deliver you to the island of Bermuda in style. BermudAir will soon offer service from New York's Westchester County Airport (HPN), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Fort Lauderdale
During a recent cruise, my ship sailed to Bermuda, it had a pool and water park on board. But lounging on my stateroom balcony was the part that felt most like a vacation. Sitting in the sun in my own space on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Venezia, as the waves
I woke up on the last morning of a cruise last month with big plans to do nothing. The ship, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Venezia, was making its return to New York from Bermuda and I was staring down an entire day at sea. I found the ship’s remote position in the North
Whether you’re pulling up Google images of Bermuda’s pink-sand beaches for instant relaxation or vow to book a flight to the island (seriously, sinking your toes into this sugar-fine sand is dreamy!) there’s no doubt about it: these beaches are beautiful. Few other places in
Flaunting idyllic stretches of beach lapped by cerulean waters, Bermuda is somewhere people come for sun, sea and serenity. However, this tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is more seasonal than many of its Caribbean counterparts. While the summer is warm
With its signature pink sand beaches, mild climate, and subtropical waters, Bermuda is often mistaken as part of the Caribbean. But this 21-square-mile archipelago situated about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina exists in a world of its own. Bermuda offers an island experience
Norwegian Cruise Line changed nearly the entire itinerary of a cruise bound for Bermuda because of Hurricane Fiona, rerouting passengers to Canada instead, the cruise line said. "While we always intend to maintain original itineraries, at times, as with hurricanes, it is
Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, two of the world's biggest cruise lines, have canceled upcoming calls in Bermuda, citing the island's ongoing COVID-19 testing requirements
At All Points Travel in Salt Lake City, Corina Johnson made an easy sale yesterday. A member of her Theater Lovers whom she books trips three or four times a year, saw a post about an interesting offering from Norwegian Cruise Line: “The Broadway Cruise” to Bermuda, launching in March 2023
Broadway fans, this is the boat of your dreams! You can set sail with musical theater stars like Tony Award-winners Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, and Lena Hall. The maiden voyage of The Broadway Cruise will take place next spring
A couple says their 25th anniversary was ruined when they were forced to stay in their cabin during a Bermuda cruise, even though they did not test positive for COVID-19
Although often considered a southern destination, Bermuda is an island located in the North Atlantic, famous for its pink beaches and crystal clear water. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, it has a subtropical climate, and enjoys beautiful weather, with an average temperature in the 70-80s during cruise season
Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean and Bermuda in the Atlantic were added on Monday to the "very high" risk category of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's regularly updated list of travel advisories
Viking will require all passengers to be vaccinated for its summer cruises, making it the latest cruise line to make the jab mandatory on board. The cruise line will open up summer sailings to Bermuda and Iceland in June
Fans of unusual air routes will love the latest route announcement from Azores Airlines. It is launching a new route in summer 2021, from the Azores to Bermuda. Operated by the A321neo, this is a 3,580 kilometers route within the Atlantic Ocean
As professionals teed off at Port Royal Golf Club, the air rippled with a strange sound not heard at such events since the spring—a polite golf clap from a smattering of fans. The 2020 Bermuda Classic, which concluded last week, was the first PGA event since the onset of Covid-19 to allow a gallery because the virus is almost entirely contained amid the country’s 65,000 people.
You can splurge on plane tickets to Bermuda or Cancun, but the reality is that you can find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches right here in the U.S. Thanks to Florida’s 8,436 miles of coastline, beaches with soft sand and crystal clear water are just a short flight (or even drive) away. But with all that shoreline, finding the state’s best beaches requires some research. We’ve curated some of our favorite
Humberto strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday evening as it makes its way east across the Atlantic Ocean, according to CNN. It is not predicted to make landfall in the U.S. However, the National Hurricane Center predicted that the storm could create dangerous rip-currents from central-east Florida up the coast through North Carolina this week. The storm will also likely affect Bermuda
Hurricane Humberto — now a Category 2 hurricane as of Tuesday morning — is predicted to slam Bermuda with heavy rain and winds in the middle of the week, according to the National Weather Service. A tropical storm warning is in effect. As is typical with major weather events, like recent Hurricane Dorian, airlines and at least one cruise line are
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Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will operate its largest Bermuda season ever in 2019-2020, with more than 40 voyages, including eight week-long...
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Sometimes, a shift in perspective makes all the difference. I am 100 feet deep in a Bahamian sea, finning along a reef wall that plunges like a waterfall of color into the blue depths below. Jacks, parrotfish and dugongs glide through a jungle of corals and sponges — green, yellow, purple, red — that sprout from the reef. A school of Bermuda chub
Calling all fans of Turner Classic Movies. The channel for vintage movies will marks its 25th anniversary by bringing back the TCM Classic Cruise. The event will unfold for five nights on the Disney Magic next year. TCM billed it as “the majestic Disney Magic.” The cruise starts in New York and goes to Bermuda. Pre-sale registration starts Monday
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The company was forced to stop allowing same-sex unions because at least nine of its ships are registered in Bermuda. The British Overseas Territory legalized gay weddings in May last year, but the law was repealed last month following a change of government.
The new offering follows a landmark ruling earlier this year that legalised same sex marriages in Bermuda, where seven of P and O’s eight ships, and all three of Cunard's ships are registered
Cruise giant Carnival plans a cruise to Bermuda from Jacksonville, Fla. — a first for the line. The Miami-based cruise operator says the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation will operate a seven-night sailing to Bermuda from Jacksonville that kicks off on April 7
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I have tried in vain to get a refund from American Airlines. On a recent flight back to Bermuda, my 7-year-old daughter and I experienced hours of delays caused by weather. Finally, our flight was canceled, and chaos ensued
Uber partnered with Bermuda Tourism Authority and is sending New York riders on a free trip to Bermuda, but there's a catch. Winners have to have their passport handy and be able to travel tomorrow
Industry giant Carnival plans more cruises to Bermuda for 2016. The Fun Ship line says it'll offer nine sailings to the island destination from April through November
The Norwegian Cruise Line ship that ran aground in Bermuda on Tuesday has been cleared to resume sailing after being floated free with the help of tugboats
A US man’s attempt to run to Bermuda inside a homemade floating “Hydro Pod” – described as a giant “hamster wheel” – ended in failure last week. The peace activist, whose previous adventures included a seven-year bike trip through 55 countries, had to be rescued by the US Coast Guard on Saturday due to fatigue
